Nostalgia is a powerful force, and sometimes, revisiting older tech can be surprisingly rewarding. The Samsung D500 and D410 represent a bygone era of mobile phones, offering a simpler, more tactile experience. But which of these retro devices holds up best today?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Given the limited information, the D500 likely offered slightly more advanced features and a potentially better build quality, positioning it as the marginally better choice. However, both are relics of the past, and their appeal lies primarily in their retro charm and simplicity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Yes (in D500E version only) | No |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 8 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2004, Q4 | 2003, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 93.5 x 45.7 x 23.5 mm (3.68 x 1.80 x 0.93 in) | 97 x 48 x 24 mm (3.82 x 1.89 x 0.94 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 99 g (3.49 oz) | 116 g (4.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels, 8 lines (~134 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.1 inches, 13.9 cm2 (~29.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFD, 256K colors |
| | - | Four way navigation keys |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | 20 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 12 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 5 fields, 10 contact groups |
| | 96 MB shared memory for photos, video, MMS, MP3 files
4 MB for Java
200 short messages
400 calendar events | 3 MB for pictures
3 MB for video
700 KB for MMS
1 MB for email
600 KB for Java apps
Message templates
5 x 30 sec voice memo |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 1.3 MP | VGA |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Video | Yes | - |
| | No | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | No |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 1.1 | No |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Proprietary | - |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 1.2.1 |
| Games | 3 + downloadable | 4 - BubbleSmile, Fun2Link, Ultimate Golf, MobileChess |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email |
| | MP3/MP4/AAC player
Predictive text input
SyncML
Organizer
Voice memo | Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 380 h | Up to 254 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 3 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Black | 3 - Metallic Silver , Mirror Gray, Indigo Blue |
| SAR | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 0.44 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung D500
- Potentially slightly better build quality
- Possibly slightly more advanced features
- Retro appeal
- Long battery life
- Extremely limited functionality
- Poor camera quality
- Slow performance
- Difficult to find accessories/support
Samsung D410
- Simple and easy to use
- Retro appeal
- Potentially longer battery life
- Long battery life
- Extremely limited functionality
- Poor camera quality
- Slow performance
- Difficult to find accessories/support
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured small, basic LCD screens, typical of their era. The D500 might have had a slightly higher resolution or a more vibrant display, but differences would be minimal. Expect limited viewing angles and low brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities were rudimentary on both phones. Expect low-resolution images and poor image quality, especially in low light. The D500 *might* have a slightly better camera, but don't expect anything impressive.
Performance
Performance will be extremely limited on both devices. Expect slow processing speeds and limited multitasking capabilities. They were designed for basic calling and texting, not modern apps or demanding tasks. The D500, potentially having a slightly newer chipset, *might* offer a marginal performance advantage.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for these older phones. Expect several days of use on a single charge, assuming minimal usage. The D410, potentially having a smaller screen and less demanding components, *could* have slightly better battery life.
Buying Guide
The Samsung D500 is for collectors and those seeking a truly basic, no-frills phone experience. The Samsung D410 is ideal for someone wanting an even simpler device, prioritizing ease of use and potentially a lower price point (if found). Both are niche purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones compatible with modern SIM cards?
Likely no. These phones use older SIM card technologies. You'll need to find a compatible SIM card, which may be difficult.
❓ Can I use apps on these phones?
No. These phones do not support modern app stores or operating systems. They are limited to pre-installed features.