NEC e122 InDepth Review & Price Analysis

Network Capabilities

The NEC e122 operates on GSM technology, specifically supporting the 2G bands of GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. While it doesn't support EDGE, it offers GPRS Class 10 for basic data connectivity. This might seem limited compared to modern smartphones, but for its time, these specifications were adequate for essential communication needs. The absence of 3G or 4G connectivity highlights its focus on voice calls and simple messaging as primary functionalities.

Launch and Market Status

The NEC e122 was officially announced in the fourth quarter of 2005, marking its entry into a competitive mobile phone market keen on new innovations. Unfortunately, its lifespan was not extensive, as the device has since been discontinued. However, during its time, it represented the standard offerings suitable for users not seeking advanced smartphone features.

Body and Design

The NEC e122 features a compact body with dimensions of 102.5 x 43 x 18 mm and a weight of just 90 grams, making it lightweight and portable. Its design includes a Mini-SIM slot, which was typical of feature phones at the time. The phone was available in two colors - Silver and Black, adding a touch of elegance and simplicity to its appearance. The small, form-factor ensured that it was easy to handle and could conveniently fit into pockets.

Display Quality

The device sports a CSTN display capable of rendering 65K colors, with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. While this may seem rudimentary now, back in the mid-2000s, such displays were common in feature phones. Although the screen size isn't specified, the resolution suggests a compact display, suitable for basic navigation and graphic elements that do not require high-definition.

Memory and Storage

With 2.5MB of internal storage and no option for expandable memory via a card slot, the NEC e122 was designed for basic usage. The phonebook capacity was limited to 250 entries, along with photocall capabilities, a significant feature at the time. Call records could store up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls—sufficient for everyday use, aligning with the communication needs of typical users in that era.

Camera Specifications

The NEC e122 comes equipped with a single VGA camera, with no support for video recording. Although the camera resolution was just 0.3MP, it allowed users to capture simple photos. Given the technological constraints of the mid-2000s, the camera specification was modest, focused more on practicality rather than high-quality image capture.

Sound and Alerts

The device does not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, but it does support downloadable polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts. While it may not have catered to music enthusiasts or users desiring to use their phone as an audio device, it sufficed for basic alert notifications.

Communication Features

The NEC e122 lacked advanced communication technologies like WLAN and Bluetooth, which are now standard. It didn't support positioning or radio services either, and came equipped with a proprietary USB connection for device connectivity. Despite these limitations, it provided MMS, EMS, and SMS services, enabling users to engage in basic text communications.

Entertainment and Applications

Although not designed to compete with modern smartphones in terms of applications, the NEC e122 did provide games for entertainment. It supported a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, allowing users to access basic internet services, despite not having Java support. This limited capability to run only essential applications, making it suitable for users seeking minimal digital engagements.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, offering up to 180 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. Given the minimal power consumption of feature phones, this battery life was deemed satisfactory, often lasting multiple days on a single charge, a stark contrast to the frequent charging required by modern smartphones.

Conclusion

In summary, the NEC e122 was designed as a straightforward, functional device catering to basic telecommunication needs during its time. It provided core communication features and a simple VGA camera, encapsulated in a compact and user-friendly design. While limited by today’s standards, it represented an era where mobile phones primarily focused on calls and text messaging, offering consumers an affordable option without the complexities of modern smart devices. Despite its discontinuation, the NEC e122 serves as a reflection of the early 2000s mobile technology, embodying the transition between basic mobile communication and the advent of smarter, more connected devices.