Nokia E51 CameraFree Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview and Historical Context

The Nokia E51 Camera-Free, released in Q2 of 2008 after its announcement in February of the same year, is a quintessential example of Nokia's dedication to producing reliable and business-oriented mobile devices. The Nokia E51 is part of the Eseries that focuses on providing tools for business users, combining robust functionalities with elegant design.

Design and Build

The Nokia E51's body is constructed for durability and elegance, sporting dimensions of 114.8 x 46 x 12 mm and a weight of 100 grams. Its compact and slim profile makes it easy to handle and fits comfortably in hand. The device is designed with a mini-SIM slot and comes in classic colors like Black and Silver. Despite lacking a camera, the E51 still appeals to users due to its polished design and business-focused functionality.

Display

The device features a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of rendering 16 million colors, making it noteworthy for its time. The screen's resolution is 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 200 ppi. Although the screen-to-body ratio is around 23.5%, the display remains adequate for most business-related tasks and offers clear text and visuals.

Hardware and Performance

Underneath the hood, the Nokia E51 is equipped with a 369 MHz ARM 11 processor. The operating system running this hardware is the Symbian OS 9.2 with Series 60 v3.1 UI. With 96MB of RAM and 130MB of internal storage, it provides decent performance for business applications and communication tasks. Expandability is possible via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, which allows users to increase storage as needed.

Communication and Connectivity

Being a business-oriented phone, the Nokia E51 includes a range of connectivity options. It supports GSM and HSPA technologies, allowing for 3G speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) enables seamless internet browsing and VoIP over WLAN, catering to professionals in need of constant connectivity. The device also features Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless peripherals, infrared support, FM radio, and a miniUSB 2.0 port for data transfers.

Battery Life

The E51 is powered by a removable 1050 mAh Li-Ion battery (BP-6MT), offering up to 310 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. This battery performance is appropriate for the device's intended business use, balancing energy efficiency with sufficient power to last through a workday without frequent recharging.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio capabilities include a loudspeaker and support for vibrational alerts, alongside downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Despite lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack, the E51 supports wireless audio solutions through Bluetooth A2DP, making it versatile for handling calls and listening to music on the go.

Software and Applications

Running on the Symbian OS, the Nokia E51 provides access to a range of business and productivity tools. The browser supports WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, catering to varying mobile browsing needs. The device’s application suite includes standard Symbian applications and can be expanded with third-party solutions from the extensive library available for the OS at that time.

Market Position and Reception

At its release, priced at approximately 130 EUR, the Nokia E51 targeted business professionals looking for robust connectivity and essential business features without additional multimedia distractions like a camera. Its successor, in including advanced internet features and connectivity, contributed to its positive reception in the business market. However, as with many Symbian devices, it faced competition from increasingly popular smartphones with more advanced capabilities and user interfaces.

Impact and Legacy

The Nokia E51 is remembered as a reliable, durable device that emphasized connectivity and business functionalities over consumer entertainment features. Its lack of a camera, often marketed as a security feature for offices and environments where cameras were prohibited, became a distinguishing factor for its user base. Even years after its discontinuation, the E51 remains a symbol of Nokia’s strategic focus on business markets during the late 2000s.

Conclusion

The Nokia E51 Camera-Free stood out in Nokia’s lineup as a focused, business-centric device that delivered on essential functions with efficiency and style. For its time, it successfully addressed the demands of its target audience, demonstrating Nokia’s keen sense of market needs and innovation in mobile technology aimed at professional users.