Motorola WX180 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The Motorola WX180 is an entry-level feature phone that emphasizes simplicity and basic phone functionalities. Aimed at consumers who need a reliable device primarily for voice communication and basic texting, it was released in February 2010 after being announced in October 2009. The phone comes in a compact and lightweight form factor, making it easy to carry and use for everyday tasks.

Design and Build

The design of the Motorola WX180 is straightforward, featuring a compact body with dimensions of 106 x 46 x 14.5 mm, making it easy to hold or slip into pockets. Weighing just 65 grams, it is notably light. The device is robust enough to endure minor drops and scratches, which is typical of basic phones designed in this era. The phone uses a mini-SIM card and offers durability in its construction, with a black color finish.

Display

The WX180 features a CSTN display that supports 65K colors and has a screen size of 1.5 inches. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, it provides a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi. While the display is not designed for high-resolution media consumption, it adequately serves its purpose for displaying contacts, text messages, and simple graphics associated with its basic user interface.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola WX180 operates on GSM 900 / 1800 bands. It does not support GPRS or EDGE, focusing instead on basic voice and SMS functionalities. The absence of modern connectivity options such as WLAN and Bluetooth emphasizes its role as a straightforward communication device. However, it does include an FM radio with RDS for entertainment, which is accessible via a miniUSB connection for compatible headphones.

Memory and Storage

In terms of storage, the Motorola WX180 does not include a card slot for expandable memory. The internal memory is designed to store essential information, supporting up to 100 phonebook entries and records for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This limitation is typical of feature phones from this period, reflecting their focus on communication rather than content consumption or media storage.

Battery

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery, which delivers a stand-by time of up to 400 hours and talk time of up to 8 hours. This battery performance makes the Motorola WX180 ideal for users who need a phone with good battery endurance, especially in areas where charging opportunities might be limited. The ability to remove and replace the battery also extends the overall lifespan of the phone as a cost-effective solution.

Sound and Multimedia

For sound, the Motorola WX180 is equipped with a loudspeaker for hands-free calls; however, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might limit private listening options. The FM radio provides entertainment, but there are no advanced multimedia features such as video playback or music streaming, further emphasizing the phone’s fundamental communication role.

User Interface and Features

As a feature phone, the Motorola WX180 operates on a basic, proprietary user interface. It supports SMS messaging but does not offer an internet browser or advanced messaging services. The phone includes simple games for entertainment, reflecting its design focus on casual and minimalistic features suitable for users requiring essential phone functions without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Conclusion

The Motorola WX180 stands as a testament to the era of feature phones, with its emphasis on simplicity and functionality. While lacking the sophisticated capabilities of a modern smartphone, it serves efficiently as a communication tool for calls and texts, accompanied by an FM radio for basic entertainment. With a low price point of around 20 EUR, it was an economical choice for those in search of a secondary phone or users in areas with limited connectivity infrastructure. Despite being discontinued, the Motorola WX180 holds relevance as a reminder of when mobile phones were predominantly used for vocal and brief text communication.