Before the era of customizable ringtones, mobile phones typically came pre-installed with a limited selection of monophonic or polyphonic ringtones. These ringtones were often referred to simply as "polyphonic ringtones" or "monophonic ringtones," depending on their complexity.

Monophonic ringtones were the earliest form of ringtone, consisting of simple melodies played one note at a time. These ringtones were capable of producing only one musical note at a time, resulting in a basic, often tinny sound.

Polyphonic ringtones, on the other hand, were more advanced and could play multiple notes simultaneously, allowing for more complex and melodic tones. While still limited compared to modern-day ringtones, polyphonic ringtones offered a richer auditory experience than their monophonic counterparts.

Both monophonic and polyphonic ringtones were popular during the early 2000s, before the advent of smartphones and the ability to customize ringtones with any sound or song desired.

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