Nokia 301 Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing & More

Network Capabilities

The Nokia 301 was released in 2013, a time when telecommunications technology was advancing rapidly. It supports GSM and HSPA technologies, making it viable for both 2G and 3G networks. The device operates on GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands and HSDPA 900 and 2100 bands. This extensive network capability allows users to maintain connectivity in various regions, complementing its role as a feature phone designed to prioritize reliability and functionality.

Launch and Availability

Announced in February 2013 and released in April of the same year, the Nokia 301 enjoyed a brief period of commercial availability before being discontinued. Although it’s no longer in production, the phone remains a nostalgic piece of technology for many, especially within markets that valued the durability and simplicity of Nokia’s mobile phones.

Design and Build

Nokia's attention to robust and practical design is evident in the 301 model. The device measures 114 x 50 x 12.5 mm, with a weight of 102 grams, striking a balance between compactness and usability. It’s built to fit snugly in the hand or pocket, making it convenient for on-the-go use. The phone offers both single and dual SIM options, catering to users who require flexibility in connectivity, an increasingly important feature during this period.

Display

The phone features a TFT display with a 256K color range, providing acceptable color reproduction for a feature phone at the time. The 2.4-inch screen, although modest compared to modern smartphones, delivers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. With a 4:3 aspect ratio and approximately 167 ppi pixel density, it provides users with sufficient clarity for basic tasks such as texting and light browsing.

Memory and Storage

The Nokia 301 comes equipped with 256MB of internal storage and 64MB of RAM. While this may seem limited by today's standards, it was typical for feature phones in its class. The inclusion of a microSDHC slot allows for expanded storage, which is beneficial for users looking to store music, photos, or additional applications that are compatible with its Java support.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera: Featuring a 3.15 MP rear camera, the Nokia 301 provides basic photographic capabilities. Its camera allows users to capture images and record 320p video at 30 frames per second, which was adequate for capturing simple moments during its time.

Audio and Sound

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to either listen to music or conduct calls via earphones. The inclusion of stereo FM radio provides an additional entertainment option, enabling users to tune into radio stations easily.

Connectivity and Communication

For connectivity, the Nokia 301 supports Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, enabling wireless connections with other devices. However, it lacks Wi-Fi, positioning it firmly as a basic feature phone. USB connectivity is available through a proprietary port, which may limit modern connectivity but aligns with the typical design approach for mobile phones at the time.

Software and Apps

The Nokia 301 operates on a basic feature phone OS that supports essential communication apps including SMS, MMS, Email, and instant messaging (IM). It also incorporates Java MIDP 2.1, allowing users to access a range of Java-based applications and games, enhancing its functionality.

Battery Life

Powered by a 1110 mAh removable Li-Ion battery, the Nokia 301 provides a long standby time of up to 888 hours on 2G networks and up to 936 hours on 3G networks. It offers an impressive talk time of up to 20 hours on 2G and up to 6 hours on 3G. These specifications highlight its capabilities as a long-lasting communication device, ideal for users requiring minimal charging intervals.

Miscellaneous Features

The device was available in a variety of colors including cyan, black, yellow, magenta, and white, appealing to a wide range of aesthetic preferences. The SAR values indicate compliance with safety standards, with ratings of 1.25 W/kg for the head and 0.98 W/kg for the body. This implies that the device was designed to be safe for daily use within established limits.