Network and Connectivity

The Icemobile Apollo is equipped with GSM technology, which was prevalent at the time of its release in October 2012. It supports multiple 2G bands (GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 - SIM 1), offering users consistent connectivity in various regions. The device includes GPRS Class 12 for basic data services and EDGE for somewhat faster data speeds, though both are relatively slow by today's standards.

Launch and Availability

The Icemobile Apollo was announced and released in October 2012. Despite its promising features, it has since been discontinued. This status reflects the rapid evolution of mobile technology and the constant demand for more advanced smartphones, which ultimately led to the device becoming obsolete.

Design and Build

Featuring a QWERTY keyboard, the design of the Icemobile Apollo provides tactile typing, appealing to users who preferred physical keypads during the transitional period from feature phones to touchscreen smartphones. The dimensions and weight remain unspecified, but it's available in multiple colors, including White, Black, Pink, Blue, Green, and Red, giving consumers a broader choice to match personal preferences.

Display

The Apollo boasts a 2.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, which results in a pixel density of approximately 222 ppi. Although modest by current standards, this size and resolution were adequate for performing elementary tasks and viewing basic multimedia content during its prime.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), the Icemobile Apollo was part of the early generation of Android devices. The device is powered by a Mediatek MT6515 chipset and a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, complemented by a PowerVR SGX531 GPU. Although its performance may not hold up against today’s smartphones, these specifications were sufficient for handling basic apps and tasks during its release period.

Memory and Storage

This device is equipped with 8MB of RAM and offers expandable storage through a dedicated microSDHC card slot. While the RAM capacity is extremely limited, the presence of expandable storage provided flexibility for users needing additional space for apps and media files, accommodating a common need even in lower-end smartphones.

Camera

The Icemobile Apollo comes with a single 2MP rear camera that is capable of video recording. Although basic, it provides a means for users to capture moments. Additionally, a VGA front-facing camera is included for selfies and video calls, which was a popular feature at the time but limited in image quality.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of audio, the device includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, catering well to multimedia needs. This inclusion allowed users to enjoy music and videos either through headphones or the built-in speaker.

Communication Features

The Apollo supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet connectivity, and Bluetooth for peripheral and file exchanges, which were typical of the era. However, it lacks advanced location services like GPS and modern features like NFC, which were not as widespread at the time of release. An FM radio tuner is included, providing access to traditional broadcast media. Additionally, it features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, the Icemobile Apollo provides manageable battery life suited to its functionalities and hardware of its time. Users found removable batteries convenient for extending device usability by swapping exhausted batteries with fully-charged spares when needed.

Additional Features

The device is fitted with an accelerometer, adding value by enabling automatic screen orientation adjustment and facilitating control in compatible games and applications.

Conclusion

In summary, the Icemobile Apollo was a suitable device for its time, balancing functionality and affordability. Its features, including dual SIM capability, QWERTY keyboard, and basic connectivity options, allowed it to carve a niche in the rapidly expanding smartphone market of the early 2010s. Despite its eventual discontinuation, it remains a representation of the transitional technology phase between feature phones and modern smartphones.