Unveiling the Motorola T720i Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction and Market Context

The Motorola T720i was introduced in October 2002, marking a significant advancement in mobile phone technology at the time. As a feature phone, it offered a blend of basic functionality and cutting-edge features for the era. The T720i was part of Motorola's strategy to capture the growing market for mobile communication by providing an appealing device that was both compact and functional. While it may seem basic by today's standards, at the time of its release, it was considered a phone with several high-end characteristics.

Design and Build

The design of the Motorola T720i was one of its most distinct features. It had dimensions of 90 x 47 x 21 mm and weighed approximately 100 grams, making it compact and easy to carry. The design was sleek with a flip-phone style, which was highly desirable in the early 2000s. The build quality was robust, ensuring durability, with the use of sturdy materials common to Motorola products at the time. The phone used a Mini-SIM, which was standard for most phones then.

Display

The display of the T720i was a CSTN screen capable of showcasing 4096 colors. It had a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels, which displayed up to 9 lines of text. While the display was small compared to modern smartphones, it was considered quite advanced for its ability to render colors that made texts and menus visually appealing. The 4:3 aspect ratio provided a familiar viewing experience for users transitioning from analog devices.

Network and Connectivity

On the network front, the Motorola T720i was equipped with GSM technology operating on 900/1800 bands. It supported GPRS Class 8 for data connectivity, though it did not have support for EDGE networks or more modern data transfer protocols. The lack of Bluetooth, WLAN, and USB connectivity reflected its standing as a basic feature phone, designed primarily for calls and simple text communication.

Memory and Storage

The T720i came with a built-in phonebook capable of storing up to 500 contacts, which was generous for its time. Additionally, it logged 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. However, it did not support external storage cards, which meant that users had to manage storage capacity within the available room in the internal memory.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound capabilities included a loudspeaker and support for vibration alerts, downloadable polyphonic ringtones, and a composer feature for creating custom ringtones. Despite not having a 3.5mm headphone jack, the phone's sound features were sufficient for users who primarily required basic audio feedback and alert tones.

Features and Applications

The T720i was equipped with several preloaded features and applications, such as basic messaging through SMS and EMS 5.0, and a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet access. Although limited by modern standards, it provided a taste of mobile web browsing. Notably, the phone supported Java, allowing users to enjoy simple Java-based games and applications, a significant draw for younger audiences at that time.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery, identified by the model number (98481/SNN5595). The battery life was one of the strengths of the T720i, offering up to 390 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours 50 minutes of talk time. This kind of endurance was essential for maintaining communication without frequent recharge interruptions, which was highly appreciated by users.

Conclusion

Overall, the Motorola T720i was a pivotal device in the early 2000s, combining practical features with a stylish design that appealed to a wide range of users. While it lacked many advanced functionalities that are considered standard today, its focus on essential features like reliable call performance, text messaging, and a long-lasting battery made it a favored choice for its user base. The T720i exemplifies a time in mobile technology where simplicity combined with just a hint of modernity was key to winning consumer confidence.