Nokia C101 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Features & Flaws

Introduction to Nokia C1-01

The Nokia C1-01 was a part of Nokia's portfolio aiming at providing essential mobile communication features at an affordable price. Released in 2010, the Nokia C1-01 is a classic feature phone that prioritized functionality and simplicity over high-end specifications. Despite being discontinued, the Nokia C1-01 left a mark with its enduring design and reliable performance, particularly appealing to those who prefer the essentials of mobile communication without the complexity of modern smartphones.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia C1-01 measures 108 x 45 x 14 mm and weighs just 78.8 grams, making it compact and lightweight. Its dimensions allow for easy handling and portability. The device features a plastic build which contributes to its lightweight nature while ensuring durability. It comes in a variety of colors, including Dark Grey, Warm Grey, Red, and Midnight Blue, offering a degree of personalization. The phone houses a mini-SIM card slot and fits comfortably in the palm, catering to users who prefer smaller devices.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT display, the Nokia C1-01 offers visuals with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While its screen size and resolution may seem modest by today’s standards, it suffices for basic tasks such as reading messages and browsing through contacts. The display supports 65,000 colors, providing a simple yet vibrant interface that remains visible under different lighting conditions.

Camera and Multimedia Capabilities

The Nokia C1-01 features a basic 0.3 MP camera with a resolution of 600 x 480 pixels. It allows users to capture spontaneous moments and store them for later viewing. The phone camera also supports video recording at 128x96 pixels at 10 frames per second, which is quite rudimentary but adequate for simple video clips.

For audio, the device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting traditional earphones and providing options for private listening. It comes with a Stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capability, appealing to users who enjoy listening to radio broadcasts. Additionally, the phone supports Java MIDP 2.0, enabling basic mobile games and Java-supported applications.

Connectivity Features

The Nokia C1-01 falls short of advanced connectivity options seen in smartphones but still covers essential communication needs. It operates on GSM 900/1800 networks and supports GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR is present, allowing the user to connect with other Bluetooth-enabled devices for sharing files and connecting to accessories like headsets.

While WLAN support is absent, the device compensates with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. A browser supporting WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML via Opera Mini delivers basic internet browsing capabilities when connected to a mobile network.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Nokia C1-01 is equipped with 10MB of storage and 16MB of RAM, which may appear limited but is typical for feature phones aimed at essential tasks. It allows room for up to 1000 phonebook entries, enabling users to save considerable contacts with additional photo call functionality. The addition of a dedicated microSDHC slot supports cards up to 32GB, significantly enhancing storage capacity for media and other files.

Battery Performance

Powering the Nokia C1-01 is a removable 800 mAh Li-Ion battery, model BL-5CB. It delivers impressive durability with up to 504 hours of standby time and around 10 hours and 40 minutes of talk time. This long battery life ensures that users remain connected and communicate without frequent recharges, which was a significant benefit especially for those living in areas without constant access to electricity.

Operating System and Interface

Running on the Nokia Series 40 operating system designed for feature phones, the C1-01 provides a straightforward interface focused on core functionalities like calling, messaging, and basic internet browsing. It offers SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging support, covering various communication needs.

Additional Features

Beyond its primary specifications, the Nokia C1-01 includes several features that enhance its user experience. It supports Java applications, allowing users to download mini-applications and Java-based games. A selection of pre-installed games offers additional entertainment options for users.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nokia C1-01 stands out as a representative of a bygone era of mobile devices where simplicity and essential functionality were at the forefront. Its design, although basic, was efficient and catered to user needs focused on communication and lightweight usage. While it lacks the powerful features of modern smartphones, the Nokia C1-01 remains noteworthy for those interested in a budget-friendly, reliable, and uncomplicated mobile phone experience.