Nokia 6820 Comprehensive Review Price Features & Drawbacks

Introduction to Nokia 6820

The Nokia 6820, released in the last quarter of 2003, was a distinctive feature phone that marked a unique blend of form and functionality. As one of the final iterations in the 6800 series, this device was aimed at users who valued both communication capabilities and physical keyboards at a time when smartphones were still emerging. Distinguished by its innovative fold-open design that reveals a full QWERTY keyboard, the 6820 was targeted at business professionals and tech-savvy individuals who needed to manage emails and messaging efficiently.

Design and Build

The Nokia 6820 boasts a sleek and pragmatic design. With dimensions of 107 x 47 x 20 mm, it was compact enough to carry comfortably, yet its 79 cc volume provided ample space for its innovative keyboard mechanism. Weighing in at only 100 grams, the device was lightweight compared to many of its peers. The device's QWERTY keyboard was a differentiator, hidden within its foldable design, and aimed to enhance typing efficiency and speed for users who relied heavily on messaging and text input.

Display Features

Sporting a 1.6-inch CSTN display capable of rendering 4096 colors, the Nokia 6820 was certainly not about delivering a visual spectacle but rather providing functional use with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. This screen provided sufficient clarity for its intended applications, such as viewing messages and browsing text-based content. With a pixel density of approximately 113 PPI, the display was modest yet befitting for its time.

Camera Specifications

In an era before the smartphone camera boom, the Nokia 6820 was equipped with a 0.1MP CIF main camera, primarily serving basic photography needs. This was an era where cameras on mobile devices were still a novelty. The camera supported video recording, albeit at low resolution, capturing simple and short video clips.

Battery and Power Management

The Nokia 6820 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery (BL-5C). Known for its durability, the battery provided up to 240 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time, making it reliable for extended use without frequent recharges—a characteristic highly valued by users who needed dependable communication on the go.

Connectivity Options

This device supported GSM technology and operated on 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900). With Class 10 GPRS, users could engage in data connectivity for emails and basic web browsing through WAP 2.0/xHTML browser support. Although it lacked modern WLAN and GPS features, the inclusion of Bluetooth 1.1 and Infrared port offered versatile connectivity options for data transfer and peripheral connection.

Memory and Storage

The Nokia 6820 did not offer expandable storage options, a common trait in feature phones of that era. It came with 3.5MB of internal storage, sufficient for storing contacts, text messages, and even a few small Java-based applications. The device's phonebook stored up to 1000 x 10 fields and Photos could be assigned to contacts for photo calls.

Messaging and Communication

With its focus on communication, the Nokia 6820 did an excellent job catering to messaging needs with support for SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. Its full QWERTY keyboard made typing more natural and efficient, enhancing the messaging experience significantly compared to traditional T9-based typing methods.

Games and Entertainment

The device came preloaded with five classic games: Backgammon, Bounce, Bowling, Chess Puzzle, and Water Rapid. Users could also download additional games and applications, though the offerings were limited by the hardware capabilities typical of a feature phone.

SAR and Compliance

The Nokia 6820 adhered to industry standards for specific absorption rate (SAR), with measurements of 0.52 W/kg for head exposure and slightly higher values as per the SAR EU metrics, which ensured safe usage concerning radiofrequency exposure.

Conclusion

The Nokia 6820 was a trailblazer in its time, particularly for its innovative use of a fold-out QWERTY keyboard, compact form, and a well-rounded set of communication features that catered to the needs of professionals much before the smartphone era. While technology has drastically advanced since, the 6820 remains a nostalgic device for many, symbolizing a transitional period in mobile communication history.