The Samsung D500 and D900i represent a fascinating era of mobile phone design – the mid-2000s slider craze. Both offered a blend of style and functionality, but which one ultimately delivered a better experience? Let's dive into a comparison of these classic devices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung D900i generally edges out the D500 due to its likely superior camera and potentially more refined design. However, the D500 might offer a more compact form factor. Both are relics of a bygone era, offering a unique nostalgic appeal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Yes (in D500E version only) | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2004, Q4 | 2007 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 93.5 x 45.7 x 23.5 mm (3.68 x 1.80 x 0.93 in) | 103.5 x 51 x 12.9 mm (4.07 x 2.01 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 99 g (3.49 oz) | 85 g (3.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~190 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.1 inches, 32 x 42 mm, 13.7 cm2 (~25.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls |
| Card slot | No | microSD (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 60MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 12 fields, Photo call | 1000 entries, Photo call |
| | 96 MB shared memory for photos, video, MMS, MP3 files
4 MB for Java
200 short messages
400 calendar events | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | CIF |
| 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, MP3 ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 3D sound speaker |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 1.1 | 2.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | 1.1 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Games | 3 + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| 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 | MP3/AAC/ACC+ player
Predictive text input
Organizer
TV-out
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 380 h | Up to 320 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 6 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Black | Black, Wine-Red |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.45 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Samsung D500
- Compact and pocketable
- Classic slider design
- Relatively simple and easy to use
- Likely lower camera quality
- Limited processing power
- Small display
- Difficult to find in good condition
Samsung D900i
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more premium design (likely)
- Classic slider design
- Relatively simple and easy to use
- Larger than the D500
- Limited processing power
- Small display
- Difficult to find in good condition
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured relatively small, standard-definition displays typical of the era. The D900i *might* have a slightly larger or higher-resolution screen, but definitive information is scarce. Expect both to be adequate for basic tasks but not ideal for media consumption by today's standards.
Camera Comparison
The D900i was generally considered to have a better camera than the D500, potentially featuring a higher megapixel count and improved image processing. Image quality on both would be significantly lower than modern smartphones.
Performance
Performance would be limited by the processors of the time. Expect both to handle calls, texts, and basic applications without issue, but don't anticipate blazing speeds. The D900i *could* have a slightly more powerful processor, but this is speculative.
Battery Life
Battery life would depend heavily on usage and the condition of the battery. Both phones likely offered a day's worth of moderate use, but older batteries will have significantly reduced capacity.
Buying Guide
The Samsung D500 is ideal for collectors seeking a smaller, more pocketable slider phone. The Samsung D900i is a better choice for those prioritizing a potentially better camera and a slightly more premium feel, assuming it's in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern carriers?
Highly unlikely. These phones use older 2G/3G technologies that are no longer supported by most modern carriers. They are primarily collector's items.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely need to search online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro phone retailers. Be prepared to pay a premium for a working model in good condition.
