Nokia Asha 201 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview of Nokia Asha 201

The Nokia Asha 201 is a feature phone that was announced in October 2011 and released in February 2012. It is part of the Nokia Asha series which was designed to offer smartphone-like features at an affordable price. The device is best known for its QWERTY keyboard, solid battery life, and budget-friendly nature. Despite being discontinued, it still holds nostalgic value for many users who appreciated its simplicity and functionality.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia Asha 201 operates on GSM networks with 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 RM-799). It supports GPRS class 12 and EDGE class 12 technologies, providing basic internet connectivity. While the device does not support advanced Wi-Fi capabilities or GPS, it does include Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR for sharing files with nearby devices, a stereo FM radio with RDS, and recording capabilities.

Design and Build

In terms of dimensions, the Nokia Asha 201 measures 115.5 x 61.1 x 14 mm, making it compact and easy to handle with one hand. At a weight of 105 grams, it is lightweight, ensuring that carrying it around is not cumbersome. The device features a QWERTY keyboard which makes texting and typing emails more efficient compared to traditional numpad designs. It uses a Mini-SIM card and comes in a variety of colors including Graphite, Green, Blue, Aqua, Pearl White, Light Pink, Pink, and Orange, adding a touch of personalization.

Display

The Nokia Asha 201 is equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors. Although its screen-to-body ratio is approximately 25.3%, the size and resolution (320 x 240 pixels with a density of 167 ppi) are adequate for reading texts and viewing basic images. Given that this is a feature phone, it delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks, albeit with limited functionality for video playback or graphic-intensive applications.

Camera

Photographic capabilities on the Asha 201 are basic, with a single 2MP main camera. It can record video at 176x144 pixels at 10fps, which is substantially lower than what modern users expect but serves the purpose for simple captures. The device does not have a front-facing camera or any advanced photo editing features.

Memory and Storage

The onboard storage of the Nokia Asha 201 is modest with 64MB ROM and 10MB of internal storage, partnered with 32MB RAM. Such specifications are typical for feature phones designed for basic communication tasks. Nonetheless, users can expand storage using the microSDHC slot for additional space for contacts, SMS, and media files.

Battery Life

One of the notable features of the Asha 201 is its impressive battery life. Fitted with a removable 1430 mAh Li-Ion battery (BL-5J), it can achieve standby times of up to 888 hours and talk time of up to 7 hours. For music playback, it can run continuously for approximately 52 hours. The longevity of the battery is a significant selling point, especially in regions where frequent charging facilities are unavailable.

Operating System and Features

The Nokia Asha 201 runs on a feature phone operating system with support for Java MIDP 2.1 applications, allowing it to run basic games and other downloadable content. Messaging features include SMS (with threaded view), MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging capabilities. The absence of sensors and advanced apps makes this phone ideal for users seeking minimal functionalities with a focus on call and text.

Pricing and Market Position

Initially priced at approximately 50 EUR, the Nokia Asha 201 was positioned as an affordable device targeting emerging markets and consumers seeking a cost-effective secondary phone. It served well in distinguishing itself among peers for its keyboard, battery life, and robustness, factors that appealed particularly to business professionals and students.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nokia Asha 201 represented a perfect balance between simplicity and functionality during its time. While it lacks the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, its enduring build quality, affordable price, and efficient QWERTY keyboard made it a practical choice for users requiring essential communication tools. Even as a discontinued product, it remains a noteworthy example of classic mobile design appealing to both nostalgic users and collectors.