Unveiling the Motorola ROKR W5 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola ROKR W5

The Motorola ROKR W5 was introduced in September 2007 and symbolized the company's continued efforts to blend mobile technology with music capabilities, following the earlier ROKR E1. The W5 model is notable for its focus on music functionalities, whilst providing standard mobile phone features of its time.

Design and Build

The Motorola ROKR W5 was built with practicality and style in mind. It measured 99 x 46 x 17.5 mm, possessing a volume of 70 cc, and weighed 107 g, making it compact and easy to carry. The design employed a mini-SIM format and the exterior was finished in a sleek Dark Pearl Gray, appealing to users seeking a modern yet classic look.

Display Features

The device featured a 1.9-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, a standard for its time. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels and a ~148 ppi density, the screen provided clear and vibrant visuals while maintaining power efficiency. Although small by today’s standards, it was adequate for basic tasks and media viewing during its era.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM technology, the ROKR W5 was compatible with 2G bands on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz spectrum. Connectivity options included Class 10 GPRS and EDGE, allowing users to browse the web at manageable speeds. Additionally, the device featured Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP support, enabling users to connect wirelessly to compatible audio devices and peripherals.

Memory and Storage Capabilities

The phone came with 20MB of internal storage, quite limited by today’s standards but sufficient for storing essential files and applications in its time. For those requiring more space, a dedicated microSD card slot was available for expanded storage. The phone could store up to 1000 contacts with photo call capabilities and maintained call records for dialed, received, and missed calls.

Camera Specifications

The main camera was a single 1.3 MP unit, capable of capturing images and videos. While modest compared to modern smartphones, this camera allowed users to capture moments on the go, a notable feature for non-smartphones during this period.

Sound and Multimedia

The ROKR W5 was particularly music-focused, with support for MP3 ringtones and a loudspeaker. Although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, users could leverage the Bluetooth functionality to enjoy music wirelessly. Its capacity to download and play music files was a hallmark of its multimedia capabilities.

Software and User Interface

As a feature phone, the ROKR W5 operated on a proprietary Motorola OS streamlined for ease of use. It supported SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging, as well as WAP 2.0/xHTML browsing for basic internet access. Gamers could entertain themselves with pre-installed games, while Java MIDP 2.0 support allowed for additional third-party applications.

Battery Life and Efficiency

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery, offering up to 340 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time. This made it highly efficient for daily use, especially given the lower energy demands of a feature phone compared to modern smartphones.

Value and Market Position

At a price point of approximately 100 EUR, the Motorola ROKR W5 offered a compelling blend of music features and mobile communication capabilities, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. It served as a reliable companion for music lovers who also valued a device's connectivity and multimedia functionalities.

Conclusion

The Motorola ROKR W5 stands as a significant part of Motorola's mobile phone legacy, bridging the gap between basic communication devices and multimedia-focused phones. While technology has vastly advanced since its release, the W5 remains a memorable milestone in the evolution of mobile music integration.