Haier N60 Comprehensive Guide with Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Haier N60 is a distinctive mobile phone introduced by Haier in the first quarter of 2005. Although now discontinued, it represented a blend of basic features and novelty with its Linux-based operating system. Its combination of technology and ambitious design aimed to accommodate a niche segment of early tech adopters interested in exploring alternatives to more mainstream mobile platforms available at the time.

Design and Build

The Haier N60 boasts compact dimensions of 94 x 48 x 25 mm and weighs 131 grams, making it relatively lightweight for its time. The device is designed with a Mini-SIM slot and incorporates a TFT resistive touchscreen that supports 256K colors. Although small by modern standards, this display was quite adequate at 320 x 240 pixels resolution, maintaining a 4:3 aspect ratio which was prevalent during that era. Despite its compact form factor, the device’s design holds practicality and ease of use as core aspects.

Display

The N60 features a TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying up to 256K colors. While it did not rival the capacitive screens that would later dominate the market, the resistive touchscreen provided a reliable interface for those accustomed to stylus use. The 320 x 240 pixels resolution was fairly standard for its time, providing satisfactory clarity for basic tasks and media playback.

Performance

Under the hood, the Haier N60 is powered by a 312 MHz CPU, which was a moderate choice given the phone's operational needs. Paired with its Linux operating system, the processing power was sufficient for handling basic applications and multitasking typical for the mid-2000s smartphones. The device offers 60MB of internal storage which could be expanded through an SDIO/MMC card slot, making it flexible enough for users wanting additional space for applications and media.

Camera

The phone comes equipped with a single 1.3 MP main camera. In an era when cameras on phones were still emerging technologies, this was a competitive feature. The camera supported basic photo capturing and video recording functionalities, offering users a means to capture moments with relative ease. However, the absence of a front-facing selfie camera indicates that the primary focus was not on photography but rather on offering an additional capability.

Connectivity

The Haier N60 was designed with essential connectivity options, although it lacked some of the modern standards we take for granted today. The device supported GSM technology operating on 900/1800/1900 bands, ensuring it could be used in many parts across the globe. However, it did not offer EDGE or WLAN connectivity, limiting internet capabilities mainly to WAP 1.2.1 standards. Notably, it also lacked Bluetooth, GPS, and radio capabilities, indicative of its focus on other handset features.

Battery

Powering the device is a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. This was quite standard for the time but offered reasonable battery life considering the phone's usage profile and hardware capabilities. The removable nature of the battery allowed users to easily swap batteries, a significant advantage for those on-the-go or in situations where charging wasn’t immediately available.

Sound and Alerts

The Haier N60 features a loudspeaker and supports various alert types including vibration, downloadable polyphonic tones, and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users were likely to rely on its proprietary USB for any peripheral connectivity needs, including potential audio connections.

Software and Features

Operating on Linux, the Haier N60 brings an interesting option for users during its time, as Linux was more commonly associated with desktop computing rather than mobile. This system allowed for a unique user experience and set of applications compared to the more pervasive Symbian or early Windows Mobile ecosystems. The device featured a basic web browser supporting WAP 1.2.1 standards, placing some limit on the complexity and interactive capabilities that could be accessed online.

Conclusion

The Haier N60 stands as an interesting piece of mobile technology from the mid-2000s. While it doesn’t boast the specifications of high-end smartphones today, it served as a pioneering device demonstrating the versatility and potential of alternative operating systems like Linux in mobile technology. Its compact design, basic multimedia functions, and expandable memory offered practicality for users eager to experience technology outside the norm. Though discontinued, its legacy represents a pivotal moment in mobile device innovation.