Allview M6 Stark Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Allview M6 Stark

The Allview M6 Stark was launched as a practical and budget-friendly feature phone in February 2012. Known for its simplicity and straightforward functionality, it's designed to serve a segment of the market that prioritizes basic communication needs over modern smartphone features. Being a discontinued model, it captures a snapshot of mobile technology during its time of release.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 109.8 x 47 x 12.7 mm and a weight of just 52 grams, the Allview M6 Stark is a compact phone. It fits comfortably in the user's hand and is easily portable due to its lightweight nature. The simplistic design reflects its primary function as a communication device rather than a multimedia powerhouse. The phone is available in classic black and white colors, appealing to users who prefer understated aesthetics.

Display

The device features a 2.0-inch TFT display, capable of showing 256K colors. Although modest by contemporary standards, the screen provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience within the constraints of its 176 x 220 pixel resolution (~141 ppi density). The screen size constitutes approximately 24.4% of the phone's body, aligning with its compact and portable design.

Network and Connectivity

The Allview M6 Stark supports GSM technology, specifically GSM 900/1800 bands suitable for 2G networks, ensuring basic connectivity for voice calls and limited data. Notably, it includes GPRS for fundamental internet access but lacks EDGE for enhanced mobile data speed. The device offers dual SIM capability, allowing users to switch between two SIM cards, which can be particularly useful for managing personal and professional contacts separately.

Camera

On the rear, the Allview M6 Stark is equipped with a 1.3 MP camera, which provides basic photography capabilities. It allows users to capture simple photos and videos, serving essential documentation needs rather than high-quality photography. There is no selfie camera included, reinforcing its focus on practical use over multimedia functions.

Audio and Sound

The device includes a loudspeaker for easy listening to calls and media, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing a universal connection for traditional headphones, an appreciated feature for music lovers and call privacy. An FM radio is also integrated, offering an easy way to listen to radio broadcasts on the go without requiring internet connectivity.

Memory and Storage

For storage, the Allview M6 Stark includes a microSDHC card slot, enabling users to expand its storage capacity to save additional contacts, messages, and media. While the internal memory specs are minimal, this expansion slot caters to the basic storage needs of its users. The phonebook and call records features facilitate straightforward contact management, essential for its target audience.

Battery Performance

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery. On standby, the battery can last up to 230 hours, while providing up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, depending on usage conditions. This is relatively efficient for its class, ensuring that users can rely on it throughout a typical day without frequent charging.

Software and User Interface

The Allview M6 Stark operates on a proprietary feature phone OS, emphasizing ease of use and straightforward navigation through a simple menu structure. It lacks complex smartphone functionalities, focusing instead on basic messaging (SMS, MMS) and calling features, which are critical for its user base.

Connectivity Features

Bluetooth 2.1 allows basic wireless connectivity, supporting hands-free audio devices and file transfers between compatible devices. While lacking WLAN, NFC, or advanced positioning technologies, its feature set is geared towards essential, reliable connectivity. The presence of a microUSB port ensures simple and effective device charging and data connection to other devices.

Price and Market Position

At a price point of about 20 EUR at launch, the Allview M6 Stark was positioned as an affordable option for those seeking a reliable mobile device for fundamental communication tasks. Its pricing and features made it accessible to a wide audience, including those in emerging markets or older generations less interested in the complexities of modern smartphones.

Conclusion

Overall, the Allview M6 Stark represents an era of mobile phone design focused on functionality over form. Its straightforward offerings in terms of performance and connectivity catered to the essential needs of users at the time, without the frills and expenses associated with smartphones. Although discontinued, its presence in the market serves as a reminder of the diverse range of consumer needs that mobile technology aims to satisfy.