Nokia Asha 200 Features Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Nokia Asha 200

The Nokia Asha 200 is part of Nokia's popular Asha series, targeting budget-conscious consumers looking for essential mobile functionalities paired with durability. Introduced in October 2011 and released in December 2011, the Asha 200 stood out with its QWERTY keyboard and dual SIM capability, which catered to users in emerging markets who required affordable, efficient, and functional mobile communication.

Design and Build

The Nokia Asha 200 has a compact design with dimensions of 115.4 x 61.1 x 14 mm and a weight of 105 grams. Its build is characterized by a sturdy plastic construction, typical of Nokia devices of the era, providing durability and resistance to daily wear. The device features a smooth, curved design, and is available in a range of vibrant colors including Graphite, Green, Blue, Aqua, Pearl White, Light Pink, Pink, and Orange.

Display

The display on the Nokia Asha 200 is a 2.4-inch TFT screen, capable of displaying up to 256K colors. It offers a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, providing a pixel density of roughly 167 ppi. Though modest, the screen is adequate for basic tasks and features a contrast ratio of 746:1, which is sufficient for the device's intended use.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, the Nokia Asha 200 allows users to capture basic images. It can also record video at 176x144 pixels at 10fps. This camera setup is quite standard for feature phones from its time, offering just enough functionality for taking casual snapshots or recording short clips.

Performance and Software

The Nokia Asha 200 runs on a feature phone platform, which ensures stability and low power consumption. It is equipped with 32MB of RAM, 64MB of ROM, and 10MB of internal storage, which can easily be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This storage configuration supports essential applications and tasks without compromising speed.

Connectivity

Connectivity features of the Asha 200 include GSM 900/1800 compatibility for both SIM cards, GPRS Class 12, EDGE Class 12, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR support, microUSB 2.0 for data transfer, and a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capability. Notably, the device lacks Wi-Fi and GPS, inline with its focus on cost-efficiency and specific market needs.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1430 mAh battery (BL-5J), which offers substantial longevity given the phone's low power hardware. It boasts a stand-by time of up to 552 hours, talk time of up to 7 hours, and an impressive music play time of up to 52 hours. This endurance is well-suited for users who prioritize long battery life over frequent charging.

Audio and Multimedia

The Nokia Asha 200 features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring convenient audio playback and communication. Its audio capabilities include satisfactory loudness levels with voice and ring quality measured at 71dB and 73dB respectively. Additionally, the device supports Java (MIDP 2.1) and downloadable games, catering to users who enjoy basic gaming experiences.

Additional Features

Other key features include threaded SMS, MMS, Email, and IM messaging capabilities. This array of communication methods supports diverse user preferences. The device also includes a basic phonebook with Photocall support, highlighting its role as a practical and versatile communication tool. Unfortunately, the Asha 200 does not feature advanced sensors or positioning systems, reflecting its focus on essential functionalities.

Market Impact and Legacy

The Nokia Asha 200, with its budget-friendly price of approximately 50 EUR at launch, left a marked impact on the market, particularly in developing regions. Its dual SIM capability, reliable performance, and extensive battery life made it a popular choice among users seeking a dependable and affordable mobile communication device. Although discontinued, its legacy lives on in the memories of users who appreciated its simplicity and practicality during the pre-smartphone era.