Nokia 6131 Specs Pricing & All You Need to Know

Historical Context

The Nokia 6131 was introduced in February 2006, a time when Nokia was a dominant force in the mobile phone market. These years were characterized by rapid technological advancements and the increasing integration of multimedia features into mobile devices. The Nokia 6131 was crafted to cater to the demands of users who wanted a reliable feature phone with enhanced functionality including multimedia capabilities, internet access, and a camera.

Design and Build

The Nokia 6131 is notable for its flip design, which was popular during its time for providing a compact form factor while protecting the keypad and screen. The device's dimensions are 92 x 48 x 20 mm, and it weighs 112 grams, making it relatively lightweight and easy to carry. The choice of colors—black, white, red, and sand—allowed users a degree of personalization. Its construction was solid, reflecting Nokia's reputation for durability. The Mini-SIM slot was standard at the time, facilitating connectivity across different networks.

Display

The phone featured a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of displaying 16M colors, an impressive specification for its time. The screen had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 182 ppi. This allowed for clear and vibrant visuals, which was important for viewing photos and using multimedia features.

Camera

The Nokia 6131 came equipped with a 1.3 MP rear camera, which was a common feature in mobile phones of that era as mobile photography was just beginning to gain traction. The inclusion of a video recording capability allowed users to capture memorable moments in motion, albeit at a basic level compared to modern standards. However, a front-facing camera was absent, as selfie photography was not yet a widespread trend.

Audio and Multimedia

The device supported polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, offering a variety of alert types. It included a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback. Although there was no 3.5mm audio jack, users could connect accessories via the proprietary Pop-Port. Additionally, an FM radio feature was available, and the phone supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing the user to download and play games such as 3D Soccer and the legendary Snake.

Performance and Connectivity

The feature phone ran on a proprietary Nokia operating system that provided a straightforward user experience focused on basic functionality rather than smartphone features. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless file transfers, an infrared port for older connectivity methods, and GPRS and EDGE technologies for internet access. Notably, the device lacked WLAN—a feature not yet standard on all mobile devices at the time.

Memory and Storage

The Nokia 6131 offered 11MB of internal storage, which was modest but sufficient for phone contacts, a few small applications, and system data. A dedicated microSD slot allowed users to expand the storage capacity, enabling the storage of more music, photos, and other files. The phonebook could accommodate up to 1,000 contacts, supporting multiple fields and photo call functionality.

Battery and Power Management

A removable Li-Ion 820 mAh battery powered the Nokia 6131, providing up to 240 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. The removable design was advantageous for users who wanted the option to swap out batteries as needed. This capacity was fairly standard, aligning with the power consumption needs of the phone's features.

Additional Features

The Nokia 6131 supported various messaging formats, including SMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging, allowing users to stay connected through multiple platforms. It offered a WAP/xHTML browser for accessing the internet, although the browsing experience was limited compared to modern standards. The device maintained Nokia's attention to detail with strong network capabilities, supporting GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands.

Market Presence and Impact

Upon its release, the Nokia 6131 was priced around 120 EUR, positioning it as an affordable mid-range option for consumers at the time. Its solid build, reliable functionality, and multimedia features made it a popular choice, contributing to Nokia's continued success in the mobile phone market during the late 2000s. Although it was discontinued later, the 6131 remains a memorable model for many users who experienced its reliability and style.

Conclusion

The Nokia 6131 encapsulates the era's strides in integrating multimedia features in compact and user-friendly designs. It served as a bridge between basic communication tools and more advanced smartphones. Reflecting on devices like the 6131 highlights how much the mobile phone industry has evolved while showcasing the foundation laid by feature phones for future innovations.