The Sewon SRD-200 is a feature phone that was announced in the second quarter of 2004. Though it is discontinued now, this device was once a notable option for users looking for basic functionalities without the complexities and distractions of modern smartphones. This article delves into the various aspects of the Sewon SRD-200, highlighting its specifications, performance, and the historical context of its release.

Design and Build

The Sewon SRD-200 features a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions measuring 87.5 x 47.5 x 21.7 mm and a weight of just 95 grams. The device fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is easy to carry, reflecting the mobile design trends of the early 2000s. The phone supports a Mini-SIM and features a minimalist design with a small display and physical keypad.

Display

The display on the Sewon SRD-200 is a modest STN screen that can show up to 65K colors. It has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, adhering to a 1:1 aspect ratio. While this may seem rudimentary by today's standards, the display was sufficiently functional for basic tasks such as viewing messages and making phone calls at the time of the device’s release.

Camera

The Sewon SRD-200 is equipped with a single VGA camera with 0.3 megapixels. While it lacks advanced features such as video recording and a selfie camera, it was adequate for capturing simple photos. This reflects the expectations and technological limitations of mobile cameras during the early 2000s.

Audio and Alerts

The device does not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, signifying its basic feature phone nature. For alerts, it utilizes vibrations and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, providing a simple yet effective way to inform the user of incoming calls and messages.

Battery Life

The Sewon SRD-200 features a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. This type of battery can be easily replaced and was typical for mobile phones at the time, providing a practical option for users to extend the device's life without requiring technical assistance. The battery's capacity is adequate for the phone's limited functionalities.

Connectivity and Network

The device operates on GSM 900/1800 bands and offers basic GPRS connectivity without EDGE. Although lacking modern connectivity options like WLAN, Bluetooth, or GPS, the SRD-200 fulfills basic communication needs, which were its primary function. The absence of advanced cellular data technologies reflects the device's orientation towards traditional telephony.

Memory and Storage

With no card slot available, the Sewon SRD-200 does not support expandable storage. However, it includes a phonebook capable of holding up to 500 contacts and maintains call logs for the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, offering sufficient memory for frequent users of basic telephony functions. The absence of multimedia storage options highlights its role as a basic phone for communication rather than entertainment.

Software and Features

The device runs on a simple feature phone operating system that supports SMS and EMS messaging, alongside a basic WAP 1.2.1 browser. Entertainment options include pre-installed games, crucial for casual pastimes. The phone supports multilingual languages, including English and Chinese, which expanded its accessibility in various markets.

Miscellaneous Features

Despite its simplicity, the Sewon SRD-200 was built with essential features expected from a basic mobile phone of its era. Without sensors or position-based services, the device caters primarily to users whose focus was on basic telephony and text messaging. Its discontinued status symbolizes a past era in mobile communication, where devices were primarily judged on their ability to offer stable and reliable phone calls and texts.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sewon SRD-200 is a quintessential example of early 2000s feature phones, designed with a focus on basic functionality and reliability. It represents a period in mobile technology focused on voice communication and small-scale digital interaction. Although the device is discontinued, its legacy remains in how it catered to the essential needs of users without the complexities of modern smartphones.