Panasonic G51 Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Features Review

Overview of Panasonic G51

The Panasonic G51, introduced in the last quarter of 2003, is a feature phone that reflects the design aesthetics and technological standards of the early 2000s. With a compact size and essential functionalities, it was targeted at users who needed a reliable device for calls and messaging. Although discontinued, its simplicity and efficiency still draw interest from mobile phone enthusiasts and collectors.

Design and Build

The G51 is notable for its highly compact form factor. Measuring at just 80 x 43 x 18 mm and weighing a mere 74 grams, it is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. The phone's minimalist design, along with its small footprint, makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer portability. The body is crafted from durable materials and is available in several color options, including Silver, Red, and Blue, while special editions offer Pink and Gold hues.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a CSTN display capable of showing 4096 colors, the Panasonic G51's screen offers a resolution of 128 x 96 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio. While modern standards might view this as low quality, at the time, it provided sufficient clarity for the phone's simple functionalities. The display adequately supported the user interface for basic operations and games.

Network and Connectivity

The Panasonic G51 supports GSM technology and operates across GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bandwidths. Designed primarily for voice and basic messaging, it lacks modern connectivity features like Bluetooth and WLAN. However, it does support GPRS for basic mobile internet access, making it functional in regions where GSM networks are prevalent.

Battery Performance

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery, the G51 offers a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Although these figures appear limited compared to contemporary smartphones, they were quite adequate for a feature phone typical of the early 2000s.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the Panasonic G51 is accompanied by a phonebook capacity of up to 255 entries, which was considered sufficient for the target users of its time. It allows recording up to 20 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. However, the device lacks an external card slot, restricting the user's ability to expand storage capabilities.

Software and Operating System

Running on a proprietary feature phone operating system, the G51 provides basic functionalities such as SMS and EMS for messaging, alongside a WAP 1.2.1 browser for minimalist internet browsing. It also includes pre-installed games, taking into account the entertainment aspect.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound capabilities on the Panasonic G51 are simplistic but effective. It includes a loudspeaker and supports vibration alert and polyphonic ringtones that could be downloaded, adding a layer of customization for its users. However, the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack limits its multimedia capabilities as per today's standards.

Conclusion

The Panasonic G51 represents an era when mobile phones were primarily used for communication rather than multimedia consumption. Despite its lack of many modern features, it stood out for its compact size, decent battery life, and basic functionalities, fulfilling the needs of users at the time of its release. While it might not hold substantial utility today, its design and functionality offer insights into the evolution of mobile phone technology.