In the year 2000, the world was a different place. Smartphones were not yet a norm and flip phones were all the rage. In the world of feature phones, the TG 200 by Kyocera stood out for its compact size and budget-friendly price tag. Let's take a trip down memory lane and learn more about this revolutionary device.
Release Date and Dimensions
The TG 200 was released in the year 2000, making it over two decades old. Despite its age, the device weighed a mere 75g and had a thickness of only 16mm. This made it one of the most compact phones in the market at the time, perfect for slipping into your pocket or purse without weighing you down.
Operating System and Storage
The TG 200 was a feature phone, which means it did not have an advanced operating system like smartphones do today. Instead, it used a monochrome graphic display and featured a simple user interface. However, this did not stop it from being a popular choice among users. One drawback, though, was that it did not have a card slot for expanding its storage. This meant that users had to manage with the internal storage, which was limited.
Network and Connectivity
When it came to connectivity, the TG 200 supported the GSM technology, making it compatible with 2G bands of GSM 900 and 1800. However, it did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, which meant internet access was not available on this device. But during the early 2000s, mobile internet was still in its infancy, so this was not a major hindrance for most users.
Camera and Sound
One of the downsides of the TG 200 was its lack of a camera. In today's world, where cameras are an essential feature in any phone, this may seem bizarre. But back in 2000, cameras on phones were still a new concept, and most feature phones did not have them. Another drawback was its monophonic ringtones, which meant the device could only produce one sound at a time.
Features and Battery
The TG 200 was a basic device with limited features. It did not have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or even a radio. However, it did have some essential features like a clock, alarm, and the ability to send text messages. It also had a removable Li-Ion battery with a standby time of 110 hours and a talk time of 3 hours. While this may seem low compared to modern smartphones, it was more than enough for the average user during that time.
Discontinuation and Legacy
The Kyocera TG 200 was discontinued shortly after its release and is now a rare find. However, its impact on the mobile phone industry cannot be denied. This compact and affordable device paved the way for more advanced feature phones and eventually led to the development of smartphones as we know them today.
As technology continues to evolve, the TG 200 remains a symbol of simpler times when all we needed our phones to do was make calls and send text messages. So while it may not be the most impressive device by today's standards, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned and used it.
