Nokia 7380 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Nokia 7380

The Nokia 7380, announced in October 2005, was part of Nokia's L'Amour Collection, embodying a unique and stylish design that stood out in the mobile phone market at the time. It was a feature phone that balanced fashion with functionality, aiming to appeal to trendsetters and fashion-conscious consumers.

Design and Build

The Nokia 7380 showcased an unconventional design that set it apart from traditional mobile phones. It had an elongated form factor with dimensions of 114 x 30 x 20 mm and a weight of 80 grams, making it sleek and lightweight. The device embraced a "lipstick" style slider design, with a reflective front surface that could double as a mirror. The absence of a traditional keypad was one of its most distinctive features, utilizing a touch-sensitive Navi spinner for navigation, which was a novel approach at the time. The phone was available in elegant colors like White and Amber, enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle accessory.

Display

The Nokia 7380 featured a TFT display capable of displaying 65K colors, with a resolution of 104 x 208 pixels. The display size was not large, consistent with the device’s compact design, but it was sufficient for basic usage and browsing through menus. The aspect ratio of 18:9 was unique for the time, providing a wide viewing experience given its small screen size.

Camera Capabilities

For photography, the Nokia 7380 included a single 2 MP main camera, which was considered adequate for a feature phone in 2005. The camera was equipped with an LED flash, enhancing its ability to take photos in low-light conditions. Video capabilities were limited to QCIF resolution, which was typical for phones of that era. While it didn't boast high-end camera specs, it allowed users to capture moments on the go.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 7380 was designed to operate on GSM networks, supporting 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies. It featured GPRS class 10 for data connectivity, which facilitated basic internet browsing and MMS capabilities. EDGE class 8 was also supported, offering marginally better data speeds compared to GPRS.

Memory and Storage

Despite its fashion-forward design focus, the Nokia 7380 offered practical storage options for basic needs. The internal memory was 52MB, which was reasonable for storing contacts, messages, and a limited number of photos and ringtones. The phonebook supported up to 1000 contacts with photo call functionality, but there was no card slot for memory expansion, reflecting its primary focus on design over extensive storage.

Sound and Multimedia

The device was equipped with a loudspeaker and supported vibration alerts, along with downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. It lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, emphasizing its role as a fashionable accessory rather than a multimedia powerhouse. The stereo FM radio added a layer of entertainment, allowing users to enjoy their favorite radio stations on the go.

Battery Life

The Nokia 7380 came with a removable Li-Ion 700mAh battery (BL-8N), providing standby time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. These specifications were typical for the era, delivering sufficient battery life for a day of moderate usage without frequent recharging.

Communication and Software

The phone supported basic communication features such as SMS and MMS messaging. The built-in WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allowed users to perform light browsing, suitable for checking emails or accessing simple web pages. However, it did not support Java, limiting the scope for installing additional applications or games. As a feature phone, it operated on a proprietary system tailored to its functionality and design ethos.

Miscellaneous

The Nokia 7380 was priced at around 260 EUR at launch, placing it in the mid-range segment for phones at the time. It adhered to SAR safety standards, with values of 0.44 W/kg (head) and 0.62 W/kg (body), ensuring user safety. The phone also featured Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless connections, allowing data exchange with similarly equipped devices.

Conclusion

While modern smartphones may eclipse the Nokia 7380 in terms of technological capabilities, its design and cultural impact remain significant. It represented an era where mobile phones were as much about self-expression and fashion as they were about connectivity and communication. The Nokia 7380's innovative design and focus on style continue to be remembered fondly, offering a glimpse into the unique trends of the early 2000s mobile phone industry.