Price and specifications of Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Device Overview

The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism represents an iconic blend of technology and fashion, uniquely characterized by its artistic design elements. Announced in January 2008 and released in June of the same year, this phone was discontinued shortly thereafter. Despite its short market presence, it carved out a niche, known for its distinct aesthetics and enduring build quality, all packed in a sleek form factor.

Design and Build

The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism stands out with its artistic design. The phone's body measures 112 x 45 x 11.3 mm and weighs 101 grams, making it compact and light. It features a geometric pattern on its casing, which was a key design element by Nokia in collaboration with designer Frederique Daubal. The body includes a Mini-SIM slot and offers a premium feel, complemented by the sleek black finish. The OLED screen, known for its vivid colors and energy efficiency, allows for a visually appealing interface and experience.

Display

The device features a 2.0-inch OLED display, offering 16M colors. The screen resolution boasts 240 x 320 pixels, which at the time provided a sharp and clear view with a pixel density of approximately 200ppi. Although the display size might seem small by today's standards, it was quite adequate for the phone's purpose, given its feature phone status.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism catered to basic photography needs, which was typical for its era. The camera includes an LED flash to enhance photo quality in darker settings. Although basic by today's standards, this camera sufficed for quick and on-the-go captures. Video capabilities are limited to QCIF resolution, appropriate for occasional video clips.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage capacity of the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism is 1GB, which was fairly standard for feature phones at the time. It did not allow for expanded storage through a card slot. The device did, however, support a comprehensive phonebook and the ability to log 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. While the specific RAM is not listed, the phone’s operations focus on delivering a seamless feature phone experience without demanding high memory capacity.

Connectivity and Network

The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism supports GSM and UMTS bands, providing connectivity options across various regions. It includes 2G and partial 3G capabilities, with rated speed specifications up to 384 kbps. The phone boasts Bluetooth 2.0 for wirelessly connecting headphones or transferring files. However, it's worth noting the absence of WLAN, GPS, and radio functionalities. USB connectivity is facilitated through a microUSB port, which was the standard for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery (BL-6P), the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism offered respectable battery life, with a standby time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. This longevity was sufficient for regular daily usage without frequent recharges, catering well to the lifestyle needs of its users back then.

Multimedia and Other Features

Despite its focus on fashion, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism did not shy away from multimedia implementations. It supported various alert types, including vibration, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. Though lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack, the device used its Bluetooth capabilities to link with wireless audio products. The absence of a radio aligns with the minimalist design approach, but it compensated with downloadable games and Java support (MIDP 2.0). Messaging options spread across SMS, MMS, and Email functionalities, enabling diverse communication methods.

Pricing and Market Impact

Priced at approximately 170 Euros during its release, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism was positioned in the market as a premium feature phone, justifying its cost with unique style and solid build quality. Although discontinued, the model remains a cherished piece for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of fashion artistry and technological capability.

Conclusion and Legacy

The legacy of the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism lies in its ability to merge haute couture with functionality, creating a niche icon in the mobile world. While technological specs may not compete with modern smartphones, its enduring design still captivates interest. Unconventional in personality yet useful in practical use, Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism perfectly reflects a time when mobile technology was starting to fuse more intimately with personal expression and style.