NEC e616 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of NEC e616

The NEC e616 was a distinctive mobile device launched in the early 2000s, targeting functionality within the burgeoning 3G market segment. It was released during a period when mobile technology was rapidly evolving, and consumers were beginning to demand more from their mobile devices than just basic communication features.

Design and Build

The NEC e616 had dimensions of 103 x 53 x 26 mm and weighed approximately 130 grams. Its design was fairly ergonomic for its time, with a compact form factor that made it convenient for carrying and handling. The device featured a Mini-SIM slot and was available only in a classic silver color, offering a sleek and professional aesthetic.

Display

The phone came equipped with a 2.2 inch TFT display, capable of showing 65,000 colors. This was quite advanced at the time, providing users with vibrant and clear visuals. The resolution stood at 176 x 240 pixels, and the screen-to-body ratio was around 27.3%, which was typical for devices during this era.

Camera

The NEC e616 featured a primary CIF camera with the ability to shoot video, complemented by an LED flash for low-light conditions. Although its 0.1 MP camera might seem modest by today's standards, it was indicative of the transitional phase of mobile photography. There was also a basic front-facing camera for selfies.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery. While the battery life was rather limited by today’s standards, it was capable of providing up to 120 hours of standby time and approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes of talk time. These specifications reflected a typical balance between power consumption and performance for that period.

Network and Connectivity

The NEC e616 supported GSM 900/1800 networks and UMTS 2100, making it among the first to adopt 3G technology. This allowed users to experience faster data speeds up to 384 kbps, which improved the efficiency of online browsing and email communication. For local connectivity, it included Bluetooth 1.1, although it lacked WLAN and radio capabilities.

Storage and Memory

The device provided 19MB of internal storage, with the option to expand the memory using a Memory Stick Duo. It could store up to 500 phone book entries and recorded 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each. These features were crucial for users needing to manage contacts and call logs efficiently.

Software and Features

Operating as a feature phone, the NEC e616 supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email messaging formats, catering to various communication needs. It had a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet access and supported Java-based applications, enhancing its functionality beyond basic telephony.

Summary

The NEC e616 stood out in its time for embracing new technologies such as 3G connectivity and offering a suite of features that served both personal and professional use cases. While many of its technical specifications may seem outdated today, it was a step forward in mobile communications during its release, reflecting the innovations and consumer expectations of the era.