The A500, a feature phone released by Samsung in 2002, was a popular device in its time. This compact and lightweight phone, weighing only 75g with a thickness of 17mm, was a convenient and reliable choice for communication on the go.
Design and Dimensions
The A500's design featured a simple yet functional layout with four-way navigation keys and softkeys for easy operation. Its compact body measuring 80 x 39 x 17 mm made it perfect for slipping into pockets or bags without taking up much space. The phone also had a dynamic font size feature, making it easier for users to read messages and navigate through the menus.
Display and Camera
The A500 boasted a grayscale graphic display with four shades, allowing users to view basic text and images. With a display resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, it provided clear and legible visuals. However, this device did not have a camera, which may have been a drawback for some users.
Storage and Memory
Unfortunately, the A500 did not come with a card slot for expanding storage. It did, however, have a limited internal memory for storing phonebook entries, call records, messages, and game scores. The phonebook could store up to 100 entries with the option to group them into five contact groups. Moreover, the phone kept a log of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. There were also message templates available for quick and easy messaging.
Connectivity and Features
The A500 was a basic phone that operated on the GSM network with 2G bands of 900/1800. It lacked other connectivity features like GPRS, EDGE, WLAN, and Bluetooth. This device also did not have a radio or positioning capabilities. However, it did offer SMS messaging and WAP 1.2 browsing, making it a suitable choice for users who needed basic communication functions. Other features included a clock, alarm, and a selection of pre-installed games.
Battery and Misc
The A500 was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery that provided up to 80 hours of standby time and 2 hours of talk time. Though the colors of this device were not specified, it had a sleek and elegant design that would have appealed to many.
In conclusion, the A500 may have been a simple feature phone, but it was a reliable device for everyday communication needs. Its compact size, functional design, and basic features made it a popular choice among users in 2002. While it may no longer be in use, it will always hold a special place in the history of mobile phones.
Samsung A500 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2002
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
80 x 39 x 17 mm (3.15 x 1.54 x 0.67 in)
Weight
75 g (2.65 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Grayscale graphic, 4 shades
Size
Resolution
128 x 128 pixels
Other
Four way navigation keys
Dynamic font size
Softkeys
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
100 entries, 5 contact groups
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Other
Message templates
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Monophonic ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
WAP 1.2
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
Yes
Java
No
Other
Predictive text input
Organizer
Speed dial
Menu shortcuts