This article revisits five Sanyo phones popular in the mid-2000s, summarizing each model's notable features - multimedia, VGA camera, color displays and push-to-talk - and explains their current status as discontinued legacy devices largely incompatible with modern LTE/5G networks. It offers practical advice for collectors and buyers on condition, battery replacement and network compatibility checks.

Overview

This is a modern update of a mid-2000s roundup of five notable Sanyo handsets: the MM-8300, SCP-3100, MM-7500, SCP-200 and RL-7300. These models reflected that era's focus on compact multimedia, color displays and walkie-talkie features. Today they are legacy/collector devices rather than current consumer choices.

What made these models stand out

MM-8300

The MM-8300 shipped with interchangeable accent plates and consumer multimedia features for its time: a camcorder mode, audio/video playback, 3D-style games and Sprint PCS multimedia services. It aimed to combine style options with early mobile multimedia.

SCP-3100

Marketed as a picture phone, the SCP-3100 offered a VGA camera, an external and internal color LCD, a loud speakerphone and a removable battery (~1000 mAh as advertised at release). It was positioned as an affordable camera-phone for casual photo sharing.

MM-7500

The MM-7500 emphasized faster downloads for the networks of the day (Sprint's Power Vision marketing) and a durable flip form factor. It was one of Sanyo's multimedia-focused handsets with camcorder and messaging features.

SCP-200

A basic color feature phone, the SCP-200 featured a 65K-color display, speakerphone and a user-replaceable battery. It was sold in a few color options and targeted buyers who prioritized straightforward voice and messaging use.

RL-7300

The RL-7300 combined a ruggedized look with ReadyLink walkie-talkie-style push-to-talk (PTT) communications, voice memo recording and an emphasis on battery life. It appealed to customers needing quick short-range voice communications.

Current status and buying advice

All five models are discontinued. Most were sold on Sprint's CDMA networks and are incompatible with modern LTE/5G carriers without special modifications or carrier support. If you find one today, expect it as a collector's item or spare hardware: check condition, battery health and whether the device's radio bands match any supported network before buying. Replacement batteries and parts may be available only through secondary marketplaces or refurbishers.

Note: Sanyo's mobile handset business no longer operates as it did in the 2000s; corporate and brand changes followed in the late 2000s and 2010s, and the handset product lines were discontinued or absorbed into other operations . Also verify any network-compatibility claims, since legacy CDMA services have been phased out on many US carriers 1.

  1. Confirm the corporate history: exact details and dates of Sanyo's handset business sale/transition (which company acquired or absorbed Sanyo's mobile division and when).
  2. Confirm Sprint/Sprint-family CDMA network shutdown dates and the practical compatibility of these specific models with modern US carriers.
  3. Verify advertised battery capacities for SCP-3100 and SCP-200 from original specifications if precise mAh values are required.

FAQs about Sanyo Cell Phones

Are these Sanyo phones still supported by carriers?
No. These models are discontinued and were built for legacy networks (often Sprint's CDMA). They are generally unsupported by major carriers today and will likely be incompatible with LTE/5G networks without special arrangements.
Can I still buy one of these phones?
You can find them on secondary markets such as auction sites, refurbished-phone sellers and classifieds. Expect used condition and limited warranty or support.
Do these phones have replaceable batteries?
Most of the listed Sanyo models shipped with user-replaceable batteries. Replacement cells can sometimes be found through third-party sellers, but availability varies.
What was ReadyLink/PCS ReadyLink?
ReadyLink was Sprint's push-to-talk (PTT) service offering walkie-talkie-style instant voice communication. On these Sanyo models, it provided quick short calls between compatible devices.
How do these phones compare to modern smartphones?
They are feature phones: small color screens, basic cameras (VGA), limited app ecosystems and no modern mobile data speeds or app stores. They offer nostalgia or basic voice/text use rather than today's smartphone functionality.