Unveiling Motorola A840 Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Motorola A840

The Motorola A840 was a unique device during its time, combining features that straddled both CDMA and GSM networks. Introduced in the first quarter of 2004, the A840 catered to both the needs of frequent international travelers and those who appreciated a robust and feature-rich mobile phone experience. This device, though discontinued now, has retained its place in mobile phone history as a noteworthy example of technological advancement in a pre-smartphone era.

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola A840 features a compact design with dimensions of 94 x 49 x 24 mm and weighs 115 grams. This made it portable and lightweight, easily fitting into pockets and bags without much hassle. The phone was built with a durable plastic material typical of mobile phones of that period, lending it a rugged sturdiness that could withstand daily wear and tear.

Display Features

It comes with a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of showcasing 256K colors, a standard during its release period. The screen's resolution stands at 176 x 220 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 128 pixels per inch. While not comparable to today's high-definition screens, it provided clear and vibrant images suitable for the functions it served, such as reading texts, viewing contact photos, or playing basic games.

Camera Capabilities

The Motorola A840 was equipped with a 1.3 MP main camera accompanied by an LED flash, allowing users to capture images in less-than-optimal lighting conditions. It also supported video recording, thus expanding its utility beyond simple photography. Though the camera specifications may seem modest by today’s standards, during its release, having a camera was a meaningful feature.

Network and Connectivity

This phone supported GSM 900/1800 bands with GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity. It was one of the few phones of its time that could operate over multiple network standards, a feature particularly beneficial for users who traveled internationally. However, it lacked support for EDGE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, limiting its potential for wireless data transfer compared to later models. The phone also included GPS for navigation purposes.

Performance and Battery Life

The device operated on a feature phone operating system typical of the early 2000s and aimed to deliver straightforward functionality without the need for high processing power. It housed a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 850 mAh, offering standby time up to 160 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. These battery specifications ensured that users could rely on the phone throughout the day with moderate usage.

Storage and Memory

The Motorola A840 featured a phonebook capable of storing 500 entries with photo call options, which was quite significant for its time. It also included a dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage, allowing users to store additional contacts, messages, and media without worrying too much about running out of space quickly. Although the exact RAM capacity remains unspecified, it was sufficient for the simple applications and tasks it needed to handle.

Additional Features

The device supported a range of messaging services including SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, catering to various communication preferences. It also had a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing. The JAVA support enabled users to download and use JAVA-based applications and games, enriching the user experience.

Sound and Multimedia

The Motorola A840 was equipped with a loudspeaker and had support for vibration alerts and downloadable MP3 ringtones, offering a degree of personalization. It did not feature a 3.5mm jack, a limitation meaning users had to rely on its loudspeaker or any proprietary headphone connectors.

Conclusion

The Motorola A840 stands as a symbol of mobile innovation from its era, providing robust functionality suited for both personal and professional use. Its dual capability of functioning across different networks and its inclusion of a camera, expandable storage, and various messaging formats made it a popular choice among consumers who appreciated versatility before the smartphone boom ensued.