Motorola V220 A Comprehensive Guide to Features Specs and Pricing

Overview of Motorola V220

The Motorola V220, launched in the fourth quarter of 2003, was a clamshell mobile phone that embodied the technological advancements and design ethos of the early 2000s. As a feature phone, the V220 provided basic functionalities that catered to the communication needs of its time. Although it has been discontinued, the V220 remains a symbol of a bygone era of mobile technology, offering insights into the evolution of mobile phones.

Design and Build

The Motorola V220 was designed with dimensions of 85.5 x 44 x 24 mm and a volume of 80 cc, making it compact and easy to carry around. Weighing 100 grams, the phone had a solid build with a sturdy clamshell design, which was popular during the era for protecting the keypad and preventing accidental calls. The phone used a Mini-SIM card, consistent with the standards at the time.

Display Characteristics

The V220 featured a CSTN display capable of displaying 65K colors. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the screen was sufficient for basic tasks like reading text messages and viewing low-resolution pictures. While the lack of screen size specification implies a relatively small display, it served its purpose for text and simple graphic displays.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a VGA camera, the Motorola V220 allowed users to capture images at a basic level. The 0.3MP camera was one of the early attempts to integrate photography into mobile phones, enabling users to take pictures on the go. However, the phone did not support video recording, which was a limitation given the technological constraints of the time.

Battery Life

The Motorola V220 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 860 mAh battery (model BX200). This battery offered a decent standby time of up to 216 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours, reflecting the energy efficiency of feature phones. Users could easily replace the battery, an advantage for those who required extended phone usage.

Memory and Storage

The phone provided 1.8MB of internal storage, which was modest by today’s standards but adequate for storing contacts and a few small files. The absence of a card slot meant that users couldn't expand the storage. The phonebook could store up to 500 entries, and it supported photo calls, which was a novel feature at the time.

Network and Connectivity

Operating on GSM technology, the Motorola V220 supported 2G networks with frequency bands of GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. However, it did not offer EDGE connectivity or any options for enhanced data speeds, reflecting the nascent stage of mobile internet usage. The phone did not support WLAN, Bluetooth, radio, or GPS, limiting its connectivity options.

Sound and Alerts

For alerts, the V220 featured vibration and supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Although it lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, the phone's loudspeaker allowed for hands-free operation and music playback, which were appealing features for users seeking basic multimedia capabilities.

Software and Functionality

As a feature phone, the Motorola V220 did not run on a modern operating system but offered essential software features such as SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser provided limited internet browsing capabilities. Additionally, it supported Java (MIDP 2.0), enabling users to run basic Java applications and games like "Hungry Fish" and "OptItOut."

Additional Features

Despite its limited features by today’s standards, the Motorola V220 catered to the core needs of users at the time. The lack of sensors, such as proximity or ambient light sensors, highlighted its simplicity. However, its sturdy design, reliable battery life, and basic multimedia capabilities made it a popular choice among users looking for a straightforward and functional mobile phone.

Legacy and Impact

The Motorola V220 represents a significant chapter in the history of mobile telecommunications. It reflects the transition from simple feature phones to more advanced multifunctional devices. As mobile technology continued to evolve, the foundational features seen in devices like the V220 paved the way for the development of smartphones. The V220 remains a nostalgic piece for those who experienced the early days of portable communication technology.