Nokia C3 2010 Ultimate Specs Prices & Features Guide

Design and Build

The Nokia C3 (2010) boasts a classic and straightforward design that was typical of its era. Measuring 115.5 x 58.1 x 13.6 mm and weighing 114 grams, it is relatively light and compact. The device features a QWERTY keyboard, which was a significant selling point for users who valued text messaging and email functionalities. This keyboard design made typing more efficient than the typical alphanumeric keypad found on many phones at the time. The phone utilized a Mini-SIM, which was standard for most devices during that period.

Display

The Nokia C3 is equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display that can show up to 256K colors. While this might not be impressive by today's standards, it was adequate for basic functions such as viewing photos, reading text, and navigating through menus. The screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi provided a decent viewing experience for the time, but it's worth noting that the screen-to-body ratio was only 26.6%, meaning the screen did not dominate the phone's front.

Hardware

Internally, the Nokia C3 was powered by modest hardware, but it was sufficient for a feature phone. It included 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM, with 55MB available for storage. While these numbers might seem low compared to modern smartphones, they were typical for feature phones during that era. For users needing more space, a microSDHC slot was available, supporting additional storage expansion.

Network and Connectivity

The device operated on GSM technology, compatible with 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, ensuring it could be used worldwide in areas with GSM coverage. For internet connectivity, it featured both GPRS and EDGE. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g was a highlight, allowing users to connect to wireless networks. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR ensured the device could pair with other Bluetooth-enabled accessories like headsets. The absence of GPS positioning is notable, meaning users would need to rely on other means for navigation.

Camera

The Nokia C3 featured a single 2 MP rear camera, which functioned adequately for basic photography and capturing moments on the go. Video recording was possible at a resolution of QCIF@15fps. However, by today's standards, these specifications are minimal, and the device lacked a front-facing camera, which limits its utility for video calls or selfies.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone came with both a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for flexible listening options. It included a Stereo FM radio with RDS, appealing to users who enjoyed listening to radio broadcasts. While the device supported basic ringtone formats and downloadable games, its multimedia functionality was limited compared to smartphones and was more aligned with basic entertainment needs.

Software and Features

The Nokia C3 operated as a feature phone, which means it did not run on conventional smartphone operating systems such as iOS or Android. It came with built-in software for messaging, including SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, and Instant Messaging. The browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, and Adobe Flash Lite, allowing for simple web browsing. Java MIDP 2.0 support enabled users to install additional apps and games.

Battery Life

Powering the Nokia C3 was a removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery (BL-5J). It offered impressive battery life by feature phone standards, with a standby time of up to 800 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours. This endurance ensured that users could rely on the phone for prolonged periods without worrying about frequent recharging.

Color Variants and Miscellaneous

The phone was available in a range of colors, including Slate Grey, Golden White, Hot Pink, and Black, offering users some degree of personalization. The SAR values were within acceptable limits, with the EU SAR value at 1.09 W/kg (head). The Lumia's market price was around 90 EUR, which positioned it as an affordable device for users seeking basic mobile connectivity and functionality without the need for full smartphone capabilities.

Conclusion

The Nokia C3 (2010) stood out during its time as a reliable and affordable feature phone. Its QWERTY keyboard and support for Wi-Fi were particularly appealing in an era before smartphones became ubiquitous. However, its limitations in multimedia capabilities and lack of features like GPS navigation and advanced mobile computing functionalities made it more suited for users who primarily required essential communication features.