Nokia 6136 Review Specs Prices Features & Downsides

Overview

The Nokia 6136 was launched in February 2006 as a compact feature phone during a time when mobile technology was experiencing rapid evolution. Known for its innovative Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology, the Nokia 6136 was one of the first phones to offer seamless handoff between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, which was quite revolutionary for its time. Although now discontinued, this device remains a significant part of Nokia's history for its ambition to bridge the gap between different communication networks.

Design and Build

The Nokia 6136 is designed with practicality in mind, featuring dimensions of 90 x 46 x 23 mm and weighing in at 98 grams. The phone's compact build allows easy handling and portability, which was an essential aspect for users during its time since bulky phones were less preferred. The device comes with a Mini-SIM slot and a standard design that was common among Nokia phones during the mid-2000s.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT display with 256K colors. It offers a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 114ppi. While these specifications might seem modest by today's standards, they were fairly standard for its class at the time. The display was suitable for viewing text messages, simple graphics, and navigating through the phone's menu system.

Camera Capabilities

A noteworthy feature of the Nokia 6136 is its 1.3 MP main camera, which was quite typical for feature phones of that era. While it lacks the advanced imaging capabilities found in modern smartphones, the camera was adequate for quick photos meant for viewing on the phone's screen. The ability to record video at QCIF resolution was also included, although it was more of a novelty than a primary feature.

Battery Life

The Nokia 6136 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 820 mAh battery, known as the BL-4C. It boasts a standby time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, which was quite satisfactory for a feature phone. The battery's efficiency ensured that users could rely on the device throughout the day without constant recharging, a crucial factor for users who depended on their phones for basic communication needs.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 6136 supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands, which made it highly versatile in terms of connectivity for a global audience. Its introduction of UMA technology allowed the phone to utilize Wi-Fi networks for voice and data services, which was a groundbreaking feature aimed at improving call quality and reducing cellular costs. The phone also supports GPRS and EDGE for data services, though at slower speeds compared to today’s 3G and 4G LTE networks.

Memory and Storage

The phone provides 32MB of internal storage, which was ample for a feature phone focusing primarily on basic communication capabilities. It also includes a dedicated microSD slot, enabling users to expand storage for additional content such as photos and downloaded ringtones. The phonebook capability allows for photo call functionality, which personalizes contacts with images, a popular feature in early mobile phones for user identification.

Sound and Multimedia

The Nokia 6136 includes a loudspeaker and supports various alert types including vibration, polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. Although it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, it does incorporate an FM radio, which provides entertainment and information access on the go. For data transfer, the device supports Infrared connectivity, although it does not feature Bluetooth, which limits wireless syncing capabilities compared to some of its contemporaries.

Features and Functionality

It offers several messaging options including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, making it quite versatile for users who required different forms of communication. The device also supports WAP/xHTML browsing, which was suitable for basic internet access during its time. Additionally, the inclusion of Java MIDP 2.0 allows users to download and install basic Java-based applications and games, adding to its entertainment value.

Conclusion

The Nokia 6136 stands as an exemplar of mid-2000s mobile innovation, particularly with its adoption of UMA technology. While its features may seem basic by today’s standards, it offered a sturdy and reliable communication device for its users. Nokia's focus on connecting networks seamlessly illustrates the company's foresight in bridging technology gaps, setting a precedent for future mobile innovations that emphasize network accessibility and user convenience.