In 2005, Q3, the popular mobile phone brand Bird released its newest device, the S199. While it may seem like a relic in today's world of smartphones and advanced technology, the S199 was a highly coveted feature phone back in its day. Let's take a deeper look at the specs and features that made this device so popular.
Design and Dimensions
The S199 came in at a mere 75g and a thickness of 15mm, making it lightweight and easy to slip into your pocket or bag. It was also available in two colors - silver and black. The device had a simple and sleek design with a compact body measuring at 104.3 x 42.6 x 15 mm. The SIM card slot was a standard mini-SIM, which was common for phones at that time.
Display and Memory
The S199 featured a CSTN monochrome display with a resolution of 112 x 64 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. While this may seem low compared to today's standards, it was considered a high-quality display for a feature phone. The device also had a 5-way navigation key for easy usage. In terms of memory, the S199 did not have a card slot, but it did have a phonebook that could store up to 250 entries and call records for 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls.
Camera and Sound
One of the only downsides of the S199 was that it did not have a camera, which was a common feature in most phones at that time. However, the device did have a loudspeaker and could vibrate and play monophonic ringtones as alert types. It did not have a 3.5mm jack for headphones, but users could still enjoy their music and calls through the loudspeaker.
Connectivity and Features
The S199 was a basic feature phone, which meant it did not have advanced connectivity options like WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning. And while it also did not come with a built-in radio or browser, it did have messaging capabilities through SMS. The device also had a few pre-installed games and a calculator, making it a simple but functional device.
Battery and Additional Information
The S199 came with a removable Li-Ion battery that had a standby time of up to 140 hours and a talk time of up to 2 hours. While this may not seem impressive compared to today's devices, it was considered decent battery life for a feature phone at that time. The S199 was eventually discontinued, but its popularity remains, especially among collectors and fans of classic mobile phones.
The S199 is a reminder of simpler times in the mobile phone industry. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of modern devices, it was a reliable and functional device that many people cherished. And for those who were lucky enough to own an S199, it will always hold a special place in their hearts and as a symbol of nostalgia in the ever-evolving world of technology.
