Celkon C5050 Star Unveiling Features Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Celkon C5050 Star was a feature phone that catered to users who sought simplicity and functionality in the era of smartphones. Released in August 2013, this device was part of Celkon's strategy to offer affordable and easy-to-use mobile phones. Although it has been discontinued, the C5050 Star remains an example of a basic mobile phone that provided essential mobile communication for users.

Design and Build

The Celkon C5050 Star features a typical candy bar design familiar to many feature phone users. While its dimensions weren't specified, it was designed to be compact and easy to handle. The phone supported Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) functionality, which was popular among those who wanted to separate personal and business calls or who frequently traveled between areas with different network providers.

Display

Equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT display, the Celkon C5050 Star managed to balance size with visibility. The screen resolution stood at 240 x 320 pixels, offering a pixel density of about 143 ppi. This clarity was sufficient for basic tasks such as viewing messages, browsing the contact list, and even playing simple games pre-installed on the device.

Camera

The phone featured a single rear camera with a 1.3 MP lens. While modest by today's standards, the camera was adequate for capturing simple, everyday moments. It also supported basic video recording functionality, which extended its utility beyond just photography.

Audio and Sound

In terms of audio, the C5050 Star came with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to listen to music or make calls using earphones. The device also included a Stereo FM radio, a popular feature for entertainment on-the-go. However, it lacked the wireless capabilities typically needed for more advanced audio streaming or media consumption.

Connectivity and Communications

The Celkon C5050 Star supported GSM networks, specifically in the 900 and 1800 bands for both SIM slots. Though basic internet connectivity was possible via GPRS, the device did not include EDGE support for faster data speeds. Bluetooth was available for local file transfers, but other connectivity options such as WLAN, GPS, and NFC were not included.

Memory and Storage

For storage, the C5050 Star provided a microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand storage for additional photos, music, and other files. The phone’s internal memory supported up to 500 entries in its phonebook, which was sufficient for the average user at the time. Additionally, the phone kept records of calls, further enhancing its practicality.

Battery Life

Powering the Celkon C5050 Star was a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery. This capacity aligned well with the low power requirements of a feature phone, generally providing a reasonable standby and talk time for day-to-day usage. The removable nature of the battery was a plus, as it allowed users to replace the battery if needed.

Operating System and Software

The device operated using a proprietary feature phone OS. This lightweight operating system was designed for performance and ease of use on basic hardware. The phone supported SMS messaging and came with some pre-loaded games. However, it did not support Java applications, which limited its expandability in terms of apps and features.

Market Position and Discontinuation

At its release, the Celkon C5050 Star appealed to budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable phone without the frills of modern smartphones. It was practical for users who needed a device primarily for calls and text messages. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the phone left a mark as an example of practicality and budget-friendly design in the feature phone category.

Conclusion

In summary, the Celkon C5050 Star was an emblematic product of its time, reflecting the needs of consumers who wanted a simple yet functional mobile device. While it has been surpassed by more advanced smartphones, it remains a part of mobile history as a device that met essential communication needs with efficiency and reliability.