Samsung D500 vs Samsung E250: A Throwback Tech Showdown

Relive the nostalgia! The Samsung D500 and E250 represent a bygone era of feature phones, offering simple functionality and durable designs. But which of these classic devices holds up best today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Both the D500 and E250 are basic feature phones. The E250 likely offered slightly improved design and ergonomics. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference for aesthetics and minor feature differences, as both provide a reliable, no-frills experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung D500	Samsung E250

Network
2G bands	GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
EDGE	Yes (in D500E version only)	Yes
GPRS	Class 10	Class 10
Technology	GSM	GSM

Launch
Announced	2004, Q4	2006, October
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	93.5 x 45.7 x 23.5 mm (3.68 x 1.80 x 0.93 in)	99.5 x 49.5 x 14.1 mm (3.92 x 1.95 x 0.56 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	99 g (3.49 oz)	80 g (2.82 oz)

Display
Resolution	176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density)	128 x 160 pixels (~102 ppi density)
Size	1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio)	2.0 inches, 32 x 40 mm, 12.6 cm2 (~25.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 256K colors	TFT, 65K 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	-	10MB
Phonebook	1000 x 12 fields, Photo call	1000 entries, Photocall
	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	-
Single	1.3 MP	VGA
Video	Yes	QCIF

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

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/AAC+ player Predictive text input Organizer Voice memo

Battery
Stand-by	Up to 380 h	Up to 250 h
Talk time	Up to 8 h	Up to 5 h
Type	Removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery	Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery

Misc
Colors	Silver, Black	Silver, Black
Price	-	About 90 EUR
SAR	-	0.48 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.51 W/kg (head)	0.70 W/kg (head)

Samsung D500

Rugged design
Long battery life
Simple to use
Reliable for basic calls and texts

Low-resolution display
Limited features
Basic camera (if present)
Slow performance

Samsung E250

Potentially improved ergonomics
Long battery life
Simple to use
Reliable for basic calls and texts

Low-resolution display
Limited features
Basic camera (if present)
Slow performance

Display Comparison

Given the era, both phones likely featured small, low-resolution color displays. The E250 might have a marginally better screen due to potential design refinements, but the difference would be minimal. Expect limited viewing angles and pixelation.

Camera Comparison

Neither phone likely had a sophisticated camera. If either had a camera, it would be a very low-resolution, basic model. Image quality would be poor by modern standards. Don't expect anything beyond novelty photos.

Performance

Performance will be limited by the processors of the time. Both phones are designed for basic calling and texting, so expect slow menu navigation and limited multitasking capabilities. There's no meaningful performance difference to expect.

Battery Life

Battery life was a strong point for feature phones. Both the D500 and E250 likely offered several days of standby time with moderate use. The E250 might have a slightly larger battery, potentially extending its battery life marginally.

Buying Guide

The Samsung D500 is for those seeking a very basic, rugged phone for emergencies or as a secondary device. The Samsung E250 is ideal for users who appreciate a slightly more refined design and potentially better call quality within the limitations of the era.