Comprehensive Review Nokia Asha 308 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Nokia Asha 308

The Nokia Asha 308 is a feature phone that was launched in September 2012 and became available in October of the same year. It is part of the Nokia Asha family known for providing affordable devices with smartphone-like features, targeted at emerging markets. Although the device has been discontinued, it remains a popular choice for users looking for basic functionalities and robust performance. The phone is equipped with a 2MP camera, 1110mAh battery, and runs on a feature phone operating system. It is a dual SIM phone which allows for more flexibility and convenience, especially for users who manage multiple phone numbers.

Design and Build

The Nokia Asha 308 comes with a compact design. It features dimensions of 109.9 x 54 x 13 mm, making it easily portable and comfortable to hold. This device weighs in at 104 grams, which is relatively light. The phone's construction promises durability with a body that is built to withstand daily use. The Asha 308 is available in two color options: Black and Golden light, offering a simple yet elegant design.

Display

The Nokia Asha 308 has a 3.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, providing a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 43.2%. The screen supports 65K colors, offering a basic yet functional display experience. For protection, the phone is equipped with scratch-resistant glass. This feature ensures the display remains free from minor scratches due to daily handling.

Camera

For photography, the Nokia Asha 308 is equipped with a single 2MP camera. While basic compared to modern standards, the camera is capable of capturing decent images for everyday moments. Video capabilities include recording at 176x144 pixels at 13 frames per second, allowing for basic video capturing needs. However, the device does not include a selfie camera, which aligns with its focus on essential features.

Performance and Memory

Under the hood, Nokia Asha 308 is powered by capabilities that fit its classification as a feature phone rather than a smartphone. It packs 64MB of RAM and 128MB of internal ROM, with 20MB available to the user for storage. In addition, it supports microSDHC cards, which allows expansion up to 32GB, catering specifically to those who want to store more media and applications. The device's performance is sufficient for day-to-day operations like calling, messaging, and handling basic apps.

Connectivity

The Nokia Asha 308 includes various connectivity options. It operates on GSM network technology, supporting dual SIM functionality with both SIMs operating on GSM 900/1800 bands. This is beneficial for users who want to separate personal and business calls without needing two separate devices. It provides EDGE connectivity up to 236.8 kbps, which enables basic internet browsing. For local connectivity, it includes Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless data transfer, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data cable connections. The phone does not include WLAN, NFC, or GPS functionalities, which is typical for phones in the feature phone category.

Software and Features

The Asha 308 runs on Nokia's proprietary software designed for feature phones. It supports SMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging, ensuring that users can stay connected through various communication channels. The device also supports Java (MIDP 2.1), enabling a selection of downloadable applications and games. For entertainment, the phone includes a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities, and users can enjoy music for extended periods with its long battery life.

Battery Life

A major advantage of the Nokia Asha 308 is its battery life. The phone contains a removable Li-Ion 1110 mAh battery (BL-4U), which provides extensive usage time: up to 17 hours of talk time, up to 600 hours in standby, and up to 54 hours of music playback. This makes the Asha 308 a reliable choice for users who need a long-lasting battery for daily use without frequent charging.

Sound and Audio

The audio capabilities of Nokia Asha 308 include a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating personal listening preferences. The phone provides good sound quality for voice calls, music playback, and FM radio. Audio tests show a notable noise level of -81.5dB and crosstalk of -78.2dB, emphasizing sufficient audio performance for its category.

Market Positioning and Value

Upon its release, the Nokia Asha 308 was positioned as an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers looking for essential mobile features. It was priced around 70 EUR, offering significant value for those in need of a basic, yet durable phone. Its dual SIM functionality, extended battery life, and solid build quality make it still relevant, especially in markets where smartphone adoption and costs are limiting factors.