Price and specifications of Nokia 7373 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Nokia 7373

The Nokia 7373, announced in September 2006, was a unique entry in Nokia's product lineup that captured the fashion-forward consumer market. It was part of the "L'Amour Collection," which emphasized design aesthetics alongside functionality. With its distinctive swivel design and attention to cultural motifs, the Nokia 7373 aimed to offer not just a mobile communication device but also a fashion accessory.

Design and Build

The Nokia 7373 was distinctive for its innovative swivel design, allowing users to swivel the phone 180 degrees to access the keypad. The dimensions were compact at 88 x 43 x 23 mm, providing a comfortable form factor for hands of all sizes. Weighing in at 104 grams, it was lightweight yet felt substantial enough to reflect quality. The phone was available in colors like Bronze Black and Powder Pink, targeting a more style-conscious audience. The intricate patterns and use of tribal art on the exterior highlighted its identity as a piece of art.

Display

The device featured a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of showcasing 256K colors, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This screen size and resolution were adequate for its time, delivering clear and vibrant graphics that worked well with the user interface. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 32.7%, which was typical for phones of that era, emphasizing form over large display areas.

Camera

At a time when camera capabilities on phones were in their infancy, the Nokia 7373 came equipped with a 2 MP rear camera. This could capture images with acceptable quality, suitable for mobile photography of the time. The camera was also capable of video recording at QCIF resolution, providing basic videography capabilities that met the needs of personal and social use.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the Nokia 7373 was limited to 8MB, which was typical for mobiles of the era. However, it featured a dedicated microSD slot that allowed for expandable storage, making it versatile enough to handle additional media files such as photos, ringtones, and applications. The phonebook could accommodate up to 1000 contacts, which was substantial for personal and business purposes alike.

Connectivity and Network

The Nokia 7373 supported GSM technology on 900/1800/1900 bands, which allowed for widespread compatibility in multiple global regions. It featured GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10, providing an acceptable data transfer speed for browsing and emailing. The device lacked modern connectivity options like WLAN and GPS but did offer Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless media streaming, and a Pop-Port for USB connectivity.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery, the Nokia 7373 managed to provide standby time of up to 250 hours and talk time of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. While today's smartphones offer significantly more battery life, these specifications were reasonable at the time, given the phone's moderate power consumption and feature set.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone came equipped with stereo speakers, enhancing its appeal as a multimedia device. It supported a variety of alert types including vibration, downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. However, it missed the industry-standard 3.5mm headphone jack, relying instead on the proprietary Pop-Port connection for audio output. The inclusion of an FM radio allowed users to enjoy music and broadcasts while on the go.

Software and Features

The Nokia 7373 ran on a proprietary feature phone operating system, designed more for ease of use and reliability than for multi-tasking performance. It supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing users to enhance their experience with downloadable games and applications. Built-in games like Sudoku and Music Guess provided entertainment, while messaging options included SMS, MMS, and Email, catering to essential communication needs.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Nokia 7373 was not just a phone but a statement piece that signaled the convergence of technology and fashion. By incorporating exotic design motifs and a swivel form factor, it stood out from the plethora of bar and flip phones saturating the market. For many users, it was more than a mobile device; it was an expression of personal style and identity. Although discontinued, the Nokia 7373 continues to be remembered fondly as a symbol of design flair in the mobile phone industry’s history.