Introduction to Sewon SGD-101

The Sewon SGD-101 is a feature phone that was launched in the first quarter of 2004. Though it has long been discontinued, it serves as an interesting study in early mobile phone technology. This device is quite basic compared to modern smartphones, lacking many of the features that are now standard in today's mobile devices. Still, during its time, the SGD-101 served its purpose for users looking for simple mobile communication.

Design and Build

The design of the Sewon SGD-101 reflects the era it was released in. It has compact dimensions of 72 x 40 x 23 mm, making it easy to hold and carry. Weighing only 80 grams, it's light and unobtrusive. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card, which was the standard at the time for GSM devices. Despite the simplicity, its size and weight make it a convenient device for regular use.

Display Features

The display technology of the Sewon SGD-101 is CSTN with a basic color output of 256 colors. It features a low-resolution screen with 128 x 128 pixels, which is typical for feature phones from that time. Although the graphics capabilities are minimal when compared to today’s standards, they were sufficient for viewing basic text and icons.

Network Capabilities

The Sewon SGD-101 operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands, specifically GSM 900 and 1800. This enables the device to function on basic mobile networks, focusing on voice and simple text messaging services. Advanced data services such as GPRS and EDGE are not supported, which aligns with the feature phone classification of the device.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with elementary storage capabilities, offering a phonebook capacity for 100 entries. It also tracks call records for up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, providing users with essential call history functions. There is no card slot for additional memory, which limits the storage capabilities considerably compared to modern phones.

Battery Specifications

The Sewon SGD-101 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 550 mAh battery. In terms of battery performance, users can expect up to 110 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The battery life reflects the low power requirements of the device due to its lack of advanced features and connectivity options.

Messaging and Communication

The SGD-101 primarily supports SMS messaging, the standard form of text communication at that time. The device does not support internet browsing or email functions, focusing solely on voice calls and basic text messages. This simplicity is typical of feature phones from this era, which aimed to provide reliable basic communication tools.

Audio and Sound

Audio features of the Sewon SGD-101 include polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts. The absence of a loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack limits audio output and options for private listening. This setup is indicative of the minimalistic design intended for basic personal communication rather than multimedia use.

Additional Features

Feature-wise, the Sewon SGD-101 is rather spartan. It lacks built-in sensors, advanced communication features like Bluetooth or WLAN, and multimedia capabilities such as a camera or games. The language options include English and Chinese, catering to select markets. It supports only the most essential functions typical of a feature phone.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Sewon SGD-101 exemplifies the mobile technology of the early 2000s. It’s a glimpse into a time when mobile phones were primarily for verbal communication and text messaging. Though very limited by today's standards with no support for internet browsing or multimedia capabilities, it fulfilled the basic needs of users at the time. The Sewon SGD-101 is a representation of the straightforward design and functionality that defined the early feature phones.