Overview of Sewon SGD-1000

The Sewon SGD-1000 is a mobile device that reflects the simplicity and robust design philosophy of early feature phones. Launched in the first quarter of 2004 and now discontinued, this phone aimed to deliver essential communication capabilities without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Network Capabilities

The Sewon SGD-1000 operates on GSM technology with support for GSM 900 and 1800 bands. This means it could work well in areas where these frequencies are available, providing basic mobile connectivity. However, it lacks support for GPRS and EDGE, which means it doesn't offer mobile data capabilities that are standard in more modern phones.

Design and Build

The dimensions of the Sewon SGD-1000 are compact, measuring 82 x 42 x 21 mm and a weight of 90 grams. This makes it a lightweight device suitable for users who prefer a phone that fits easily into a pocket. The phone supports a Mini-SIM, consistent with designs prevalent in the early 2000s.

Display

Featuring a STN display capable of showing 65K colors, the Sewon SGD-1000 offers a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Although basic by today's standards, this screen was adequate for displaying contact details, text messages, and simple graphics in games or wallpapers.

Memory and Storage

The device does not include a card slot, which reflects the era's standard for feature phones where expandable storage was rare. Users could store up to 200 contacts in the phonebook, an acceptable capacity for personal use. The call records function keeps track of the last 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, providing a basic call management feature.

Camera

Incorporating a VGA main camera with a resolution of 0.3MP, this camera allows users to capture basic photos. The phone does not support video recording, which limits media functionality but aligns with its role as a simple communication device.

Audio and Alerts

The Sewon SGD-1000 does not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, which means external audio capabilities are limited. Users are alerted through vibration and polyphonic ringtones, which were common ways to customize notification sounds at the time.

Connectivity and Communication

The SGD-1000 lacks modern connectivity features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, reflecting its basic design. This absence limits the device's ability to connect with other devices wirelessly or to integrate with computers for data syncing.

Additional Features

As a feature phone, the Sewon SGD-1000 provides basic SMS messaging capabilities. It does not include a web browser, advanced games, or application support like Java. The phone is multilingual, featuring English and Chinese language support, broadening its accessibility to different user populations.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. This type of battery was standard during the time, providing sufficient power given the limited functionality and low-power components of early feature phones.

Conclusion

The Sewon SGD-1000 represents a distinct era in mobile phone technology, when simplicity and basic functionality were key. It served as an efficient communication tool for calls and text messages, catering to users who require a phone for minimal operations without the frills of today's smartphones.