Nokia 6170 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Nokia 6170

The Nokia 6170, a significant member in the feature phone era, was launched in the third quarter of 2004. This device symbolizes a period where mobile phones were transitioning from basic communication tools to devices offering more multifunctional features. The Nokia 6170 combined limited multimedia functionality with robust design, suitable for users searching for simplicity and reliability. Despite its discontinuation, understanding the Nokia 6170 offers insights into the technological developments of early 2000s feature phones.

Design and Build

The Nokia 6170 was designed with a focus on durability and practicality. Its fold or clamshell form factor was a popular design choice at that time. The phone measured 88 x 46 x 22 mm and weighed 121 grams, making it slightly bulky but still manageable in hand. The robust metal cover ensured strength and protection from frequent drops and damage. The minimalist yet practical design was complemented by a silver casing, giving it a sleek, professional appearance.

Display Features

Equipped with a TFT display, the Nokia 6170 supported 65k colors, which was standard for mobile screens back then. The 2.0-inch screen might seem small compared to today’s standards, but it provided clear visuals with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio stood at approximately 31.1%, highlighting the compact nature of the device. Although the graphic quality and color depth were basic, they were adequate for navigating through the phone's menu and viewing simple media.

Camera Specifications

The Nokia 6170 featured a VGA camera with a basic resolution 0.3MP, a feature that introduced many users to mobile photography. While the image quality was significantly lower than modern smartphones, it captured moments with acceptable clarity, suitable for quick snapshots. The ability to record videos added a multimedia element to the phone, a novelty at the time among feature phones.

Memory and Storage

One of the limitations of the Nokia 6170 was its internal storage of 2.2 MB. This storage size was ample for saving contacts, a few SMS messages, and limited media files. The phonebook could hold up to 500 entries, featuring a photo call function. However, the absence of a memory card slot meant users had to manage this limited space judiciously. The lack of expandable storage is one reason why the device was mainly focused on communication rather than extensive media use.

Connectivity Options

The Nokia 6170 supported GSM networks, precisely GSM 900/1800/1900 bands, allowing for decent global network coverage. It featured GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10 capabilities for data transfer, which augmented the online browsing experience through its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Notably, the device did not include Bluetooth or WLAN features, which limited direct wireless file transfers. However, it did come with an infrared port for basic file sharing and a Pop-Port USB connector for wired connectivity.

Battery Performance

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 760 mAh battery (BL-4C), the Nokia 6170 offered modest battery life, with up to 270 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours of talk time. Given the device's limited multimedia usage, this battery performance was generally sufficient for daily operations. The removable nature of the battery also meant that users could carry a spare for travel, an advantage in times of no portable chargers.

Sound and Multimedia

The Nokia 6170 included a loudspeaker for calls and media playback, although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which meant external audio devices were not supported. Users could personalize their phones with downloadable polyphonic, monophonic, and MP3 ringtones. The phone's alert modes included vibration, which was useful in discreet environments.

Software and Features

As a feature phone, the Nokia 6170 ran on a proprietary Nokia operating system. It supported basic messaging options including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, catering to the essential communication needs of its users. The device came with a few pre-loaded games and supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing users to download additional games and applications. Furthermore, the phone supported multiple languages, including major European and Asia-Pacific languages, broadening its usability across various regions.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Nokia 6170 served as a practical communication tool during an era when smartphones were yet to dominate the market. It provided an efficient mix of basic features with a simple user interface and sturdy design, appealing to users prioritizing functionality and reliability over advanced technology. While it might seem outdated today, the Nokia 6170 remains a nostalgic piece of mobile technology history, representing an important transition from the simpler mobile phones of the 1990s to the more sophisticated devices we know today.