BenQ M220 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of BenQ M220

The BenQ M220 is a feature phone that was announced in the first quarter of 2005. Despite being discontinued now, it stood out during its time due to its simple design and functionality. The device is tailored for users who required basic mobile operations such as calling and texting, without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Design and Build

The BenQ M220 features compact dimensions of 102 x 44 x 18 mm, making it easy to hold and operate with one hand. Weighing just 86 grams, it is lightweight and portable. The phone carries a minimalist design language, with a simple keypad and navigation buttons that facilitate ease of use. Available in three classic colors - Cool Silver, Stark White, and Crystal Black, it provided some degree of personalization to users.

Display Features

Equipped with a CSTN display, the M220 features a 1.5-inch screen, having a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels at approximately 121 ppi pixel density. Although not the most advanced, this display suffices for the basic features the phone offers. It can display 65K colors, providing decent visibility and clarity for reading messages and browsing through the phone's menu.

Network and Connectivity

The phone supports GSM technology, with 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. It is equipped with GPRS Class 10, but does not support EDGE. Various common connectivity options found in modern phones, such as Bluetooth and WLAN, are absent in this model, reflective of its era and target market.

Performance and Storage

As a feature phone, the BenQ M220 operates on a basic system designed to handle essential tasks such as calling, texting, and basic gaming. The device does not provide options for memory expansion as it lacks a card slot. However, it can store up to 500 phonebook entries, ensuring users have ample space for contact storage. Additionally, it maintains records of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Sound and Alerts

The BenQ M220 is equipped with polyphonic ringtones and supports various alert types including vibration and 16-voice polyphonic sounds (SMAF, iMelody, and Midi). However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and loudspeaker might limit audio versatility. Nevertheless, the inclusion of an FM radio offers users a source of entertainment and information.

Messaging and Browser

When it comes to messaging, the M220 supports SMS, EMS, and MMS, catering to the basic messaging needs. The phone includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, allowing for minimal web browsing experiences, typical for feature phones of that era.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 760 mAh battery. It provides a stand-by time of up to 140 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. This battery performance was considered adequate for prolonged phone usage, given the less demanding hardware.

Additional Features

For entertainment, the BenQ M220 includes simple games like Eda Mouse and Cherry Boy. However, it does not support Java, limiting the availability of third-party applications and additional games. The phone's proprietary USB port limits connectivity with computers and other devices.

Conclusion

The BenQ M220 is a quintessential feature phone that provided essential mobile functions during a time when feature phones were prevalent. Its simplicity, compactness, and basic functionalities made it a popular choice for users prioritizing essential communication features over the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones. Though discontinued, it remains a part of mobile evolution history, symbolizing the transitional phase in mobile technology.