NEC N940 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to NEC N940

The NEC N940 is a device that recalls the early days of feature phones, with its initial announcement in the fourth quarter of 2004. Despite its discontinuation, the N940 remains a noteworthy mention in the evolution of mobile phones due to its distinctive features during its time. In this article, we will delve into the various specifications and features of the NEC N940, exploring its design, functionality, and overall impact in the mobile phone industry.

Network and Technology

The NEC N940 operates on GSM technology, supporting bands 900 and 1800, which were quite standard for mobile phones released during its era. GSM, being a widely adopted technology, allowed the NEC N940 to provide reliable connectivity and voice call quality. It also supported GPRS for data transfer, though the absence of EDGE means data speeds were reasonably limited. These features made the NEC N940 suitable for basic communication purposes, which was the primary need of users at the time.

Launch and Availability

The device was officially announced in the last quarter of 2004. Despite its promising specifications, the NEC N940 was discontinued not long after its release, a common fate for many feature phones as the market rapidly evolved to more advanced mobile technologies. Nevertheless, during its life span, it gathered a loyal user base who appreciated its functionality and compact design.

Design and Build

The NEC N940 boasted a compact, candy-bar design with dimensions of 101.5 x 51.5 x 20.7 mm, making it small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket. Weighing 112 g, it was lightweight compared to many of its contemporaries. The phone was available in classic color options including Black and Silver, appealing to users who preferred a subtle and professional look. It utilized a Mini-SIM card type, which was typical for phones during this generation.

Display Characteristics

Featuring a TFT touchscreen capable of displaying 256K colors, the NEC N940 offered vibrant graphics for a device of its type. Its screen resolution stood at 176 x 220 pixels, an adequate resolution that allowed for clear display of icons and simple graphics. Although small compared to modern smartphones, the display was sufficient for the essential functions of calling, messaging, and basic multimedia.

Camera Features

For photography, the NEC N940 included a VGA main camera with LED flash, a modest feature for capturing basic images. While the 0.3MP camera could not compete with current smartphone standards, it was respectable during the mid-2000s, especially considering the phone’s primary function was communication. Video recording was also supported, introducing users to capturing memories through moving visuals, albeit at a basic quality.

Sound and Alerts

The phone did not come equipped with a loudspeaker, nor did it have a 3.5mm audio jack, traits that limited its capability as a device for music and radio play. However, NEC N940 supported vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones for alerts, which was a popular feature at that time. These features provided users with a degree of customization in how they wanted to be notified of incoming calls and messages.

Communications and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the NEC N940 did not feature Bluetooth, WLAN, positioning services, or built-in radio, features that are now standard in smartphones. However, it supported essential communication functionalities such as SMS, MMS, and Email which were integrated via the WAP 1.2.1 browser. This allowed users to stay connected through basic mobile internet capabilities, indicative of the transitional phase towards more internet-enabled phones.

Battery and Power

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, the phone provided reasonable usage time given its simplistic feature set, focusing primarily on calling and messaging. The removable battery design allowed users to easily replace the battery if needed, extending the device’s operational lifespan.

Additional Features

The NEC N940 included additional features that catered to typical multimedia needs and basic software utilities. The support for Java MIDP 2.0 enabled users to run applications and games designed specifically for feature phones. Moreover, the lack of a memory card slot meant users had to store data primarily on the internal storage limited to contacts and call records, managing up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls respectively.

Conclusion

The NEC N940 is a representation of the transitional era in mobile technology, bridging the gap between basic feature phones and the more advanced smartphones that followed. While lacking many of the functionalities and conveniences of modern phones, it served its purpose well for its time, offering essential communication features in a compact and user-friendly package. Studying devices like the NEC N940 not only provides insight into the evolution of mobile technology but also helps us appreciate the rapid advancements that have led to the current era of smartphones.