A Look Back at the Samsung R200: A Simple Yet Iconic Feature Phone from 2001
When it comes to mobile phones, Samsung is a name that is well-known and respected in the tech industry. With their innovative and cutting-edge smartphones, it's hard to imagine that there was a time when they focused on creating simple feature phones. One such device is the Samsung R200, released in the year 2001.
As we take a trip down memory lane, let's explore the features and specifications of the iconic R200 device.
Design and Dimensions
At just 99g and 23.5mm thickness, the Samsung R200 was a light and compact device, making it easy to carry around. It had a sleek and minimalistic design, with a 128 x 64 pixel monochrome graphic display. The blue back-lighting added a touch of elegance to the phone, along with its analog and digital clock and dynamic font size features.
Memory and Storage
The R200 may not have had extensive storage capabilities like modern-day smartphones, but it did come with a phonebook that could hold up to 100 entries and a call record log of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. The device also had message templates to make composing texts easier for users.
Network and Connectivity
Being a 2G feature phone, the R200 supported GSM 900 / 1800 technology. However, it did not have features like GPRS or EDGE, which are commonly seen in modern-day devices. The phone also did not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Entertainment and Extras
Despite its simplistic design, the R200 did offer some forms of entertainment. It came with three pre-installed games - Casino, Mole, and Hexa. However, there was no support for Java-based games. The device also had downloadable monophonic ringtones and a composer for users to customize their ringtone.
Battery Life
The R200 came with a removable Li-Ion battery that provided up to 5 hours of talk time and 150 hours on standby. These numbers may seem insignificant compared to the battery life of modern smartphones, but in 2001, they were considered impressive.
Affordability and Availability
The Samsung R200 was released in 2001 and was discontinued shortly after. It was a popular device at the time due to its affordable price and easy-to-use features.
Unfortunately, the R200 is no longer available for purchase, but it remains a memorable device for many who used it back in the day.
From its simplistic design to its basic features, the Samsung R200 was a representation of what mobile phones used to be before smartphones took over. And even though it may not compare to the devices we have now, it will always hold a special place in the history of mobile technology.
Samsung R200 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2001
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
110 x 46 x 23.5 mm (4.33 x 1.81 x 0.93 in)
Weight
99 g (3.49 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
128 x 64 pixels, 18:9 ratio
Other
Blue back-lighting
Analog and digital clock
Dynamic font size