The P400: A Look Back at Samsung's Classic Feature Phone
Introduction
Released in 2003, the Samsung P400 was a popular feature phone that gained a significant following during its time. Its unique design and advanced features for its time made it stand out among other mobile devices. Let's take a closer look at this classic device and see why it captured the hearts of many.
Design and Dimensions
Weighing only 105g and with a thickness of 23mm, the Samsung P400 was one of the slimmest and most lightweight mobile phones of its time. It had a mini-SIM slot and came in a metallic silver color. One of the most notable features of the P400 was its swivel and rotate function, allowing the screen to be rotated 360 degrees for better viewing angles. It also had dynamic font size and four-way navigation keys for ease of use.
Display and Memory
The P400 featured a TFD display with 65K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. Despite having only 7 lines of display, users were able to view images clearly. It had no card slot for external memory but had 1.2 MB of storage for images and 700kB for MMS messages. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries with contact groups and had a call record of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. It also had message templates and could store up to 200 short messages.
Camera and Sound
The main camera of the Samsung P400 was a single CIF with a 180-degree rotating lens, allowing users to take pictures from different angles. While it did not have a video feature, it was still a remarkable feature at the time. The P400 had no loudspeaker, but users could download polyphonic ringtones for customization.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, the P400 did not have advanced features like Bluetooth or WLAN. However, it did have an infrared port for file transfer. It supported messaging through SMS, EMS, and MMS and had WAP 1.2 for internet browsing. The phone also had a clock, alarm, and games. It was also equipped with Java MIDP 2.0 and predictive text input.
Battery and Other Features
The P400 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, providing up to 140 hours of standby time and 5 hours of talk time. For those needing extra power, there was also an option for a slim battery with Li-Ion 720 mAh, which provided up to 120 hours of standby time and 4 hours of talk time. It also had features such as speed dial, menu shortcuts, and Nokia-compatible melodies.
The P400 Today
While the Samsung P400 may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on as one of the most iconic feature phones of its time. Its unique design and innovative features paved the way for future devices and influenced the mobile phone industry. Although it may not compare to the advanced smartphones of today, the P400 will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned one.
In Conclusion
In the early 2000s, the Samsung P400 was the epitome of style and functionality. With its sleek design, advanced features, and user-friendly interface, it captured the attention of many mobile phone enthusiasts. Even though it has been discontinued, the P400 remains a significant milestone in Samsung's history and deserves to be recognized as a classic in the world of feature phones.
Samsung P400 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
91 x 48 x 23 mm (3.58 x 1.89 x 0.91 in)
Weight
105 g (3.70 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFD, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels, 7 lines
Other
Swivel and rotate 360 deg
Four way navigation keys
Dynamic font size
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
1000 entries, contact groups
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Other
1.2 MB for images
700 kB for MMS message
512 KB for Java programs
Message templates
200 short messages
Main Camera
Single
CIF, 180 deg rotating lens
Video
No
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS, MMS
Browser
WAP 1.2
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
Yes
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
Predictive text input
Organizer
Speed dial
Menu shortcuts
Nokia compatible melodies