Introduction to Motorola W360
The Motorola W360 is a feature phone that was announced in March 2007 and has since been discontinued. During its time, it was a practical choice for users seeking a basic mobile phone experience without the complexities of modern smartphones. Below, we delve into the specific features and characteristics that define this device, aligning with technological standards of its era.
Design and Build
The Motorola W360 features a compact and straightforward design, with dimensions of 113 x 47 x 11.9 mm and a weight of 98 grams. Its lightweight nature made it easy to carry and convenient for one-handed use. The phone uses a Mini-SIM and focuses on functionality rather than aesthetics. The build quality is robust enough to handle regular daily wear and tear, adhering to the standards of mid-2000s mobile devices.
Display
Equipped with a 1.6-inch TFT screen displaying 65K colors, the W360 provides a decent viewing experience for text and simple graphics. The screen has a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels giving it about 128 pixels per inch density. The display quality, while basic, was sufficient for typical use cases like browsing contacts, reading messages, and navigating menus.
Network and Connectivity
The Motorola W360 is a GSM phone that operates on the GSM 900 and 1800 bands. It lacks modern connectivity features such as GPRS, EDGE, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. However, it includes an FM radio, allowing users to tune into their favorite radio stations. The phone has a USB 1.1 port for basic data transfer needs.
Camera and Multimedia
This device features a VGA main camera capable of taking simple photos, but it does not support video recording. As a feature phone, it focuses more on voice communication rather than multimedia capabilities. The W360 allows for different alert types including vibration, polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Memory and Storage
With an internal storage capacity of 5MB, the Motorola W360 offers limited space for contacts, messages, and ringtones. It supports a phonebook that includes the photocall feature and maintains a record of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. There is no card slot available for expanding memory, which reflects the minimalistic approach to storage in feature phones at that time.
Software and User Interface
Utilizing a basic operating system designed for feature phones, the Motorola W360 offers essential functionalities like SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging. It features a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing, and users can enjoy Java-based games and applications, with the option to download more.
Battery Life
A significant advantage of feature phones like the W360 is their battery life. The removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery allows up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time, a marked contrast to modern smartphones that require frequent charging.
Additional Features
The W360's feature set is straightforward, aimed at providing necessary functionalities without unnecessary complexity. It includes downloadable games and basic sensors to enhance user interaction. The phone offers simplicity in its operations and focuses on core telecommunications features.
Market Position and Price
Positioned as an affordable and reliable communication device, the Motorola W360 was priced at about 60 EUR. This made it accessible to a wide range of users, particularly those who did not require advanced smartphone capabilities.
Conclusion
The Motorola W360 serves as a reminder of an era when mobile phones prioritized durability and essential communication over multimedia and internet access. Its simple design and straightforward features made it a go-to choice for users looking for a dependable option for voice calls and text messaging. Despite its limitations by today’s standards, the W360 offered a reliable mobile experience characterized by long battery life and ease of use.