Nokia 5100 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Nokia 5100

The Nokia 5100, released in the first quarter of 2003, was a feature phone designed to withstand the elements and cater to individuals with active lifestyles. It was part of Nokia's rugged phone series, offering durability and practical features. Although discontinued, the device remains memorable for its sturdy build and innovative utilities that catered to a specific consumer segment.

Design and Build

The Nokia 5100 was characterized by its robust design. With dimensions of 108 x 49 x 22 mm and weighing 104 grams, the phone was compact and easy to carry around. It featured Xpress-on covers, allowing users to change the phone's outer design according to their preferences. The device was particularly known for its rubberized casing, providing extra protection against shocks, dust, and water splashes, making it ideal for users in harsh environments.

Display

The phone was equipped with a CSTN display capable of showing 4096 colors, a modest specification for its time. The display size was 1.5 inches, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 13.7%, providing a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. While not particularly large by today's standards, it was suitable for basic phone functions such as viewing messages, checking the time, or navigating through the menu.

Memory and Storage

The Nokia 5100 offered internal storage of 725 KB, which was adequate for storing contacts and messages. The phone's memory could hold up to 300 contacts, and it maintained call records with a log that included up to 20 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. As typical with feature phones of that era, there was no card slot for expandable memory, which meant storage was quite limited.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of network capabilities, the Nokia 5100 operated on GSM technology, supported by 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies. The device featured GPRS Class 4 connectivity for basic internet services, though EDGE was not supported. While Bluetooth and WLAN were absent, the phone did have an infrared port, providing an alternative for data transfer.

Communication Features

The Nokia 5100 supported messaging through SMS and MMS, enabling users to send and receive text and multimedia messages. For browsing, it included a WAP 1.2.1 browser, which was sufficient for basic mobile web access at the time. The device was designed to support major European languages, catering to a wide range of users across different regions.

Multimedia and Other Features

The phone came with stereo FM radio functionality, an attractive feature for music and news enthusiasts. In terms of sound, the Nokia 5100 supported downloadable polyphonic and monophonic ringtones and was equipped with a loudspeaker. Although lacking a 3.5mm jack, its multimedia features were fairly standard for the period. A notable inclusion was the thermometer sensor, allowing users to measure the ambient temperature, a feature aligning with the phone’s rugged and outdoorsy theme.

Battery Life

The Nokia 5100 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 760 mAh battery (BL-4C). The battery offered standby times ranging from 150 to 300 hours, with talk times between 2 to 5 hours. These battery stats were robust enough to support the daily activities of users, especially those in outdoor or demanding environments where frequent charging might not have been possible.

Games and Applications

Nokia 5100 included pre-installed Java games such as Sky Diver, Triple Pop, and Bounce. These games could be removed, allowing users to customize their entertainment options to some extent. Java support also enabled users to install additional applications that adhered to the phone's capabilities, providing a basic level of customization.

Durability and Usability

One of the most significant selling points of the Nokia 5100 was its durability. Designed with a focus on ruggedness, the phone performed well in challenging conditions. This durability, combined with its basic but reliable features, made the phone a popular choice for active individuals or those working in rigorous outdoor environments.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Nokia 5100 was a successful attempt by Nokia to capture the niche market of individuals needing a tough, reliable mobile phone. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a classic example of early 2000s mobile technology tailored for functionality and resilience. Its modest specifications by modern standards remind us of a time when phones were designed for practicality and endurance rather than processing power and multimedia prowess.