NEC C616V Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of NEC c616v

The NEC c616v is a feature phone that was launched in Q4 of 2003. It was developed as part of NEC's efforts to cater to users who desired a straightforward mobile experience with essential features. Despite being discontinued, the c616v remains a fascinating piece of mobile phone history, representing the transition period between basic cell phones and the advent of more advanced smartphones.

Network and Connectivity

The NEC c616v supports GSM and UMTS technologies, providing network compatibility that was quite standard at the time of its release. The device operates on GSM 900 and 1800 for 2G bands and utilizes UMTS 2100 for 3G, offering data speeds of up to 384 kbps. This was considered adequate for basic internet browsing and multimedia messaging services, making it fairly competitive with contemporaneous devices.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 103 x 53 x 26 mm and a weight of 130g, the NEC c616v is compact and relatively lightweight. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card and is available in two colors: Silver and Graphite. It provides a sturdy build typical of the early 2000s mobile devices, where durability often prioritized over sleek aesthetics.

Display

The device features a 2.2-inch TFT display, capable of rendering 65K colors. With a resolution of 176 x 240 pixels, the screen offers a pixel density of approximately 135 ppi. Although modest by today's standards, the screen quality was appropriate for the typical usage of a feature phone, focusing on functional readability over high-resolution multimedia content.

Camera Features

Equipped with a VGA camera, the NEC c616v allows basic photography. While the quality does not compare to modern smartphones, the inclusion of a camera was a valuable feature at that time. Users could capture photos and record videos, marking a significant step forward in multimedia capabilities compared to earlier mobile phones.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with 19 MB of internal storage, complemented by a Memory Stick Duo slot that enables memory expansion. This is especially useful for storing additional multimedia content and applications. The phonebook can hold up to 500 entries, and call records of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls are maintained, offering practical storage for frequent contacts and call management.

Sound and Multimedia

On the sound front, the c616v lacks a loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack. However, users could enjoy vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. The absence of a loudspeaker might seem limiting today, but at the time, it was consistent with the user's primary reliance on vibrate and ringtone notifications.

Communication and Connectivity Features

For communications and media, the NEC c616v supports SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. While it doesn't include capabilities like WLAN or radio, it offers Bluetooth 1.1 for short-range wireless communication and a proprietary USB connection for data transfer. The GPS and A-GPS functionalities underscore its utility as a basic navigation aid.

Performance and Battery Life

The device operates on removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery, providing up to 120 hours of standby time and up to 1 hour and 50 minutes of talk time. While these figures might seem short by today's standards, they were quite satisfactory for a feature phone, and the removable nature of the battery was a significant advantage in terms of longevity and maintenance.

Entertainment and Games

To cater to entertainment needs, the phone includes basic games, with the option to download more. Featuring Java support, it enabled users to enjoy a modest selection of applications and games, enriching the user experience beyond basic calls and messaging.

Conclusion

The NEC c616v stands as a testament to the transitional phase in mobile technology during the early 2000s. It strikes a balance between functionality and simplicity, focusing on reliable communication, basic multimedia, and modest connectivity options. Today, it may serve more as a collector's item or historical reference, yet it exemplifies the innovation and technological progress of its era.