Sony Ericsson S500 Complete Specs and Insights

Introduction to Sony Ericsson S500

The Sony Ericsson S500 is a classic feature phone that was announced in May 2007. Known for its sleek design and innovative features for its time, this phone captured the interest of tech enthusiasts and general consumers alike. Although it has been discontinued, the S500 remains a nostalgic piece of technology representing a shift in mobile phone design and functionality.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson S500 features a compact design with dimensions of 99 x 47 x 14 mm and weighs just 94 grams. Its minimalist appearance is complemented by its range of vibrant colors, including Mysterious Green, Spring Yellow, Contrasted Copper, Ice Purple, and Silver Steel. The build is robust enough for daily use and fits comfortably in the hand thanks to its slim profile, making it both stylish and practical.

Display

The phone boasts a 2.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The screen is capable of displaying 256K colors, which, by the standards of its time, offered rich color reproduction and decent clarity for viewing text messages, images, and browser content, despite the modest size.

Camera Features

The S500 is equipped with a 2 MP rear camera capable of capturing photos and videos. While this may seem basic now, it allowed users to capture everyday moments in a simple, straightforward manner. The absence of a front-facing camera aligns with its feature phone status, as selfies and video calls were not considered essential functions during its time.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery, providing up to 370 hours of standby time and up to 9 hours of talk time. This impressive battery life was one of the highlights of the S500, offering users several days of usage without the need for frequent recharging, which aligns perfectly with the needs of users who prioritize battery endurance.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the S500 is limited to 12MB; however, it supports Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards up to 2 GB for additional storage. This expansion capability allowed users to store more photos, music, and other multimedia files, which was particularly appealing to its target audience.

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson S500 supports GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands, making it suitable for use across various regions. Connectivity options include GPRS and EDGE for internet browsing, although they offer modest browsing speeds by today's standards. The phone also features Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming but lacks Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone operating system, the S500 includes practical applications such as SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. Its WAP 2.0/HTML browser allowed basic internet access, though limited by contemporary standards. Additionally, the phone features Java support (MIDP 2.0), enabling users to download and enjoy various Java-based games and applications.

Multimedia

Despite the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack, the S500 features a loudspeaker and supports various alert types, such as vibration and downloadable ringtones in polyphonic, MP3, and AAC formats. This aligns with the multimedia consumption abilities expected from devices of its era, allowing users to personalize their audio experience.

Market Impact and Legacy

Upon its release, the Sony Ericsson S500 was well-received for its beautiful design, adequate feature set, and competitive pricing. Retailing at approximately 90 EUR, it offered a good balance of elegance and functionality without breaking the bank. Although surpassed by smartphones, the S500 holds a place in mobile history as an example of how feature phones could combine style and substance efficiently.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson S500 serves as a window into the past, showcasing the evolution of mobile technology. While modern-day smartphones far exceed its capabilities, the S500 remains a fascinating study in design innovation and user-friendliness, reflective of an era where mobile phones were rapidly transforming from mere communication devices to personal lifestyle tools.