Nokia 3610 Fold Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

The Historical Context of Nokia 3610 Fold

The Nokia 3610 Fold was launched during a rapidly evolving era in mobile technology. Introduced to consumers in November 2008, this device came at a time when the competition was fierce, and mobile phone design was entering a new phase of technological integration. As a flip phone, it represented classic and functional design choice during an era transitioning more strongly towards smartphones.

Design and Build

The Nokia 3610 Fold is notable for its compact and classic clamshell design, which made it both fashionable and portable. At dimensions of 99.6 x 44.3 x 19.6 mm and weighing 97 grams, the phone's sleek build was perfect for those seeking a lightweight device.

Display Features

Featuring a 2.0-inch TFT screen, the Nokia 3610 Fold was sufficiently sized to provide clear visibility while maintaining portability. The screen supported a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, promising a density of approximately 200 ppi, and offered 256K colors for a vivid user experience.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 3610 Fold supported GSM network technologies, ensuring widespread compatibility with global networks. The use of GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands meant the phone was versatile for international travelers.

As far as connectivity is concerned, the phone was equipped with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, assisting in wirelessly connecting to peripherals like Bluetooth headsets. The phone offered a microUSB 2.0 slot for data transfer and charging, providing essential connectivity options in a straightforward manner.

Camera Capabilities

The 3610 Fold featured a 1.3 MP main camera capable of recording QCIF video. While modest by today’s standards, at its time, having a camera ensured the capability to capture spontaneous moments. It further allowed users to personalize their devices with photo call functionality.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 30MB of internal storage, alongside a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing for expandable storage. This was particularly useful for storing music, photos, and additional downloadable content. The phonebook capacity allowed up to 1000 entries with Photocall functionality, while call records could track up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Battery Life and Performance

The Nokia 3610 Fold was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1020 mAh battery (BL-5C). This battery promised a stand-by life of up to 457 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours and 38 minutes, providing sufficient power to get through a busy workday.

Sound and Multimedia

Multimedia capabilities of the phone included vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones, giving users the opportunity to personalize their sound settings. The device had a loudspeaker but lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, reflecting technology trends of the time.

Entertainment and Applications

The 3610 Fold supported Java applications, facilitating access to various games and applications. It included 4 preloaded games, with the ability to download additional ones, appealing to users seeking mobile entertainment. The browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML with Adobe Flash Lite, providing basic internet functionalities.

Messaging and Features

For messaging, the phone supported SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging (IM), which enabled robust and varied communication options for users worldwide, adapting to different communication preferences.

Color Schemes and Pricing

The phone was released in several color variants including Blue, Red, Green, and Rose, offering users options to express their personal style. At launch, the phone was priced around 100 EUR, placing it in an affordable range for a wide array of users.

Conclusion

The Nokia 3610 Fold serves as a testament to Nokia’s ability to adapt yet preserve its foundational strengths during a competitive phase in mobile phone evolution. Its combination of traditional and emerging features provided users with a phone that was as practical as it was stylish. Though now discontinued, its life in the market demonstrated the transitional phase between classic mobile design and the nascent smartphone revolution.