Unveiling BenQ M7 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

BenQ M7: An Overview

Launched in the fourth quarter of 2007, the BenQ M7 was a feature phone that marked its presence in the competitive market of mobile phones during its time. Despite its robust design and a promising set of features, it unfortunately never made it to the market, having been cancelled before launch. However, for enthusiasts of mobile technology, it remains an interesting piece due to its unique specifications and the legacy of BenQ's approach to mobile communication devices.

Design and Build

The BenQ M7 was known for its solid build quality embodied in dimensions of 105 x 47.5 x 16.8 mm and a lightweight body weighing just 93 g. The device was designed with a charcoal body complemented by crimson trims, offering a sleek aesthetic that was both modern and classy for its time. Despite its compact size, the phone provided a good grip and ease of use, particularly for users accustomed to feature phones.

Display

Equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT screen that supported 256K colors, the BenQ M7 offered a screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Although the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 24.8%, the color reproduction and clarity were adequate for basic phone functionalities like messaging, calls, and low-resolution gaming. The pixel density of about 200 ppi provided enough sharpness for everyday tasks, contributing to a decent visual experience for users.

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the BenQ M7 was powered by the Qualcomm 6250A chipset which supported GSM and UMTS network technologies. The device offered a 2 MP main camera capable of recording up to 480p video quality, alongside a VGA front camera meant primarily for video calls. Internally, the device hosted a 50MB storage capacity along with microSD card support for expandable storage, an essential feature for users looking to store more data or multimedia content.

Network and Connectivity

The M7 supported multiple bands for 2G and 3G networks, including GSM 900/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100, allowing users to connect at speeds of up to 384 kbps. Although it was primarily a feature phone, the presence of Bluetooth 1.1 and A-GPS provided moderate connectivity and navigation solutions. Notably, features such as WLAN and radio were absent, aligning with the typical offerings of feature phones in that era.

Camera

The BenQ M7 featured a modest 2 MP rear camera designed for simple photography needs. It had video recording capabilities at 480p, which was considered standard for feature phones then. Additionally, the VGA front-facing camera, primarily intended for video calling, provided an early glimpse at the potential of video chat on mobile devices.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 920 mAh battery, offering up to 400 hours of standby time and around 5 hours of talk time. For its time, this battery capacity was fairly standard, ensuring that users could rely on the phone for a full day's usage on minimal power consumption typically seen in feature phones.

Software and Features

As a feature phone, the BenQ M7 offered basic software geared towards essential utilities and communication needs. The device supported SMS, MMS, EMS, and email, facilitating multiple forms of messaging. The presence of a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allowed for basic web browsing capabilities. Users could also enjoy downloadable polyphonic ringtones as well as Java-based games and applications thanks to MIDP 2.0 support.

Conclusion

While the BenQ M7 never officially launched, its design and feature set showcase an intriguing point in the history of mobile technology. This device, strong on fundamentals, would have offered reliable performance for its time. The mix of attractive design, basic multimedia features, and connectivity made it poised to cater to a range of users seeking functionality without the complexity of emerging smartphones. Despite its cancellation, the BenQ M7 remains a notable mention in the realm of feature phones.