Pantech PG-3600V: A Classic Feature Phone Released in 2006
In the world of smartphones and advanced technology, feature phones may seem outdated and no longer relevant. However, there was a time when these simple devices were must-haves for communication and entertainment. One such device that rose to popularity in 2006 was the Pantech PG-3600V.
The Basics: Release Date and Operating System
The PG-3600V was released in February 2006 by the South Korean company Pantech. It was a feature phone, which means it focused on call and text capabilities rather than advanced smartphone features. The device ran on a feature phone operating system, which was basic and limited compared to today's smartphones.
Design and Specifications
The Pantech PG-3600V had a sleek and compact design, with dimensions of 102.3 x 46.6 x 17.9 mm and a weight of 94.2 grams. It was available in two color options - black and pink. The device had a classic flip phone design, with a small external screen and a larger internal display. The external screen showed the time, date, and notifications, while the internal screen was used for all other functions.
The internal display was a TFT screen with 256K colors, providing decent resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. It may not be impressive compared to today's smartphone displays, but it was considered high-quality for its time. The device also had a touch wheel sensor, which allowed users to navigate through menus and options easily.
Network and Connectivity
The Pantech PG-3600V was a GSM device that supported 2G bands, including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. It also had GPRS technology with Class 10 speeds, which allowed for basic internet browsing and messaging capabilities. However, the device did not have EDGE technology, which was a faster data transfer option available on some feature phones at the time.
In terms of connectivity, the PG-3600V had Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, allowing users to connect to other devices and transfer files. However, it did not have Wi-Fi or GPS capabilities.
Camera, Memory, and Battery
The Pantech PG-3600V had a 1.3 MP main camera, which was considered high-quality for a feature phone in that era. It also had a dedicated microSD slot for storage expansion, with a maximum capacity of up to 32MB. This may seem low by today's standards, but it was enough for storing basic apps and media files.
The device had a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, providing up to 180 hours of standby time and up to 4 and a half hours of talk time. Again, this may seem short compared to the battery life of modern smartphones, but it was standard for feature phones at the time.
Additional Features
Aside from communication capabilities, the Pantech PG-3600V also offered various entertaining and productivity features. It had an MP3 player, allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes on the go. It also had an organizer, voice memo, photo and video editor, and even a "fatness checker," which was a novelty feature that measured body fat percentage based on user weight and height.
Discontinuation and Legacy
The PG-3600V was discontinued by Pantech after its release in 2006. However, it remains a classic feature phone that holds nostalgia for many users who owned it or remember its popularity back in the day. It was also one of the first feature phones to offer advanced features like a touch wheel and a 1.3 MP camera.
In Conclusion
The Pantech PG-3600V may no longer be in use or available in the market, but it still holds a special place in the history of feature phones. It was a popular device released in 2006, offering simple yet innovative features that were ahead of its time. It serves as a reminder that even in this era of advanced technology, the pioneers of mobile devices should not be forgotten.
Pantech PG-3600V Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, February
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
102.3 x 46.6 x 17.9 mm (4.03 x 1.83 x 0.70 in)
Weight
94.2 g (3.32 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels
Other
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
Yes
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal
32MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
Alert types
Vibration; Polyphonic(64), MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
2.0, A2DP
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
MP3 player
Touch wheel sensor
Organizer
Voice memo
Photo Editor
Video Editor
Fatness Checker