Nokia Asha 311 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Nokia Asha 311

The Nokia Asha 311, launched in 2012, is a feature phone that marks an era of Nokia's attempt to bridge the gap between basic phones and smartphones. With its compact design and essential functionalities, it was targeted at consumers looking for affordability coupled with advanced capabilities suitable for everyday tasks.

Design and Build

The Nokia Asha 311 boasts a sleek and robust design, characterized by its glass front with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, and a plastic back and frame. This combination provides a balance of durability and lightness, with the phone weighing just 95 grams. The dimensions of 106 x 52 x 12.9 mm ensure that it fits comfortably in the hand or pocket, making it a very portable device.

Display Features

Featuring a 3.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, the Nokia Asha 311 offers vibrant colors and reasonable clarity for its time. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 46.5% might not match modern standards, but it serves its purpose well for users during its release period. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass adds a layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by a 1.0 GHz processor, the Asha 311 is equipped to handle basic tasks and applications with relative ease. Although it is not designed for heavy multitasking or gaming, it successfully manages casual use scenarios. The device contains 128MB of RAM and 256MB of ROM, complemented by an internal storage of 140MB, which could be expanded using a microSDHC slot.

Camera Capabilities

The device is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera capable of capturing photos and recording videos at 480p@25fps. While the camera does not have advanced features seen in smartphones today, it captures decent-quality images suitable for sharing and social media use at that time.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia Asha 311 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, with 2G and 3G bands ensuring reliable connectivity over networks ranging from 850 to 2100 MHz. The phone offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, a stereo FM radio with RDS, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support, making it quite connectivity-friendly during its time.

Battery Efficiency

One of the standout features of the Asha 311 is its removable Li-Ion 1110 mAh battery. With impressive standby times of up to 696 hours on 2G networks and 744 hours on 3G, this device offers substantial battery life. The talk time ranges up to 14 hours on 2G and 6 hours on 3G, with music playback providing up to 40 hours, which is exceptional for feature phones.

User Interface and Software

The Asha 311 operates as a feature phone but incorporates some smartphone-like features that enhance user experience. Messaging options include SMS, MMS, Email, and IM. Java support allows for the installation of additional apps and games, broadening the phone's functionality beyond its default settings.

Miscellaneous Features

The device comes in a variety of colors including Dark Grey, Rose Red, Blue, Brown, and Sand White, giving users a choice to match their style. With a SAR value of 1.09 W/kg for the head and 0.79 W/kg for the body, it adheres to safety standards. Priced at around 80 EUR at launch, it was competitively positioned to attract budget-conscious consumers.

Legacy and Conclusion

While the Nokia Asha 311 has been discontinued, its legacy remains significant in Nokia's history as it represented the strategic transition towards more internet-enabled feature phones. The combination of practical features and reasonable price made it an attractive option for many users seeking a functional yet affordable device. Although it does not compare to modern smartphones in terms of capabilities, its impact during its release period remains noteworthy.