Neonode N2 The Complete Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Neonode N2

The Neonode N2 was launched in February 2007 as an innovative device during a time when feature phones dominated the market. It stood out with its small form factor and touch-sensitive screen, which was uncommon in the feature phone category at that time. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Neonode N2, including its design, features, and technical specifications.

Design and Build

The Neonode N2 is recognized for its distinctive and compact design. With dimensions of 77 x 47 x 14.7 mm and weighing just 70 grams, it was one of the smallest and lightest phones available. Its compact size made it easily portable, fitting comfortably in pockets or small bags. The phone featured a minimalist aesthetic with a primarily black color variant.

Display

The N2 was equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT display that supported 65K colors and a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 141 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio was around 34.8%, and the display was praised for its brightness and clarity at the time, despite its limited color depth compared to later devices.

Camera

The phone featured a 2 MP rear camera, sufficient for basic photography needs and capturing moments on the go. However, it lacked video recording capabilities. Unlike many modern smartphones, the N2 did not feature a front-facing camera, reflecting its focus on fundamental communication rather than multimedia features.

Battery Life

The Neonode N2 came with a removable 750 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of about 4 hours. The removable feature allowed users to swap batteries if needed, extending the phone's usability for extended periods without charging.

Connectivity and Communication

The N2 supported GSM technology, operating on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900). It included GPRS for data but lacked EDGE technology. Bluetooth was available for short-range wireless connectivity, while other connectivity options like WLAN, GPS positioning, or Radio were absent. A proprietary USB port was used for physical connections and data transfer.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with a miniSD slot, the Neonode N2 provided users with storage expandability. A 1 GB miniSD card was included, which was a favorable addition during its release, given the limited internal storage capacity of feature phones. The device supported a simple phonebook feature with photo call capability, albeit limited compared to modern standards.

Sound and Alert Features

The device featured a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and supported various alert types including vibration, polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. However, it did not include a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, relying instead on proprietary connections for audio output.

User Interface and Software

Running a proprietary feature phone operating system, the N2 included basic messaging capabilities such as SMS and MMS. It supported a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic web browsing but lacked support for Java applications, limiting the expansion of software and applications beyond what was pre-installed on the device.

Market Reception and Legacy

The Neonode N2 was initially priced at around 410 EUR, marking it as a premium feature phone, especially with its touch interface. Despite its advancements and the unique factor of having a touch-sensitive screen, its high price and the emergence of more capable smartphones around the same time played a role in its short market lifespan.

Conclusion

The Neonode N2 remains a notable chapter in mobile phone history, representing an era of transition from traditional feature phones to more sophisticated smartphones. Its design and touch features were ahead of its time, providing a glimpse into the potential of mobile technology. While no longer in production, the Neonode N2 is remembered for its bold approach in a rapidly evolving industry.