NEC e525 Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of NEC e525

The NEC e525 was a feature phone released in 2003, catering to the needs of users at a time when mobile technology was beginning to flourish. Despite being discontinued, the NEC e525 holds a particular historical significance, representing the transition period in mobile phone technology. This phone was primarily targeted at users seeking basic phone functionalities with a few extra features.

Network and Connectivity

The NEC e525 supported GSM technology, which was standard at the time. It was capable of operating on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 frequency bands, allowing for versatility in terms of network compatibility. GPRS Class 8 facilitated moderate data transmission speeds, which were appropriate for the phone's capabilities. However, there was no EDGE support, limiting its internet browsing capabilities. Key connectivity features included SMS, MMS, and Email capacities alongside a WAP 1.2.1 browser for basic web access, albeit limited by the era's standards.

Design and Build

The phone's design was relatively compact, with dimensions of 101 x 48 x 24 mm and a weight of 110 grams, making it lightweight and portable. It was equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, common in devices from this period. The phone was available in a sleek silver color, appealing to users looking for a modern aesthetic.

Display Characteristics

The NEC e525 featured a TFT display capable of showing 65K colors, with a resolution of 162 x 216 pixels in a 4:3 ratio. While the size specification is not listed, the display was sufficient for its time, offering decent clarity and brightness for viewing text messages and simple graphics.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the NEC e525 provided 1MB of storage, which significantly limited the number of media files and applications users could store. There was no card slot for expandable storage options, resulting in a heavy reliance on telecom networks for messaging features. Despite the limitation, the phone's phonebook could accommodate up to 500 entries with 8 fields each, including photo call capabilities.

Camera Capabilities

The phone was equipped with a single CIF camera, a feature still novel at the time. The resolution, while modest, enabled users to capture basic images. Video recording was not supported, reflecting the technological limitations of mobile phones during that period.

Audio and Sound Features

The NEC e525 did not include a loudspeaker, and there was no 3.5mm audio jack, which limited its use as an entertainment device. However, it supported downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which users could customize to a limited extent. Vibration alert types provided alternative notification methods, useful in quieter settings.

Communication and Connectivity

Regarding wireless technology, the NEC e525 did not support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and there was no positioning system like GPS. An infrared port was included for data transfer, and a proprietary USB connection allowed it to interface with other devices for purposes such as charging or data management.

Additional Features and Functionalities

The phone packed several features typical of phones from its era, including games, a clock, and an alarm function. It supported multiple languages including English, Spanish, and French, making it accessible to a broader audience. Java support, while limited in its scope, allowed the running of basic Java applications.

Battery Life and Performance

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the NEC e525 could stand by for up to 200 hours and offer talk time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. These figures were standard for non-smartphone devices, offering reliable performance for daily communication needs without the necessity of frequent recharging.

Legacy and Impact

The NEC e525 stood as a representative of the earlier mobile phone era, where functionality and form balanced innovation growth. At the time, its features like a color display, camera, and multimode GSM connectivity created a foundation from which current smartphones have developed. For users today, the NEC e525 may appear simplistic, yet it played a crucial role in propelling forward the capabilities and expectations of mobile technology.