Price and specifications of Motorola MOTOKEY Mini EX109 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola MOTOKEY Mini EX109 is a compact feature phone that was announced and released in August 2011. Despite its small size, with dimensions of 102 x 59.5 x 12.8 mm and a weight of just 87 grams, it manages to incorporate a full QWERTY keyboard, making it user-friendly for typing messages and emails. The device comes with a classic brown color aesthetic which, while simple, is quite elegant.

Display

This device features a 2.0-inch TFT display. Although small by today's standards, the screen offers a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels, giving it a pixel density of approximately 141 ppi. The display size is about 20.7% screen-to-body ratio, which is quite typical for feature phones. Its compact display makes it easy to navigate, suitable for basic texting and calling functions.

Network and Connectivity

The MOTOKEY Mini EX109 supports GSM technology and can operate on 2G bands, specifically GSM 850/900/1800/1900, accommodating users in various regions. It also supports GPRS and EDGE Class 10 for basic internet connectivity. However, the device lacks Wi-Fi capability but compensates with Bluetooth 2.1, A2DP, and EDR for wireless data transfer. A microUSB 2.0 port is provided for wired data connections and charging.

Camera

Equipped with a simple 2 MP main camera, the Motorola MOTOKEY Mini allows users to capture basic photos. The camera can also record videos at a frame rate of 14fps, suitable for occasional video clips. However, it lacks a front-facing camera, which aligns with the typical design of feature phones from its time.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage space is limited to 50MB, which restricts the number of apps and data you can store directly on the device. Thankfully, the phone includes a microSDHC card slot, with a 2 GB card included, allowing expansion and more flexibility for storing media. The phonebook can save up to 200 entries with photocall, and call records are supported, ensuring basic communication needs are met.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of this phone is its battery life. The removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery offers up to 500 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours and 20 minutes of talk time, which is impressive when compared to modern smartphones. This long battery life is highly beneficial for users who need a reliable mobile phone for calls and texts.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, allowing for standard audio output. It supports stereo FM radio, providing an additional entertainment option. Java support enables simple games, and traditional messaging functions such as SMS, MMS, Email, and IM are present, ensuring it covers the essentials in mobile communication.

Additional Features

The Motorola MOTOKEY Mini EX109 lacks advanced sensors and positioning systems, which are typical in more modern devices. However, it meets basic communication needs and offers features like dual SIM functionality, making it suitable for users managing two phone lines simultaneously without carrying multiple devices.

Price and Availability

When released, the Motorola MOTOKEY Mini EX109 was priced at approximately 60 EUR. This price point made it accessible for a broad range of customers, from those looking for a secondary phone to users in regions where smartphones were less prevalent. As of now, the device has been discontinued, but it remains an iconic example of pre-smartphone era devices.