Samsung SGH-U600: The Iconic Slim Slider Phone of 2007

Samsung U600 (SGH-U600)

Product Overview

The Samsung SGH-U600 (marketed as the Samsung Ultra Edition 10.9) is a slim slider-style mobile phone released by Samsung Electronics in 2007. Positioned as a premium mid-range device in Samsung’s Ultra Edition lineup—known for ultra-thin form factors—the U600 was a standout model of the 2G/3G transition era. Measuring just 10.9 mm thick (its namesake), it combined a sleek metallic design, a vibrant 2.2-inch QVGA display, and a 3.2 MP camera, targeting fashion-conscious users seeking portability and multimedia functionality. The U600 was a global commercial success, particularly in Europe and Asia, and solidified Samsung’s reputation for blending slim aesthetics with practical features in the pre-smartphone era.

Key Hardware Specifications

Component	Details
Form Factor & Design	Slider (slide-out keypad) design; dimensions: 103.2 × 49.3 × 10.9 mm; weight: 81 g; materials: brushed aluminum casing (front/back) + plastic accents; color options: Black, Silver, Pink, Gold, Copper
Display	2.2-inch QVGA (240×320 pixels) TFT LCD; 256K color depth; 176 ppi pixel density; bright, vivid color reproduction; supports touch-sensitive shortcut keys above the keypad
Network & Connectivity	Tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) + 3G UMTS (2100 MHz); GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots, 32–48 kbps); EDGE Class 10 (236.8 kbps); Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP (stereo audio streaming); USB 2.0 (proprietary Samsung charging/data port); no Wi-Fi
Camera System	Rear Camera: 3.2 MP (2048×1536 pixels); autofocus; digital zoom (up to 8x); LED flash; video recording (QVGA, 15 fps); supports panorama mode and multi-shotFront Camera: VGA (640×480 pixels); for 3G video calls
Memory & Storage	60 MB internal flash storage; expandable via microSD card (up to 2 GB); phonebook capacity: 1000 entries (multiple numbers/emails per contact); SMS/MMS storage: up to 500 SMS + 30 MMS
Battery & Power	Removable Li-Ion battery (800 mAh); standby time: up to 300 hours (GSM) / 250 hours (3G); talk time: up to 3 hours (GSM) / 2.5 hours (3G); standard proprietary charger; no fast charging
Input & Controls	Physical T9 keypad (tactile feedback); touch-sensitive shortcut keys (music play/pause, volume, camera launch) above the keypad; side-mounted volume/lock keys
Multimedia Features	MP3/AAC/AAC+/WMA media player; FM radio with RDS; video player (3GP/MP4); 3D sound effects; dedicated music keys; supports background music playback

Core Features & Functionality

1. Slim Design & Touch-Sensitive Controls

The U600’s defining feature was its 10.9 mm ultra-thin profile, making it one of the slimmest slider phones of its time. The front panel featured touch-sensitive shortcut keys that replaced traditional physical buttons—these keys lit up when activated and allowed quick access to the camera, music player, and volume controls, adding a modern, minimalist touch to the design. The brushed aluminum casing enhanced durability and premium feel, while the lightweight build (81 g) made it highly portable.

2. 3.2 MP Camera & Multimedia Capabilities

For 2007, the U600’s 3.2 MP autofocus camera was a high-end feature for a mid-range phone:

It supported panorama mode (stitching multiple photos into a wide shot) and multi-shot (capturing up to 9 photos in quick succession).
The LED flash improved low-light photography, and video recording (QVGA at 15 fps) enabled basic video capture for social sharing.
The front VGA camera enabled 3G video calls, a novel feature at the time.

The device also excelled as a multimedia player: it supported a wide range of audio formats, featured 3D sound effects, and allowed background music playback—meaning users could listen to music while browsing the phonebook or sending SMS. The FM radio with RDS (Radio Data System) displayed song titles and artist information for compatible stations.

3. Connectivity & Productivity

Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP: Enabled wireless streaming of music to Bluetooth headphones/speakers, a key selling point for music lovers.
Expandable Storage: The microSD card slot (up to 2 GB) solved the limited internal storage issue, letting users store hundreds of MP3s and photos.
Productivity Tools: Included a full suite of pre-loaded apps: calendar, to-do list, calculator, unit converter, world clock, and a document viewer (for basic text files). The phone also supported SMS templates, MMS (multimedia messaging), and email (POP3/IMAP4).

Market Impact & Legacy

Commercial Success: The U600 was one of Samsung’s best-selling slider phones of 2007–2008, with strong demand in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its combination of slim design, camera quality, and multimedia features appealed to a broad audience, from teens to young professionals.
Design Influence: It popularized the “ultra-thin slider” form factor, inspiring subsequent Samsung models like the U700 (Ultra Edition 10.5) and U900 (Soul). The touch-sensitive shortcut key design was later adopted in other Samsung feature phones and early smartphones.
Transition Era Significance: The U600 was released during the shift from 2G to 3G networks, and its 3G support (for video calls and faster data) positioned it as a future-proof device for consumers not yet ready to upgrade to smartphones.

Discontinuation & Collectibility

Today, the U600 is a sought-after collector’s item for fans of retro mobile phones, particularly those who appreciate Samsung’s Ultra Edition design language. Well-preserved units with original packaging are valued for their historical significance as a standout slim slider of the pre-smartphone era.

Samsung discontinued the U600 in 2009 as smartphones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S series) began to dominate the market. Feature phones like the U600 were gradually phased out in favor of touchscreen devices with advanced operating systems.