Motorola C230 InDepth Review Specs Pricing & User Feedback

Overview of the Motorola C230

The Motorola C230 was a feature phone released in the early 2000s. It was known for its compact design and basic functionalities which catered primarily to voice communication and text messaging. This model was a typical representation of mobile phones of that era, focusing on essential communication needs without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Design and Build

The Motorola C230 featured a compact and lightweight design, measuring 107 x 46 x 22 mm and weighing only 80 grams. Its size made it easy to carry in pockets or small bags, emphasizing portability. The phone's body housed a monochrome grayscale graphic display with a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels, allowing for basic text and simple graphics display. The phone supported a mini-SIM card, typical for devices of its time.

Display Features

Despite its limited display capabilities compared to modern standards, the Motorola C230's screen was adequate for displaying caller information, text messages, and navigating simple menus. The grayscale display was energy efficient, contributing to the phone's extended battery life.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola C230 operated on GSM 900/1800 networks and supported GPRS Class 8 for basic data transfer, which was sufficient for sending and receiving multimedia messages, albeit slowly by today's standards. The phone did not support EDGE, Bluetooth, or WLAN connectivity, limiting its capabilities to basic telecommunications functions.

Battery Performance

One of the standout features of the Motorola C230 was its battery life. The removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery provided between 100 to 250 hours of standby time and 3 to 5 hours of talk time. This long battery life was a strong selling point, as it reduced the frequency of charging that was typically required for more feature-rich phones.

Memory and Storage

The phone did not have expandable storage options and relied on its internal memory to store information. The Motorola C230 could save up to 100 contacts in its phonebook and record up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, which was considered sufficient for average users at the time.

Sound and Alerts

Audible alerts on the Motorola C230 included downloadable polyphonic ringtones and vibration. The absence of a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack limited the phone's use as an audio device. However, the ringtones were customizable, providing a personal touch to alert notifications.

Messaging Capabilities

The phone supported SMS and EMS 5.0 for messaging, which allowed users to exchange basic text messages with some multimedia content. The inclusion of a WAP 1.2.1 browser provided very limited web browsing capabilities, primarily for accessing text-based web pages.

Games and Entertainment

The Motorola C230 came preloaded with three simple games. While the phone did not support Java or more advanced applications, these games offered a basic level of entertainment for users.

Disadvantages and Limitations

Several limitations of the Motorola C230 included its lack of camera, Bluetooth, radio, and advanced data connectivity options. Such omissions were typical trade-offs for affordability and battery life in early mobile phones. The focus was clearly on voice communication, and other features were considered secondary in priority.

Concluding Thoughts

The Motorola C230 served its purpose well as an entry-level mobile phone for users who required a reliable device for making calls and sending texts. In an age before smartphones dominated the market, straightforward devices like the C230 played a crucial role in connecting individuals on the go. Though technologically simple by today's standards, its design and battery life were tailored to meet the essential requirements of users at the time.