Ultimate Guide to Casio GzOne Ravine Specs Pricing & More

Overview

The Casio G'zOne Ravine is a rugged feature phone that was announced and released in October 2010. Known for its durability, the phone is designed to withstand harsh environments and usage conditions, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and those with demanding jobs. Despite its simplicity compared to modern smartphones, the Ravine offers a unique blend of toughness and essential mobile communication features.

Design and Build

The Ravine boasts a robust physical design, with dimensions of 109.2 x 53.3 x 20.3 mm and a weight of 131 grams. It's constructed to endure tough conditions, thanks to its rugged build that meets military specifications. The phone's exterior is characterized by a solid black color, providing a professional and utilitarian appearance. The Mini-SIM card slot ensures compatibility with network providers that support this form factor.

Display

The Casio G'zOne Ravine is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display, capable of displaying 65K colors. The screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 4:3 and a pixel density of approximately 182 ppi, offers clear and adequate visuals for the phone's basic functions. Although the screen size and color depth are limited by today's standards, they serve the phone's purpose well at the time of its release.

Performance and Operating System

The phone operates on a feature phone operating system, supporting only basic functionalities compared to modern smartphones. It features 192MB of RAM and 512MB of internal storage, allowing for the phone's basic operations and the storage of essential apps and data. The microSD slot enables users to expand storage, essential for those needing additional space for media and other files. Despite the apparent constraints, the Ravine performs efficiently in its primary role as a communication device.

Network and Connectivity

The Casio G'zOne Ravine supports CDMA and EVDO network technologies, providing a reliable connection for voice calls and mobile data with a maximum speed of 3.1 Mbps under EV-DO Rev.A. It includes Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless connectivity, although the absence of WLAN and radio features might be noted by users expecting such capabilities.

Camera

The phone comes with a single 3.15 MP camera equipped with autofocus and LED flash, allowing for basic photography and video recording. Although there's no front-facing camera or advanced photography features typical of contemporary smartphones, the camera serves well for capturing moments in appropriate lighting conditions.

Battery Life

The Ravine is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1140 mAh battery, providing up to 490 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes of talk time. Additionally, the device supports an extended battery option with a capacity of 1600 mAh, ensuring longer usage between charges, especially valuable for outdoor use where charging options might be limited.

Additional Features

One of the notable aspects of the G'zOne Ravine is its array of sensors, including an accelerometer, compass, and thermometer, which enhance its usability in outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the phone supports GPS and A-GPS for navigational purposes, a useful feature for users in unfamiliar or challenging terrains. The absence of multimedia features like a 3.5mm headphone jack and radio is somewhat offset by its robust construction and practical functionalities.

User Experience

The Casio G'zOne Ravine’s user experience is rooted in its durability and essential mobile functionality. It targets individuals who prioritize reliability and longevity over advanced technology. Messaging options include SMS (with threaded view), MMS, and email capabilities, offering comprehensive communication methods despite the limited operating system.

Conclusion

The Casio G'zOne Ravine holds its place as a reliable and sturdy feature phone that caters to a specific demographic of users who value resilience and practicality. While lacking the advanced features found in modern smartphones, its rugged design, respectable battery life, and essential communication capabilities make it a noteworthy choice for those in need of a dependable, simple mobile device. Even after being discontinued, the Ravine remains a relevant option for users requiring a phone that can withstand the rigors of challenging environments.