Samsung SPH-N270
| Company type | Mobile phone model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Products | Mobile phones |
| Owner | Samsung |
The Samsung SPH-N270, often referred to as the Matrix phone, is a bar-style handset launched in 2003, designed to replicate the phone featured in The Matrix Reloaded. Samsung collaborated closely with the film’s design team to ensure the phone’s features and launch aligned with the movie’s release. This model was never intended for widespread consumer use but was instead targeted at enthusiasts of the franchise as a collectible, premium item.
Features
One of the most distinctive elements of this phone is its spring-loaded earpiece, which flips open to reveal the display. Even when closed, a portion of the screen remains visible to show key status indicators.[1] Users can configure it so that opening the earpiece automatically answers incoming calls.
The SPH-N270 is powered by a 1000 mAh lithium ion battery with a custom backplate matching the Matrix-themed design, making it somewhat unique. The device includes three connection ports: two located at the bottom for charging and accessories such as USB cables,[1] and one on top intended for a headset. However, most owners tend not to use headsets since the phone prioritizes visual appeal.
In addition to its physical design, this model offers an assisted GPS receiver and supports English and Spanish languages. It also includes multiple alarms, a calendar, task list, and a basic calculator.[2] A key feature is its voice integration: while it can store up to 300 contacts for automatic dialing via menu selection, users can also initiate calls by speaking contact names. For numbers not saved in the directory, digits may be spoken aloud to place calls. The device supports voice-text matching by having users read digits displayed on screen to enhance recognition accuracy.
Operating on Qualcomm's REX platform, the phone features a customized user interface developed by Samsung.
Relation to The Matrix
The iconic green code on a black backdrop, popularized by The Matrix (see Digital rain), appears by default in numerous menus of the phone. Constructed primarily from black plastic, the device’s buttons display stylized green numbers. The packaging, user manual, and collector’s tin all incorporate the "Matrix code" design. Notably, the charger included in the set is the sole component without any direct reference to the Matrix franchise and is also compatible with various other phone models.
Branding-wise, Samsung is only visible on the phone’s exterior casing, while Sprint’s name appears exclusively on-screen if the battery is inserted incorrectly. Upon powering on, the screen displays "WELCOME," and when powering down, it shows "GOOD BYE," echoing Neo’s initial interaction with the Matrix. The device includes three screensaver themes: Reloaded, The Animatrix, and Camera, despite the fact that the SPH-N270 does not have camera functionality. Additionally, users can select several ringtones derived from the first two Matrix films, alongside standard beep and vibrate options. These ringtones can be assigned individually to contacts.
The Matrix
In contrast to the Nokia 8110, which appeared in The Matrix but was already available on the market,[3] the SPH-N270 was developed specifically for release in 2003 as a promotional tie-in with the second Matrix movie. Although many enthusiasts were initially excited about this launch, expecting it to be an exact replica of the prop used in The Matrix Reloaded, the actual prop differed slightly and was likely non-functional. The phone makes only two brief appearances in the film,[1] but precise 3D renderings of it were featured in Final Flight of the Osiris and Enter the Matrix. Compared to contemporary devices like the Nokia 8910i—considered a business-oriented successor to the Nokia "Matrix-Phone" series—or experimental models such as the Nokia 7650 released in 2002, this phone was noted to be less capable and less professional in design.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Technology
In comparison to other devices available in 2003, the Matrix phone was not positioned as a premium model. Although it offered limited USB data transfer capabilities, it lacked support for Bluetooth and IrDA, and did not include features such as video playback or MP3 functionality.[3] A significant number of potential buyers were deterred by the absence of internet access, as the device did not incorporate a web browser nor any functionality for sending text messages within its firmware. Despite Samsung's strong reputation for camera-equipped phones, the SPH-N270 did not feature a built-in camera.[4]
Availability
The Samsung N270 was exclusively available through a dedicated section of Samsung’s website, which operated solely via Flash. This site has since been discontinued following the complete sale of all units. Production was limited to 10,000 Matrix phones, each bearing a unique serial number. Nevertheless, the exact production quantity remains uncertain since serial numbers exceeding 2500 have neither been confirmed nor observed for resale on platforms like eBay or elsewhere. Priced at $500, the phone was locked to Sprint PCS service.[4] Due to its status as a collectible, the device occasionally appears on eBay, where it recently fetched $2500 at auction. Sales were confined to the U.S. market because Sprint PCS operates domestically; however, enthusiasts have managed to utilize the phone internationally on other CDMA networks through analog and digital roaming.[1]
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