Sharp 550SH Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Sharp 550SH utilizes GSM and UMTS network technology, providing users with 2G and 3G connectivity. The supported bands for 2G include GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, while for 3G, it operates on the UMTS 2100 band. This enabled users to have a decent internet browsing experience at the time of its release, with speeds reaching up to 384 kbps.

Design and Build

Announced in February 2006, the Sharp 550SH boasted a compact design with dimensions measuring 111 x 47 x 18.5 mm and a weight of 98 grams. This made it a lightweight and pocket-friendly device. It featured a Mini-SIM slot, typical for mobile phones released during that era. The sleek yet robust build was aimed at providing a comfortable grip while maintaining durability.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, ensuring vivid visual output for basic phone operations. The screen had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 200 ppi. Although the screen-to-body ratio was only about 23.7%, the display was sufficient for the communication needs of the time.

Memory and Storage

The Sharp 550SH comes with an internal storage capacity of 20MB, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSD card slot. The phonebook capacity supports up to 500 entries, and it can hold records of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. The expandable storage option was a useful feature for users needing more space for their multimedia and applications.

Camera

The device is equipped with a 1.3 MP rear camera capable of capturing essential photos and recording QCIF video. While it doesn't provide the high-quality imaging expected by modern standards, it was adequate for capturing quick snapshots and casual photography in its time. Unfortunately, the phone lacks a front-facing camera.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone does not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, but it includes alert types such as vibration, downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. For connectivity, the phone supports Bluetooth 1.1, though it lacks WLAN and radio functionality. It also features a proprietary USB connection for data transfer.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1440mAh, the Sharp 550SH is claimed to provide up to 370 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. This battery life allowed users to rely on the phone throughout the day without frequent charging.

Features and Applications

Despite being a feature phone, the Sharp 550SH supports a range of applications. Users could communicate via SMS, MMS, and Email, while a WAP browser facilitated internet access. The phone supports games, with some pre-installed and others available for download. Java support with MIDP 2.0 allowed the installation and running of Java-based applications, enhancing the device's functionality beyond basic communication.

Market Position and Legacy

The Sharp 550SH, launched in 2006, quickly became a notable model for users seeking a blend of functionality and simplicity in a mobile phone. While it might seem limited by today's smartphone standards, it fulfilled the communication and basic multimedia needs of its users at the time. Its discontinuation marked the end of an era for this model, but it remains a memorable piece of technology for those who experienced its use during its time in the market.