Comprehensive Review BenQ M315 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of BenQ M315

The BenQ M315, launched in the first quarter of 2005, represents a quintessential feature phone from this period. Designed for basic communication needs, the device encapsulates the simplicity and functionality that were hallmark traits of mobile phones at the time. Although discontinued, the M315 is still remembered for its compact form, reliable build, and user-friendly interface.

Design and Build

The BenQ M315 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 102 x 44 x 18 mm, making it a conveniently pocketable device. Weighing only 86 grams, the phone is lightweight and easy to handle. Its body accommodates a Mini-SIM card and features a 1.5-inch CSTN display capable of displaying 65K colors. The display resolution of 128 x 128 pixels offers a pixel density of about 121 ppi, which was typical for feature phones of this era. The phone is available in a distinctive Express Silver color, adding a touch of style.

Display Characteristics

The screen of the BenQ M315, while small by modern standards, provides clear and colorful visuals suitable for its basic operations. The CSTN technology used, while not the most advanced, offers acceptable clarity for simple tasks such as reading messages and setting up calls. The 16.2% screen-to-body ratio was standard back then, balancing display size with the overall compactness of the phone.

Network and Connectivity

The BenQ M315 operates on GSM technology, compatible with 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz bands, ensuring reliable connectivity across various regions. It supports GPRS Class 10 for basic data connectivity but does not support EDGE or more advanced data communication protocols. The device also includes Bluetooth 1.1 for simple wireless data transfers, although more advanced connectivity features such as WLAN or GPS are absent.

Camera Functionality

The BenQ M315 is equipped with a basic 0.1 MP CIF camera, designed primarily for capturing simple stills. It lacks video recording capabilities, which aligns with its focus on basic functionality. The absence of a selfie camera aligns with the technological standards of 2005, where such features were not prevalent in feature phones.

Sound and Alert System

The phone does not have a built-in loudspeaker or a standard 3.5mm audio jack, which limits its use as a media device. However, it supports various polyphonic ringtones, including SMAF, iMelody, and Midi formats, alongside 16-tone alert types. These ringtones provided a customizable alert system, allowing users to personalize their device notification sounds.

Memory and Storage

Internal memory options in the BenQ M315 are limited; there is no card slot for storage expansion. However, the phone can store up to 500 contacts in its phonebook, and call records include space for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This storage approach was typical of early feature phones, focusing on fundamental communication needs without the additional storage for multimedia content.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 760 mAh battery, the BenQ M315 offers a commendable standby time of up to 140 hours and up to 5 hours of talk time. This battery life reflects the device's efficiency in managing power consumption, which was a crucial selling point in an era where daily charging wasn't yet the norm.

Software and User Interface

The BenQ M315 operates as a feature phone with a basic user interface that provides essential functions. Users could send SMS and MMS messages, browse the internet using WAP 2.0/xHTML, and enjoy pre-installed games such as Eda Mouse and Cherry Boy. Although lacking more advanced applications or Java support, the device offers straightforward usability aimed at delivering essential communication functions efficiently.

Additional Features

Considering its time, the BenQ M315 was equipped with efficient but limited tools. There were no built-in sensors or capabilities for app ecosystems that define modern smartphones. Instead, the focus remained on fundamental telecommunication tasks, making this device an example of reliable execution of the essential functions that mobile phones of the mid-2000s were expected to perform.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the BenQ M315 is a testament to the simplicity and efficiency of early 2000s mobile phone design. Its feature set might seem rudimentary against today's standards, but it served its purpose by offering basic mobile connectivity and communication options in a compact and easy-to-use form. The phone's longevity can be attributed to its build quality and battery efficiency, hallmarks of a bygone era of straightforward mobile communication. For anyone exploring the evolution of mobile technology, devices like the BenQ M315 provide invaluable insights into the foundations upon which current smartphone technology was built.