Introducing the SGD-101 by Sewon - A Feature Phone from 2004
Overview
The SGD-101, a feature phone released in 2004 by Sewon, may seem outdated by today's standards, but at its time, it was a highly coveted device. With its compact size and minimal design, it was the perfect choice for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use mobile phone.
Dimensions and Weight
Weighing just 80g and measuring 23mm in thickness, this device was incredibly lightweight and could easily fit in your pocket or bag. Its dimensions were 72 x 40 x 23 mm, making it one of the smallest phones on the market during its time.
Storage and Network
Unfortunately, the SGD-101 did not come with a card slot for expandable storage. This was a common feature among feature phones at that time. It also didn't have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, limiting its data connectivity options. However, the device did support GSM technology and could be used on GSM 900 / 1800 bands.
Display and Design
The SGD-101 had a CSTN display with 256 colors, which was considered impressive for a feature phone back then. The screen size was not specified, but the resolution was 128 x 128 pixels with a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, the phone had a second external mono LCD display for quick access to notifications and other information. The design was simple yet functional, with a 4-way navigational key for easy navigation through the phone's features.
Memory and Camera
One drawback of the SGD-101 was the lack of a card slot for expandable memory. However, it did have a phonebook with a capacity for 100 contacts and could store up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls in the call records. The phone did not have a camera, which was not uncommon for feature phones at that time.
Sounds and Communication
The SGD-101 did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack for external audio. However, it did come with vibration and polyphonic (16) ringtones as alert options. The phone also did not have any advanced communication features like WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning capabilities. It also did not have a radio or USB connectivity options.
Features and Battery
The phone did not have any sensors or pre-installed apps like a browser or games. It was limited to SMS messaging and had no support for other forms of communication like MMS or email. The SGD-101 supported English and Chinese languages and did not have Java capabilities. However, it did come with predictive text input and basic features like a calculator and memo. Its battery was removable and had a capacity of 550 mAh, providing up to 110 hours of standby time and 3 hours of talk time.
Conclusion
The SGD-101 may not be considered a technologically advanced device by today's standards, but it was a popular and reliable choice during its time. Its simple design, compact size, and basic features made it a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly mobile phone. Although discontinued now, its impact on the mobile phone market of the early 2000s cannot be overlooked.