BenQ M100 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of BenQ M100

The BenQ M100 was a feature phone introduced in the first quarter of 2004. It was designed as a straightforward communication device with traditionally essential features. It should be noted that, by today’s standards, it would not qualify as a smartphone due to its lack of connectivity options and additional features found in modern phones. However, it was quite suitable for simple phone calls and SMS messaging at the time.

Design and Build

The phone’s dimensions are 102 x 44 x 18 mm, making it compact and easily portable. It weighs only 86 grams, which adds to its convenience. The device used a Mini-SIM card and came in several color options including White, Dark Blue, Claret, and Gray. Despite its simplicity, the phone's build was quite sturdy and could withstand daily wear and tear.

Display

The BenQ M100 featured a 1.5-inch CSTN display capable of showing 65K colors. The screen size was relatively small, at 27 x 27 mm, with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi. While this may seem low today, it served its purpose for basic functionality such as displaying call logs or text messages.

Network Capabilities

Being a feature phone, the BenQ M100 was equipped to operate on GSM networks. It supported GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. However, it did not offer GPRS or EDGE for data connectivity, reflecting its primary function as a voice communication device.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 760 mAh battery. For its time, the battery provided decent longevity, offering up to 120 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The option to remove and replace the battery was a practical feature, allowing users to easily substitute it when needed.

Memory and Storage

The BenQ M100 did not support expandable storage options via a memory card slot. However, it included an onboard phonebook capable of storing up to 500 contacts. It also maintained call records of the last 30 received, dialed, and missed calls, which proved sufficient for everyday use.

Sound and Alerts

Alert types for the BenQ M100 included vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. Noticeably, it did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, which could have limited its multimedia capabilities further.

Communication Features

The phone's communication capabilities were basic. It lacked wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth or WLAN, and there was no GPS positioning capability. Furthermore, traditional options like FM Radio and USB connectivity were not included, aligning with its basic promise.

Entertainment and Games

Entertainment on the BenQ M100 was limited to simple games. It offered three pre-installed games: Box World, Mini Mouse, and Cherry Boy. These games provided a source of occasional entertainment for users looking to pass the time.

Messaging and Applications

The phone primarily supported SMS messaging. It did not include Java support, limiting its ability to run various applications or app-based features which started emerging around that time. It also lacked a web browser, which was not entirely uncommon for feature phones of its era.

Conclusion

Overall, the BenQ M100 was designed for users seeking a straightforward and reliable telecommunication tool. Its distinct lack of modern smartphone features highlights its function as a basic mobile device for calls and text messaging. Despite this, it served as a competent tool for staying connected in an increasingly mobile world, filling a niche effectively during its time.