In 2002, Samsung released the N500, a feature phone that would revolutionize the mobile phone industry. With its sleek design and advanced features, it quickly became a popular choice for people looking for a reliable and stylish device.
Release Date and Operating System
The Samsung N500 was released in 2002, making it one of the earliest feature phones on the market. It was powered by a feature phone operating system, which was a simplified version of a smartphone operating system. This meant that the functions and capabilities of the phone were limited but still enough to cater to the basic needs of the user.
Dimensions and Storage
Weighing at just 95g and with a thickness of 23mm, the Samsung N500 was considered a lightweight and compact phone. It was easy to carry around and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. However, one downside of this device was that it did not have a card slot like most phones at the time. This meant that users were limited to the internal storage of the phone and could not expand it with a memory card.
Network and Technology
The Samsung N500 operated on GSM technology, which was the standard for mobile phones at the time. It was capable of connecting to GSM 900 and 1800 bands, ensuring a stable and reliable network connection. However, unlike modern phones, the N500 did not have GPRS or EDGE technology, which was used to access the internet.
Launch and Status
The Samsung N500 was announced in 2002 and was met with much anticipation. It quickly gained popularity and became a hot commodity in the mobile phone market. However, as technology continued to advance, the N500 was eventually discontinued, making room for newer and more advanced phones.
Body and Display
The N500 had a compact body, measuring at 110 x 46 x 23 mm. It was made of durable materials and had a sleek design that was ahead of its time. The display of the phone was a monochrome graphic, with a resolution of 128 x 64 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. It also had a blue backlighting feature, along with a 5 color LED, making it easy to view even in low light conditions. Another unique feature of the display was its dynamic font size, which adjusted according to the user's preference.
Memory and Camera
Unfortunately, the Samsung N500 did not have a card slot for external storage. However, it did have an internal memory capable of storing 100 contacts and 10 dialed, received, and missed call records. It also had message templates, making it easier for users to compose messages quickly. The N500 did not have a built-in camera, something that has become essential in modern phones.
Sound and Communication
One drawback of the Samsung N500 was that it did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack. This meant that users had to rely on the device's downloadable monophonic ringtones for sound alerts. The N500 also did not have any communication features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning technology.
Features and Battery
The Samsung N500 had a range of features that were common in feature phones at the time. It had a messaging capability for SMS and a WAP 1.1 browser for accessing the internet. It also had a clock, alarm, and downloadable games, making it a versatile device for entertainment. The N500 did not support Java, a programming language used for mobile applications, but it did have predictive text input, speed dial, menu shortcuts, and picture messaging. The removable Li-Ion battery of the N500 provided up to 120 hours of standby time and 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time.
Miscellaneous
The Samsung N500 came in four different colors, including silver, black, dark gray, and sky blue. It was a popular choice among users due to its compact design, advanced features, and sleek look.
In conclusion, the Samsung N500 was a revolutionary phone that paved the way for modern feature phones and smartphones. Its compact design, advanced features, and reliable network connection made it a popular choice among users. Even though it has been discontinued, it will always be remembered as one of the pioneering devices in the mobile phone industry.
Samsung N500 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2002
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
110 x 46 x 23 mm (4.33 x 1.81 x 0.91 in)
Weight
95 g (3.35 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
128 x 64 pixels, 18:9 ratio
Other
Blue back-lighting
5 color LED
Analog and digital clock
Dynamic font size