For those who remember the early 2000s, the flip phone was the ultimate icon of coolness and convenience. Among all the popular feature phones of that era, the Samsung M100 certainly stood out with its sleek design and impressive features. Let's take a closer look at this device that captured the hearts of many.
A Brief History
Released in 2000, the Samsung M100 quickly gained popularity among mobile phone users. It was manufactured by the well-known brand Samsung and was one of their earliest feature phones. While smartphones didn't exist back then, the M100 offered users a wide array of features that made it stand out from other phones in the market.
The Basics
Measuring at just 19.3mm in thickness and weighing only 97g, the Samsung M100 was a compact and lightweight device. It had a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 128 x 64 pixels spread across four lines, giving users ample space to read messages and navigate through menus. The display also featured fixed icons and dynamic font size for added convenience.
Storage and Memory
The M100 may seem a bit outdated in today's world, but back then, it was ahead of its time with its 32MB internal storage. However, this feature phone did not have an external card slot, so users had to manage their storage wisely. The phone could store up to 100 contacts and had a call record log of 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. It also had 5 message templates and the ability to store up to 20 voice dial numbers.
Connectivity and Communication
Being a feature phone, the Samsung M100 didn't offer much in terms of connectivity. It did not have options for WLAN, Bluetooth, or any other modern-day wireless technologies. The phone's only form of communication was through SMS, which was revolutionary back then. It also had an infrared port for transferring data.
Fun and Entertainment
Despite its limited features, the M100 had a few surprises up its sleeve. It had a built-in MP3 player, making it one of the earliest phones to offer this feature. It also had a world clock, remote control, and a voice memo option. The phone's menu shortcuts and speed dial feature made it user-friendly and convenient to use. The M100 even came with a headset included, allowing users to enjoy their music or make calls hands-free.
Battery Life
As mentioned earlier, the M100 had limited features compared to today's smartphones, and this worked in its favor. The removable Li-Ion battery could last up to 40 hours on standby and 2 hours of talk time, making it a reliable device for everyday use.
The End of an Era
Despite its popularity, the Samsung M100 was eventually discontinued, as newer and more advanced phones entered the market. However, for many, the M100 will always hold a special place in their hearts as a classic feature phone that offered a glimpse into the future.
In conclusion, the Samsung M100 was a pioneering feature phone that successfully combined style and functionality. Its compact size, impressive features, and user-friendly interface made it a favorite among mobile phone users. Although it may seem outdated now, the M100 remains a beloved device that marked the beginning of modern mobile technology.
Samsung M100 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2000
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
106 x 44 x 19.3 mm (4.17 x 1.73 x 0.76 in)
Weight
97 g (3.42 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
128 x 64 pixels, 4 lines, 18:9 ratio
Other
Fixed icons
Dynamic font size
Softkey
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
100
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Internal
32MB
Other
5 message templates
20 voice dial numbers
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Monophonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
Yes
Languages
20
Java
No
Other
MP3 player
Organizer
Voice dial
Voice memo
Speed dial
Menu shortcuts
World clock
Remote control
Headset included