Jolla Jolla The Complete Guide to Specs Prices Pros and Cons

Overview of the Jolla Jolla Device

The Jolla Jolla smartphone, released in November 2013, represents a unique entry in the smartphone market, emphasizing innovation through its open-source Sailfish OS, developed by former Nokia employees. The device is designed to cater to tech enthusiasts who are keen on exploring alternative mobile operating systems beyond mainstream offerings like Android and iOS.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 131 x 68 x 9.9 mm and weighing 141 grams, the Jolla Jolla presents a compact and solid form factor. It features an IPS LCD screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2, offering durability against scratches and everyday wear. The phone's design incorporates modularity through detachable back covers—called "The Other Half"—which can change its appearance and enable additional functionalities.

Display

The 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels provides a decent viewing experience at a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. The screen's size and resolution were considered standard in its release period, allowing for comfortable media consumption and general use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Jolla Jolla is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, with a dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait 300 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. These specifications ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks, although they may not accommodate heavy gaming or intensive applications by modern standards. The device's 1GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC slot, offer sufficient space for apps and media.

Operating System: Sailfish OS

Jolla Jolla's most distinguishing feature is its operating system. Sailfish OS emphasizes gesture-based navigation, offering a fluid and unique user interface experience. Initially launched with Sailfish 1 and upgradeable to Sailfish 2.0, the OS supports multitasking and offers compatibility with a range of Android applications, appealing to users who prefer more openness and control over their devices.

Camera Capabilities

The device includes an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture and autofocus capabilities, supported by an LED flash. It is capable of shooting 1080p video at 30 fps. For selfies and video calls, a 2 MP front camera provides 720p video recording. While not groundbreaking, the camera setup offers reliable performance for capturing day-to-day moments.

Battery Life

The Jolla Jolla is equipped with a 2100 mAh removable Li-Ion battery, allowing users to carry spares if needed. The battery supports up to 500 hours of standby time and approximately 9 to 10 hours of talk time, offering reasonable endurance for most users throughout the day.

Connectivity and Network Support

The smartphone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, covering a broad range of connectivity options accessible to most users. It includes essential modern connectivity features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC. However, it lacks a radio feature, which might be a consideration for some users.

Additional Features

The Jolla Jolla includes a set of sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device's functionality and user interaction capabilities. The presence of a standard 3.5mm jack allows users to utilize their preferred headphones without hassles.

Market Impact and Reception

Upon its release, the Jolla Jolla attracted attention in technology circles for its innovative approach and departure from mainstream mobile operating systems. It appealed mostly to developers and open-source enthusiasts interested in a customizable and secure mobile experience. Despite limited commercial success, the device helped establish Sailfish OS in the mobile ecosystem, fostering a community dedicated to its continuous development.

Conclusion

The Jolla Jolla remains a significant device for its bold attempt at challenging the status quo of mobile operating systems and user interface design. While it may not compete with current high-end smartphones in terms of specifications or features, it represents an important step in the exploration of alternative mobile ecosystems. For users seeking a unique experience, it holds nostalgic value and exemplifies a distinct moment in smartphone innovation.