Motorola GLEAM Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction

The Motorola GLEAM is a feature phone that was announced in February 2011 and released in May of the same year. Known for its classic clamshell design, the GLEAM catered to users who prefer a straightforward mobile phone experience without the complexities of a smartphone. Despite being discontinued, it remains a nostalgic symbol for many who enjoyed feature phones during their prime era.

Design and Build

The Motorola GLEAM maintains a stylish and minimalist aesthetic with its clamshell form factor. It measures 106 x 53 x 13.9 mm and weighs 105 grams, providing a compact and lightweight design that easily fits in pockets. The phone offers a sturdy build with a smooth finish and is available in classic Black and Red colors. Its flip-open mechanism remains a favorite feature among users who appreciate the tactile and satisfying action of opening a flip phone.

Display

The GLEAM features a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, offering 256K colors. While the screen size and resolution might seem modest by today's standards, it provides clear and vibrant visuals for viewing messages, calls, and menu navigation. It achieves a reasonable screen-to-body ratio of approximately 31.8%, which is typical for feature phones.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP main camera, the Motorola GLEAM allows users to capture basic photos and videos. Although it lacks advanced features seen in modern smartphones, this camera serves its purpose for casual photography needs. The absence of a front selfie camera emphasizes its focus on simplicity and essential functions.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with an internal memory of 5 MB, which is relatively limited but sufficient for storing contacts, call records, and a small number of text messages. Fortunately, it includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand storage and store additional media files. The phonebook can store up to 800 entries, providing ample space for contacts with photocall capability.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola GLEAM operates on the GSM 900/1800 2G bands and does not support 3G or 4G networks. For basic connectivity, it includes Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless data transfer and stereo FM radio for entertainment. The phone also supports microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer, emphasizing its practical and functional design.

Battery Life

One of the notable features of the GLEAM is its removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, which offers up to 500 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. This impressive battery life ensures that users can rely on the phone for extended periods without frequent recharging, a feature often missed in contemporary smartphones.

Features and Functionality

The Motorola GLEAM is designed to offer essential features for communication. It supports SMS, MMS, and Email for messaging, along with a basic HTML browser for limited internet access. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack allows users to connect headphones or external speakers for an enhanced audio experience. The phone also incorporates a selection of pre-installed games, providing entertainment options for users.

User Experience

The Motorola GLEAM's user interface is straightforward and intuitive, allowing easy navigation through its features and settings. The tactile feedback from the physical keypad ensures a satisfying user experience for typing messages and dialing numbers. Its minimalist design and reliable functionality cater to users who value simplicity and efficiency in a mobile device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Motorola GLEAM is a classic feature phone that offers a refreshing break from the complexity of modern smartphones. Its elegant clamshell design, basic yet reliable features, and excellent battery life make it an appealing choice for users who prioritize simplicity and nostalgia. Although it has been discontinued, the GLEAM remains a worthy piece of mobile history, capturing the essence of an era when feature phones reigned supreme.