Overview

The Icemobile Crystal is a smartphone that was launched in Q2 of 2011 by Icemobile, a less known brand in the mobile industry. The phone was introduced as a low-cost option for users who were looking for basic smartphone capabilities. Although considered outdated by today's standards, it was an affordable entry into the smartphone realm during its time. The device comes equipped with a modest set of hardware and software specifications that cater to basic telephony and multimedia needs.

Design and Build

The Icemobile Crystal features a straightforward design, with dimensions measuring 111.5 x 56.2 x 13.1 mm. The phone was built to fit well in the hand, showcasing a compact form factor with a simple aesthetic. Weighing in at an unspecified weight, the phone was relatively lightweight, contributing to its portability. It supports dual SIM functionality using Mini-SIM cards, making it convenient for users managing more than one phone line. The body of the phone was available in classic Black and White colors, adding a touch of elegance and simplicity.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, the Icemobile Crystal offers a humble resolution of 240 x 400 pixels. The display density stands at approximately 133 pixels per inch (ppi), which was standard for devices of its range at the time. Capable of displaying 65K colors, the screen was adequate for basic functions such as calling, texting, and browsing. Despite its limitations, the screen size and quality proved sufficient for everyday tasks in an era where high-definition displays were not yet prevalent in budget-friendly phones.

Performance

The phone is powered by the Mediatek MT6516 chipset, a modest processing unit featuring a single-core 416 MHz CPU. While the processor's speed might seem limited, it was capable of handling essential tasks such as making calls, sending texts, and basic mobile applications of the time. The device runs on the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, renowned for its speed and efficiency improvements over its predecessor. With a RAM of 256MB, multitasking capabilities were limited, demanding conservative app usage for smoother performance.

Storage

The Icemobile Crystal provides an internal storage capacity of 512MB, which during its time, was considered sufficient for storing essential apps and media files. However, acknowledging the need for additional space, the phone includes a dedicated microSD slot, allowing users to expand the storage to accommodate more media files and applications as needed.

Camera

The Icemobile Crystal is equipped with a single 1.3 MP rear camera. Although basic, the camera comes with an LED flash, allowing for improved low-light photography. Basic video recording features are also available. Despite the modest camera quality, it allowed users to capture memorable moments at a time when smartphones with advanced photography capabilities were limited to higher-end devices.

Connectivity

The device supports GSM technology, providing 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900). Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. The phone also features a Stereo FM radio, catering to entertainment needs. While not featuring 3G or 4G capabilities, the phone met the basic communication needs efficiently.

Battery Life

The Icemobile Crystal is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery. While modest, the battery size delivers up to 180 hours of stand-by time and up to 5 hours of talk time. Given the lower power requirements of its hardware, users could expect to get through a day with moderate use without needing frequent recharges.

Additional Features

The phone includes an accelerometer sensor for motion detection, accommodating the needs for basic gaming functionalities and other interactive applications. The browser capabilities include support for WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, enabling basic web browsing. Moreover, the presence of a 3.5mm audio jack provides flexibility in using various audio peripherals, enhancing its multimedia usability.

Conclusion

The Icemobile Crystal served as an entry-level smartphone ideal for users seeking essential mobile functionalities without the complexities and cost of high-end devices. It offered substantial features, including dual SIM support, expandable storage, and basic multimedia capabilities, making it a compelling option for its time. Although discontinued, its significance as a budget-friendly smartphone remains a reminder of the evolving technological landscape and its accessibility to a broader audience.