If you're a fan of vintage phones, then the Samsung T500 may have caught your eye. Released in 2003, the T500 was a feature phone that belonged to the first generation of flip phones. It was one of the many devices that helped lay the foundation for the mobile phone industry we know today.
Dimensions and Design
Weighing only 80g and measuring 23mm thickness, the T500 was designed to be lightweight and compact. With its sleek and simple design, it was easy to slip into your pocket or bag without taking up too much space. The device also had a mini-SIM card slot, which was a standard back in the early 2000s.
Display and Interface
The T500 featured a CSTN display with the capability of showing 65K colors. Its external LCD served as an analog clock, making it convenient for users to check the time without having to open the phone. The internal LCD had a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, and it even had a unique feature of doubling as a make-up mirror. The interface also had four-way navigation keys and dynamic font size for a comfortable and user-friendly experience.
Memory and Storage
As a feature phone, the T500 did not offer a card slot for external storage. However, it did have a phonebook that could store up to 500 entries and organize them into contact groups. Users could also save up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls in the call records section. The device also had message templates to make sending SMS or EMS messages more efficient.
Camera and Audio
One of the downsides of the T500 was that it did not come with a built-in camera, so taking photos was not possible. However, it did have vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones for audio notifications. Unfortunately, it did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, so users had to use a headset if they wanted to listen to music or talk on the phone without holding it.
Features and Battery Life
Although the T500 lacked features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and a radio, it did have some unique ones like a calorie calculator, bio rhythm tracker, organizer, and menu shortcuts for quick access to essential functions. Its battery life was also commendable, lasting up to 120 hours on standby and up to 3 hours of talk time with its removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery.
Discontinued Model
The Samsung T500 was announced in the first quarter of 2003 and was discontinued shortly after. Many other advanced models were released, and the market for feature phones dwindled. The T500 may not have been as popular as other smartphones, but it left a mark in the history of mobile devices.
Final Thoughts
Despite its lack of modern features, the Samsung T500 remains a classic device that captured the hearts of many during its time. Its sleek design and practical features were impressive and set the standard for flip phones in the early 2000s. Although it is no longer in production, the T500 holds a special place in the memories of those who owned and used it.
Samsung T500 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
76 x 44 x 23 mm (2.99 x 1.73 x 0.91 in)
Weight
80 g (2.82 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 128 pixels, 1:1 ratio
Other
External LCD used as analog clock
Internal LCD can be used as a make-up mirror
Four way navigation keys
Dynamic font size