The Motorola C116 is a classic feature phone released in the third quarter of 2004. A product of its time, the C116 is a testament to Motorola's dedication to producing reliable and straightforward mobile devices tailored for basic communication needs. In an era where touchscreen smartphones now dominate, the Motorola C116 represents a nostalgic glimpse into the evolution of mobile technology.
The Motorola C116 operates on GSM technology, supporting GSM 900 and 1800 frequency bands. This enabled users to have reliable voice communication, which was the primary function of mobile devices at the time. It's important to note that this device did not support GPRS or EDGE, making it unsuitable for mobile internet access – a clear indication of its focus on serving as a communication tool rather than a multipurpose device.
With dimensions of 98 x 45 x 21 mm and weighing just 81 grams, the C116 is compact and lightweight, easily fitting into pockets and bags without adding bulk. The design is simple and functional, with a body crafted from durable materials. The device uses a Mini-SIM card, which was standard at the time, and it was available in a Dark Pearl Blue color, offering a subtle aesthetic for users.
The phone features a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels. This might seem quaint by today's standards, but during the time of its release, it was sufficient for displaying essential information such as contacts, messages, and game graphics. The display supports five lines of text, which was typical for feature phones of that era, focusing on clarity and basic functionality.
The Motorola C116 offered a basic memory setup with no card slot option for external storage. The phonebook was SIM-based only, which limited the number of contacts to the capacity of the SIM card itself. Call records were also minimal, storing up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, emphasizing its primary use for direct communication without the need for extensive data storage capabilities.
The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 930 mAh battery, providing exceptional battery life, a notable feature for users prioritizing longevity over advanced functions. The battery offered up to 120 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours of talk time, ensuring users could rely on the device throughout the day without frequent recharges.
Sound features on the Motorola C116 include a range of monophonic ringtones and the option for vibration alerts. There is no loudspeaker or 3.5mm jack, typical for feature phones of its kind, which were not designed with multimedia consumption in mind.
The device supports basic SMS messaging, allowing users to exchange text messages. In terms of entertainment, the Motorola C116 came pre-loaded with three simple games: Chess, Small Bee, and Spring Ball. These games provided casual entertainment, adhering to the straightforward design philosophy of the phone.
The Motorola C116 is a classic example of early 2000s mobile technology, prioritizing straightforward communication over multimedia capabilities. It serves as a reminder of a time when mobile phones were primarily communication tools, a far cry from today’s multifunctional smartphones. Despite its limited features by modern standards, the C116 was a reliable and durable device that met the essential needs of users in its time.
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