Nokia 6500 Comprehensive Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Nokia 6500, announced in early 2002, operates on GSM technology, specifically supporting GSM 900 and GSM 1800 bands. Although it was a mid-range device at the time, its reliance on the GSM network made it widely accessible in various regions around the world. The device also supported GPRS Class 4, providing a rudimentary form of data connectivity that allowed for basic internet functions through its WAP 1.2.1 browser. However, it did not support EDGE, limiting its capability to handle faster data transfer speeds.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Nokia 6500 featured a compact, robust body measuring 97 x 43 x 21 mm and weighing a mere 88 grams. Its design ethos remained faithful to the Nokia tradition of creating durable and user-friendly devices. The phone supported a Mini-SIM and offered a Beige color as standard, with additional Xpress-on covers for those seeking to personalize their handset. Despite the phone's compact size, it was designed to be comfortable in the hand and easy to operate.

Display

The Nokia 6500 was equipped with a monochrome graphic display featuring a resolution of 96 x 60 pixels. It could display 5 lines of text, maintaining a 16:10 aspect ratio. While this might seem primitive by today’s smartphone standards, the display was more than adequate for the basic functions it was designed to perform, such as reading SMS messages, browsing simple WAP pages, or playing pre-installed games.

Memory and Phonebook

One of the Nokia 6500's notable features was its ability to store up to 500 names in its phonebook, with the option of associating each contact with up to three numbers. This was a significant capability during the time of its release. However, the device did not include a card slot, meaning users had to rely exclusively on the built-in memory. For call management, the phone stored details of the last 20 dialed calls, 10 received calls, and 10 missed calls.

Sound and Alerts

Despite its lack of a loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, the Nokia 6500 provided users with several customizable alert options. Users could download monophonic ringtones to personalize their alerts. The phone also supported vibration alerts, which could be particularly useful in situations where audible alerts were impractical or inappropriate.

Communication Capabilities

Although the Nokia 6500's communication capabilities were limited compared to modern smartphones, it did include an infrared port, allowing for data exchange with other devices. Additionally, the device featured an FM radio, providing users with entertainment and access to news on the go. However, it did not offer support for more contemporary communication technologies such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity, reflecting the technological standards and consumer expectations at the time of its release.

Entertainment and Applications

For entertainment, the Nokia 6500 came pre-installed with four games: Snake II, Pairs II, Space Impact, and Bumper, which were popular and addictive time-pass options for users at the time. The simplicity of these games and their low resource requirements made them ideal for the device’s hardware capabilities. While the phone did not support Java, limiting its ability to run third-party applications, its suite of built-in features provided sufficient entertainment for users.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery (BLB-2), which offered substantial longevity. It could provide up to 100 to 350 hours of standby time and between 2 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours of talk time. This made the Nokia 6500 a reliable companion for users who required consistent and dependable mobile communication.

Health and Safety

The Nokia 6500 had Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values of 1.28 W/kg when held to the head and 0.94 W/kg on the body, falling within the acceptable health and safety standards at that time. For European specifications, the SAR value was slightly lower at 0.92 W/kg, reaffirming its compliance with international health guidelines.

Conclusion

The Nokia 6500, with its robust build, long battery life, and practical features, exemplified the standard mobile phone philosophy of the early 2000s. While lacking some modern amenities, such as a camera or advanced connectivity features, it succeeded in providing essential communication services effectively and reliably. This has made it a fondly remembered device among mobile phone enthusiasts and a snapshot of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.