Nokia 111 Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 111, released in September 2012, was a blend of simplicity and sturdy build, reflective of Nokia’s philosophy of creating reliable and durable mobile phones. The dimensions of the phone, 110 x 46 x 14.8 mm, gave it a compact form, making it easy to handle and fit in pockets comfortably. Weighing only 77 grams, the phone was light, yet it provided a sense of durability due to the robust materials used in its construction. The phone's plastic casing was designed to withstand accidental drops and the general wear and tear of everyday use, which was a common feature that Nokia emphasized in their feature phones.

The phone came in a variety of vibrant colors including Black, Magenta, Lime Green, and Cyan, catering to users who wanted a touch of personality in their device. The use of these colors provided a modern touch to a classic design, making it appealing to the younger generation at the time.

Display

The Nokia 111 featured a 1.8-inch TFT display, which supported 65K colors. The display resolution was 128 x 160 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 114 ppi. While it might not compare to the high-definition screens of smartphones today, this display was adequate for the tasks the Nokia 111 was designed for, such as making calls, texting, and playing simple games. The screen size and resolution were typical for feature phones of that era, prioritizing functionality and battery life over multimedia experiences.

Camera

Equipped with a single VGA camera, the Nokia 111 was not designed for photography enthusiasts. The 0.3 MP rear camera allowed users to capture basic photos and videos, with video resolution up to 176x144 pixels. While modern users might find this insufficient, at the time, it provided a convenient way to capture memorable moments without needing a separate camera. This basic camera feature was suitable for a feature phone that focused more on communication rather than multimedia applications.

Battery Life

Battery life was one of the standout features of the Nokia 111. The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery (BL-5CB), ensuring hours of usage on a single charge. It offered an impressive standby time of up to 792 hours and talk time up to 7 hours and 50 minutes. Additionally, the phone supported music playback for up to 21 hours, making it a reliable companion for long journeys where charging opportunities might be scarce.

Connectivity and Network

The Nokia 111 supported GSM technology and operated on 2G bands at GSM 900/1800 frequencies. It included GPRS and EDGE data technologies, which facilitated basic internet connectivity suitable for browsing and using apps like email and instant messaging at slower speeds. Although it did not support 3G or 4G technologies, the GSM support made it accessible in many regions around the world.

For local connectivity, it featured Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, which allowed file transfers between devices within a short range. The phone also included a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording features, providing entertainment options without needing internet access.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Nokia 111 housed 10MB of storage, intended primarily for storing contact details, messages, and a small amount of media. However, it supported the use of a microSDHC card, allowing users to expand their storage capacity. This was a crucial feature for users who required more space for music or more extensive contact entries beyond the 1000 entries supported by its phonebook feature.

Operating System and User Interface

Operating as a feature phone, the Nokia 111 ran a basic proprietary operating system. The interface supported essential communication needs, such as SMS with threaded view, MMS, Email, and IM. This provided a straightforward and user-friendly experience aimed at making text and multimedia messaging simpler and more accessible.

The phone also supported Java, which allowed running small applications or games, enhancing its utility with added functions like calculators, converters, and basic mobile games, which were quite popular at the time.

Extra Features

Despite its status as a feature phone, the Nokia 111 provided a variety of extra features that were valued by its users. It included a 3.5mm audio jack for personal listening, supporting the extensive battery music play time. Its loudspeaker was sufficient for listening to FM radio or media without headphones.

The phone's messaging capabilities included SMS, MMS, Email, and IM, with the inclusion of games and Java support adding necessary entertainment and utility functionalities. However, it lacked sensors and positioning technologies commonly found in more modern devices, which was understandable given its focus on essential communication features.

Pricing and Market Position

Priced at approximately 50 EUR at the time of its release, the Nokia 111 was positioned as an affordable mobile solution for basic communication needs. Its price point made it accessible for a large audience, including first-time mobile phone users or as a secondary phone for those who required long battery life.

Even after its discontinuation, the Nokia 111 served as a reminder of Nokia’s commitment to creating durable, reliable, and straightforward mobile devices that address the fundamental needs of communication, showcasing a contrast to the current era of advanced smartphones.