Nokia E63 Complete Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview

The Nokia E63 is a compact yet feature-rich smartphone that was the go-to device for business and personal use during its time. Released in December 2008, it quickly gained popularity thanks to its QWERTY keyboard, excellent connectivity options, and robust design. Despite being discontinued, it offers an interesting glimpse into the smartphone evolution during the late 2000s. This article explores the specifications, design, functionality, and performance of the Nokia E63 to offer a comprehensive understanding of this iconic device.

Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 113 x 59 x 13 mm and weighing 126 grams, the Nokia E63 was designed with portability and ease of use in mind. The phone's exterior features a durable plastic shell available in various colors, including Ultramarine Blue, Ruby Red, and Black. The front panel houses a 2.36-inch display accompanied by a QWERTY keyboard designed for quick typing on-the-go.

Display

The 2.36-inch TFT display supports 16M colors, providing vibrant and sharp visuals at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Although the screen size may appear small by today's standards, it was considered adequate for reading emails, messages, and browsing the internet at the time. The display's pixel density of approximately 169 ppi ensured text and images remained clear and readable.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the E63 is powered by an ARM 11 processor clocked at 369 MHz. While modest compared to modern-day smartphones, it provided sufficient power for day-to-day tasks such as messaging, internet browsing, and applications supported by the Symbian OS 9.2, Series 60 v3.1 UI. Its operational efficiency was further enhanced by its hardware design, featuring 120 MB of internal storage and expandable memory through microSDHC cards.

Camera Capabilities

The Nokia E63 comes equipped with a 2 MP rear camera featuring an LED flash, which was a standard feature in many phones of that era. Despite its low resolution, it managed to capture decent photos for casual photography. The camera also supports video recording at 320p@15fps, suitable for basic video capturing needs. However, the device lacks a front-facing camera for selfies or video calls.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM/UMTS network technologies, the Nokia E63 was capable of operating across various frequency bands, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS 900/2100. It provided 3G connectivity with speeds up to 384 kbps, ensuring reliable internet access for its users. Additional connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for efficient data transfer and charging.

Audio and Media

The E63 features a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack for personal audio experiences. Its audio quality was commendable, offering clear and crisp sound for calls and media playback. The built-in music player supported various formats, and users could enjoy extended music playtime of up to 18 hours, courtesy of its robust battery design.

Battery Life

One of its strongest attributes was the removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery (BP-4L), which offered impressive longevity. The device supported standby time of up to 432 hours on 2G and 480 hours on 3G networks, with talk times reaching up to 11 hours on 2G and 4 hours and 40 minutes on 3G. The excellent battery life ensured that users could depend on the E63 for prolonged use without frequent recharging.

Usability and User Experience

With a comfortable and tactile QWERTY keyboard, the Nokia E63 was particularly favored by users who required efficient text input, such as for emails and SMS. The Symbian OS provided a customizable user interface with support for downloadable applications from the Nokia Store, expanding the device's functionality. The user experience was further enhanced by features such as the FM radio, native web browser, and a selection of pre-installed productivity apps.

Legacy and Impact

The Nokia E63 holds a special place in the history of mobile phones, representing a period when physical keyboards were in high demand. It served as a precursor to more advanced smartphones and was a reliable choice for business professionals, students, and everyday users alike. The device's emphasis on quality build, strong battery life, and substantial connectivity options set a standard for future designs in the mobile phone industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nokia E63 was a well-rounded and versatile smartphone that excelled in key areas such as battery life, connectivity, and communication. While advancements in mobile technology have surpassed its capabilities, the E63's contribution to mobile design and function remains significant. This analysis of its features and impact underlines its role as an influential device that catered to the demands of its time.