Plum Signal Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Plum Signal

The Plum Signal is a feature phone that was first announced in September 2012 and released in October of the same year. The phone is designed to cater to users who prefer simplicity and durability over advanced smartphone features. Despite being discontinued, the Plum Signal remains a noteworthy device due to its basic yet efficient functionalities. Below is a detailed exploration of this device, covering its technical specifications, design, performance, and usability.

Design and Build

The Plum Signal is compact in design with dimensions of 92 x 45 x 17.5 mm, making it a comfortable fit in the hand and pocket. Weighing 89 grams, the device feels lightweight and easy to carry around. It features a QWERTY keyboard that is particularly appealing for users who are fond of texting and typing. The phone supports Dual SIM functionality using Mini-SIM slots, which is valuable for users needing separate numbers for personal and professional use.

Display

This feature phone is equipped with a 1.8 inch TFT screen. Although small by today’s standards, the display ensures adequate viewing for basic operations such as texting and calling. The screen resolution is 160 x 120 pixels, with a pixel density of around 111 ppi, offering a modest viewing experience that is expected from feature phones designed for essential communication.

Performance and Hardware

The Plum Signal is powered by the Mediatek MT6250 chipset, an efficient processor for handling the basic requirements of a feature phone. The device includes 32MB of RAM and 32MB of internal storage, which is typical for feature phones, ensuring smooth performance for its intended usage scope. For users requiring more storage, the device provides a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing expansion and better flexibility.

Camera Specifications

The phone includes a single rear camera of 1.3 Megapixels. While it may not compare to modern-day smartphones, this camera is sufficient for occasional and straightforward photography needs. It also supports video recording at 10fps, which is more of a supplementary feature rather than a core aspect of the device.

Battery Life

The Plum Signal is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery (BL-4U), delivering a stand-by time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. This battery performance aligns well with the simple functions of the phone, ensuring it stays powered for essential daily activities without frequent recharges.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the device supports GSM networks with 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900). It lacks advanced connectivity options like WLAN, NFC, or GPS, but offers Bluetooth 2.0 for basic wireless connectivity, such as connecting to a headset. Additionally, the Plum Signal features a stereo FM radio, providing entertainment and news wherever reception is available. The device can be charged via microUSB, making it compatible with widely available charging cables.

Additional Features

Other noteworthy features of the Plum Signal include messaging capabilities with support for SMS, MMS, Email, and IM. It is designed to handle basic communication with simplicity and efficiency. The device includes a loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is something to consider for users who frequently use wired headphones. However, the availability of Stereo FM radio adds an aspect of entertainment that is often appreciated in feature phones.

Conclusion

The Plum Signal holds its place in the feature phone segment with a balance of simple functionalities and utility. While it may not cater to users seeking high-end specifications or multimedia capabilities, it serves its purpose as a reliable communication device. Its robust design, coupled with essential features and connectivity options, make it an appealing choice for those preferring basic yet effective mobile phone use. Despite being discontinued, its legacy continues in its user-friendly design and functionality.