In 2003, the phone industry was dominated by bulky and expensive smartphones. However, Sendo, a small company based in the United Kingdom, released a revolutionary device called the S300. It was a feature phone that challenged the status quo and gained a cult following among mobile phone enthusiasts.
Compact and Lightweight Design
At just 21mm thick and weighing only 90g, the S300 was considerably smaller and lighter than its competitors. This made it a perfect option for those who wanted a practical and portable phone. The device's body dimensions were 107 x 47 x 21 mm (4.21 x 1.85 x 0.83 in), making it easy to fit in pockets and handbags.
Basic Yet Functional Features
Released as a feature phone, the S300 did not have all the bells and whistles that most phones of that time had. It did not have a card slot for expandable storage, advanced network connectivity like GPRS or EDGE, or even a camera. But what it lacked in features, it made up for with its simplicity and functionality.
The monochrome graphic display was considered a downside by some, but the soft keys and 5-line screen resolution of 96 x 64 pixels were enough for most users to navigate through the device easily. It also had a phonebook that could store up to 200 contacts and call records for 10 received, 10 dialed, and 10 missed calls.
Innovative Customization Options
One of the standout features of the S300 was its user-changeable front housing, back housing, and keypad. This allowed users to personalize their phone and make it stand out from the standard black and gray designs of most devices. It came in four colors – Midnight, Ink Blue, Frosty Mint, and Pepper Red – catering to different preferences of customers.
Long Battery Life
The S300 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, which was impressive for a small device at that time. It could last up to 260 hours on standby mode and up to 5 hours of talk time. This made it an ideal option for those who needed a reliable and long-lasting phone.
Influence and Legacy
The Sendo S300 paved the way for future feature phones that prioritized practicality and simplicity over flashy features. It became popular among people of all ages and was available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide market. The device also had four built-in games – Sumino, Carz, Splat, and Ten Pin – which provided entertainment for its users.
Although it may seem outdated now, the Sendo S300 was a game-changer in the mobile phone industry. It proved that people didn't need expensive and advanced smartphones to stay connected and entertained. Its legacy lives on as a reminder of how a simple and innovative device can have a significant impact on the market.
Sendo S300 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
107 x 47 x 21 mm (4.21 x 1.85 x 0.83 in)
Weight
90 g (3.17 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
96 x 64 pixels, 5 lines, 3:2 ratio
Other
Soft keys
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
200
Call records
10 received, 10 dialed and 10 missed calls
Other
Message templates
SMS smileys
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable monophonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
Games
4 - Sumino, Carz, Splat & Ten Pin
Languages
European, American and Asian languages
Java
No
Other
Predictive text input
User changeable front housing, back housing and keypad