NEC 804N Unveiling Specs Pricing & ProsCons

Introduction to the NEC 804N

The NEC 804N is a feature phone that was announced in April 2006 and has since been discontinued. Known for its compact design, the phone was aimed at users who needed basic mobile functionality with the added convenience of 3G capabilities. This mobile device reflected the technological trends of its time, providing users with essential features expected from a mid-2000s phone.

Network Capabilities

The NEC 804N supported both GSM and UMTS technologies, enabling users to access 2G and 3G networks. Specifically, the phone operated on GSM frequencies of 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz, and on the UMTS 2100 MHz band for 3G connectivity. This allowed for a maximum speed of 384 kbps, which was adequate for standard mobile internet use at that time.

Design and Build

Design-wise, the NEC 804N came with dimensions of 93 x 48 x 23 mm, making it quite compact and easy to carry. Weighing in at 115 grams, it struck a balance between portability and a substantial build. The phone utilized a Mini-SIM, a standard of the era. The available color options included Plumeria White, Coral Pink, and Lapis Blue, thus appealing to users with varied aesthetic preferences.

Display Specifications

The NEC 804N featured a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of showing 65K colors. The screen maintained a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, which equates to an approximate density of 182 ppi. This display worked well for browsing basic interfaces, viewing messages, and accessing contact information, fitting the typical needs of feature phone users.

Memory and Storage

Internal storage on the NEC 804N was limited to 450MB, but it included a dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage, allowing users to add additional capacity as needed. The phone stored call records efficiently, with the capability to log 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. Additionally, phonebook access was provided, and it could store a standard range of contact information.

Camera Features

The main camera on the NEC 804N was a 2 MP shooter capable of capturing photos and videos. While not advanced by today's standards, it offered an adequate solution for those who needed to capture visual memories on the go. Additionally, a front-facing videocall camera was provided, reflecting the emerging interest in video calling during the mid-2000s.

Audio and Sound

Audio features of the phone included a loudspeaker, enabling clear sound for calls and multimedia use. Alert types were versatile, with options for vibration and downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and MIDI ringtones enhancing personalization. Despite the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack, users could still enjoy music and other audio files through the available sound functionalities.

Communication and Connectivity

In terms of communication capabilities, the NEC 804N offered basic wireless options- Bluetooth 1.2 was supported, facilitating file transfers and connectivity with compatible accessories. However, WLAN and radio features were absent. The phone featured a USB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer purposes.

Additional Features

The phone supported SMS and MMS messaging, with a WAP 2.0 browser for light web browsing. This allowed users to send multimedia texts and access simplified internet sites. While there were downloadable games available, the lack of Java support limited the range of applications that could be executed on the device. It is worth noting the absence of advanced sensors like accelerometers or GPS, common in later phone models.

Battery Life

The NEC 804N was powered by a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery. It provided a standby time of up to 210 hours, with a talk time of approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. This battery life was consistent with the capacity and technological demands of the device at that time. The removable battery feature offered the convenience of easily replacing or exchanging batteries as needed.

Conclusion

The NEC 804N, with its core functionalities and modest feature set, catered well to the segment of users looking for a straightforward communication device during the mid-2000s. Its design, modest connectivity options, basic multimedia capabilities, and reliable battery life embodied the feature phone era just before smartphones became the norm. For those revisiting this technology, the NEC 804N serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in mobile communication.