Samsung D500 vs. Samsung D410: A Throwback Tech Showdown

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?
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung D500 Samsung D410
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
EDGEYes (in D500E version only)No
GPRSClass 10Class 8
TechnologyGSMGSM
Launch
Announced2004, Q42003, Q4
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions93.5 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)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight99 g (3.49 oz)116 g (4.09 oz)
Display
Resolution176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density)176 x 220 pixels, 8 lines (~134 ppi density)
Size1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio)2.1 inches, 13.9 cm2 (~29.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colorsTFD, 256K colors
 -Four way navigation keys
Memory
Call records20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls20 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slotNoNo
Phonebook1000 x 12 fields, Photo call1000 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 events3 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
FeaturesLED flash-
Single1.3 MPVGA
VideoYesYes
Selfie camera
VideoYes-
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Alert typesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtonesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
Loudspeaker YesNo
Comms
Bluetooth1.1No
Infrared portYesYes
PositioningNoNo
RadioNoNo
USBProprietary-
WLANNoNo
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTMLWAP 1.2.1
Games3 + downloadable4 - BubbleSmile, Fun2Link, Ultimate Golf, MobileChess
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0Yes, MIDP 2.0
MessagingSMS, EMS, MMS, EmailSMS, EMS, MMS, Email
 MP3/MP4/AAC player Predictive text input SyncML Organizer Voice memoPredictive text input Organizer Voice memo
Battery
Stand-byUp to 380 hUp to 254 h
Talk timeUp to 8 hUp to 3 h
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 800 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsSilver, Black3 - Metallic Silver , Mirror Gray, Indigo Blue
SAR-0.43 W/kg (head)     0.44 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.51 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.