Overview of Casio G'zOne Commando
The Casio G'zOne Commando, released in April 2011, is a rugged smartphone that was designed to combine the robust features of outdoor equipment with the capabilities of a modern smartphone. Known for its durability, it was particularly targeted at users who needed a device that could withstand tough environmental conditions, while still providing essential smartphone functionalities.
Design and Build
The design of the Casio G'zOne Commando reflects its purpose as a tough, durable device. With dimensions of 129 x 65.5 x 15.2 mm and a weight of 154 g, it feels solid and substantial in the hand. Its robust build is tailored to withstand shocks, drops, and the elements, which makes it ideal for outdoor adventurers. The phone features a rugged black casing, ensuring that it's not only functional in demanding conditions but also visually appealing in an understated way.
Display
The Commando is equipped with a 3.6-inch TFT display. Despite its relatively small size by today’s standards, the screen offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, providing decent clarity and color reproduction for its time. The display, with a pixel density of approximately 259 ppi, ensures that users can view images and read text clearly, even in bright outdoor conditions, thanks to its design tailored for rugged environments.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Casio G'zOne Commando is powered by an unspecified processor that runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). It includes 512MB of RAM and 1GB of internal storage, which might seem minimal by modern standards but was relatively standard during its release period. The device also offers expandable storage through a dedicated microSDHC slot, with an included 8GB card, allowing users to store additional media and files.
Camera Capabilities
The Commando features a single 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash capabilities. While it may lack the advanced camera features of modern smartphones, it serves well for basic photography, especially in well-lit conditions. The absence of a dedicated selfie camera aligns with its rugged nature, focusing more on utility and durability rather than multimedia prowess.
Battery Life
Powered by a removable 1460 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Casio G'zOne Commando promises up to 270 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This level of battery life was sufficient for users who needed a reliable device during outdoor activities without frequent recharging.
Connectivity and Network
The device supports CDMA/EVDO technology, providing 2G and 3G network capabilities. It operates on CDMA 800/1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO frequencies, ensuring wide coverage for users in compatible regions. The Commando offers connection speeds up to EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, which was adequate for the common tasks during its time of release.
Additional Features
One of the standout features of the G'zOne Commando is its array of sensors catering to outdoor enthusiasts. It includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and even a thermometer, making it a versatile tool in various situations. Wireless communication options comprise Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, as well as GPS with A-GPS support. Although it lacks a radio, it includes a standard 3.5mm audio jack and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.
Sensors and Usability
The Casio G'zOne Commando integrates various sensors like an accelerometer, compass, and proximity sensors, focusing on utility and usability in different environments. These sensors enhance the phone’s functionality, providing users with relevant data when navigating or undertaking outdoor activities. The inclusion of a thermometer is particularly unique, catering to specific niche requirements that align with its rugged design philosophy.
Market Position and Price
Initially priced at around 300 EUR, the Casio G'zOne Commando was positioned as a mid-range rugged smartphone. Its pricing reflected its durability and niche market appeal rather than high-end performance. Although discontinued, it remains a reference point in the rugged smartphone market for its unique combination of toughness and essential smartphone capabilities.
Conclusion
The Casio G'zOne Commando is a distinctive device that stood out during its era for its rugged design and essential features tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. While it may not compete with contemporary smartphones in terms of pure specifications, its durability and specialized features ensure it remains a memorable piece of technology history for those who require reliability and functionality in harsh environments.
Key Features of Casio G'zOne Commando
- Durable and rugged design suitable for outdoor use.
- Supports CDMA/EVDO network technology with EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps speed.
- Compact dimensions and relatively lightweight at 154 g (5.43 oz).
- 3.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels providing ~259 ppi density.
- Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system.
- Expandable memory via microSDHC slot, with 8 GB card included.
- 5 MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n capable with hotspot functionality.
- Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support.
- GPS with A-GPS support for precise navigation.
- Equipped with accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and thermometer.
- Removable Li-Ion 1460 mAh battery providing up to 7.5 hours of talk time.
- Standard 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity.
Disadvantages of Casio G'zOne Commando
- Limited Network Technology: Only supports CDMA/EVDO, with no support for GSM networks.
- 3G Only: Lack of 4G LTE support, limiting faster internet speeds.
- Discontinued Status: No longer in production, making it difficult to find new units.
- Thick Body: Dimensions of 15.2 mm in thickness can be considered bulky.
- Small Screen-to-Body Ratio: Screen occupies only about 43.7% of the front, leading to less display space.
- Old OS Version: Runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which is outdated and possibly unsupported by many apps.
- Limited Internal Storage: Only 1GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM can restrict performance and app installations.
- No Front Camera: Lacks a selfie camera, which is a standard feature in modern smartphones.
- Basic Main Camera: A single 5 MP camera, which may not meet the modern standards for photography.
- No Radio Feature: Absence of FM or any form of radio.
- Modest Battery Capacity: 1460 mAh battery may not provide enough power for prolonged use.
- Older Bluetooth Version: Uses Bluetooth 2.1, which is less efficient compared to newer versions.
- High SAR Values: With a SAR of 1.13 W/kg (head) and 1.44 W/kg (body), it might concern users sensitive to electromagnetic radiation.
- No Color Options: Available only in Black, limiting personalization choices.
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