Nokia 2720 Fold Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Introduction to Nokia 2720 Fold

The Nokia 2720 Fold was a feature phone that offered simplicity and functionality wrapped in a stylish clamshell design. Released in September 2009, the device was catered to individuals seeking a basic mobile phone with standard communication features. Despite its basic nature, the Nokia 2720 Fold came with a few commendable features for a device of its time, including a camera and support for MMS and Email.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 2720 Fold featured a compact and robust design. Its dimensions were 93 x 46 x 17.9 mm, making it fittingly pocket-sized. Weighing 90.3 grams, it maintained a light profile that facilitated ease of use on-the-go. The clamshell or "fold" design was symbolic for reducing accidental calls and protecting the keyboard and display, which was a desired form factor in phones at that time.

Available in striking colors like Black and Deep Red, the device appealed to a wide range of users. Its elegance was further enhanced by the glossy finish that covered the phone's exterior, adding a touch of modern aesthetics for its era.

Display Features

The primary display of the Nokia 2720 Fold was a 1.8-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 65K colors. Though relatively small by today’s standards, the screen was quite typical for basic feature phones of its generation. The resolution of 120 x 160 pixels allowed for a clear display of essential functions and text. The secondary display on the outside presented key information like time, caller ID and message alerts without having to open the device.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 2720 Fold was a GSM phone that supported dual-band GSM 900/1800 MHz networks. Equipped with GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 6, the device allowed for basic mobile data usage which was largely used for browsing with its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Although it lacked modern connectivity features like WLAN and USB, it compensated with Bluetooth 2.0 for file transfers and peripheral connectivity, which was quite adequate for its target users.

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the Nokia 2720 Fold was driven by a feature phone operating system without the complexity and multitasking capabilities of smartphones. It provided essential functionalities with an emphasis on calls, messaging, and simple applications.

The internal storage of 9MB might sound minimal by today’s standards, but it was enough for storing hundreds of contacts, a collection of important messages, and a few pictures taken with the device's camera. Unfortunately, the model did not support external memory cards, meaning users had to efficiently manage their data within the limited space.

Camera Capabilities

A 1.3MP camera was fitted into the Nokia 2720 Fold, allowing users to capture photographs and record videos at CIF resolution and 15 frames per second. While not ideal for high-quality photography, the camera was sufficient for casual snapshots and offered a simple way of capturing memorable moments.

Battery Life

The handset was powered by a removable 860 mAh Li-Ion battery (BL-4CT). With modest power requirements, the battery could last quite a bit on standby, up to 432 hours, and provided a talk time of up to 5 hours. This excellent battery performance was partly attributed to its low energy-consuming components, making it reliable for extended periods between charges.

Software and Features

Being a feature phone, the Nokia 2720 Fold included a host of basic utilities. It supported SMS, MMS, and email messaging services. Other capabilities included Stereo FM radio with RDS and recording functionalities, which were particularly appealing for radio enthusiasts. The inclusion of Java (MIDP 2.0) also enabled the phone to run Java-based applications and basic games, adding an element of entertainment to its functions.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of sound, the Nokia 2720 Fold did not come equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was typically necessary to connect standard earphones. Despite this, it featured a capable loudspeaker that sufficed for handsfree calls and casual media playback. The phone’s lack of advanced multimedia features mirrored the limited hardware, emphasizing its role as a basic communicator over a multimedia device.

Market Position and Legacy

Priced at approximately 40 EUR upon release, the Nokia 2720 Fold appealed to budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable mobile phone. Positioned in a market niche that called for durable and practical devices, it served its purpose well during its time.

Although advanced smartphones rapidly overtook feature phones like the Nokia 2720 Fold, these devices remain cherished, reminiscing simpler times when phones were dedicated to basic communication rather than being pocket-sized computers. The Nokia 2720 Fold is remembered as a reliable companion for many who preferred a straightforward approach to mobile technology.