Motorola W231 Comprehensive Review Pricing & Features

Overview of Motorola W231

The Motorola W231 is a feature phone that was announced in the third quarter of 2008 and released in November of the same year. It is characterized by minimalist functionality tailored for users looking for basic mobile communication solutions. As a basic phone, the W231 highlights simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability over high-tech features prevalent in modern smartphones. With fundamental amenities such as voice calls, messaging, and a simple user interface, it represents a nostalgic glance into the era before smartphones dominated the market.

Network Specifications

The Motorola W231 operates on GSM networks with support for GSM 900 and 1800 bands. It offers GPRS class 8 connectivity, providing limited data capabilities suitable for basic mobile browsing. Notably, the device does not support EDGE, which further emphasizes its minimalistic design for essential communication needs.

Design and Build

The W231 is compact and lightweight, measuring 108 x 44 x 14.9 mm and weighing only 85 grams. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry around. The phone's build incorporates a mini-SIM slot, sticking to the conventional design of that time. Its body is available in a striking red color, adding a vibrant touch to its straightforward aesthetics. Despite its simplicity, the device's robust design ensures durability suitable for everyday use.

Display

Featuring a 1.6-inch CSTN display with 65K colors, the Motorola W231 ensures basic visibility for its functions. The resolution stands at 128 x 128 pixels, yielding a pixel density of approximately 113 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is about 17.4%, indicating a prominent bezel typical of phones from its era. Although modest by contemporary standards, it efficiently fulfills the display needs for messaging and rudimentary navigation.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with an internal storage capacity of 1MB. However, it supports external expansion via a dedicated microSD slot, providing flexibility for users to store additional data. The device's phonebook feature can accommodate up to 500 entries, with call records for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, thus adequately managing daily communication records.

Audio and Sound

On the audio front, the W231 is equipped with a loudspeaker and stereo speakers, delivering reasonable audio quality for calls and music playback. Additionally, a 3.5mm audio jack enables users to connect headphones, emphasizing how this feature phone caters to basic multimedia needs through simplicity and accessibility.

Communication and Connectivity

The phone does not include advanced connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or GPS. However, it features a stereo FM radio and USB 1.1 connectivity. The inclusion of a stereo FM radio offers users a means to enjoy music and news on-the-go, compensating for the lack of advanced data and connectivity options in the device.

Battery Life

Motorola W231 is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, delivering a substantial stand-by time of up to 465 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours and 30 minutes. This long-lasting battery performance is a significant advantage, providing reliability for users who prioritize prolonged usage without frequent charging.

Messaging and Additional Features

The device supports various messaging formats, including SMS, MMS, and email. It also includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, allowing users to access basic internet services. The phone comes preloaded with games, offering some entertainment value alongside its practical purposes. Notably, there are no built-in sensors or cameras, focusing on the core essentials rather than advanced technology.

Price and Market Position

At the time of its release, the Motorola W231 was priced at approximately 40 EUR, placing it in the budget segment of the market. Its affordability and essential feature set made it an attractive option for users seeking a simple, reliable phone without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Conclusion

The Motorola W231 is a reflection of the transitional phase in mobile technology, standing somewhere between the traditional feature phone and the emergent smartphone era. Its design and features cater to practical and economical user needs, highlighting simplicity, durability, and efficacy in performing core tasks expected from a communication device. While technologically limited by today's standards, its value in providing essential communication solutions is undiminished, exemplifying a straightforward user experience that many find preferable or necessary even in contemporary times.