Overview of Plum Tingle

Plum Tingle is a feature phone that made its debut in the market in August 2011 and was released the following month in September. As with many feature phones of its time, Plum Tingle comes with a set of basic, yet essential features that catered to the needs of users during that era. Despite being discontinued, this device provides an interesting glimpse into the technology landscape of the early 2010s.

Design and Build

The Plum Tingle measures 113.7 x 58 x 12.8 mm and weighs 126 grams, offering a compact and lightweight design that fits comfortably in hand. Constructed with durability in mind, the device includes a dual SIM slot that supports mini-SIM cards, making it convenient for users who require two separate lines for personal and professional use.

Display

The feature phone sports a 2.8-inch TFT display capable of rendering 256K colors, an adequate feat for its class. With a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio (~167 ppi density), the screen size is suitable for basic functions such as calling, messaging, and minimal internet browsing.

Performance

Under the hood, the Plum Tingle is powered by an MT 6253 chipset which manages the phone's basic tasks efficiently. While it does not feature the advanced processing power we see in modern smartphones, it provides enough performance to handle activities typical for feature phones.

Camera and Photography

The Plum Tingle is equipped with a 1.3 MP rear camera featuring an LED flash, simplifying the task of capturing photos and videos. Though not designed for professional photography, the camera offers a satisfactory experience for users who wish to capture everyday moments. On the front, a VGA camera is present to support video calls and basic selfies.

Storage and Memory

The device boasts 128MB of inbuilt storage and 64MB of RAM, which although minimal by today’s standards, provided sufficient space for storage of essential apps, contacts, and messages back in its time. Additionally, the phone supports microSDHC cards through a dedicated slot, allowing users to expand storage capacity as needed.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery (BL-4L) powers the Plum Tingle, offering up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. This robust battery performance ensured users could go through their day without needing frequent recharges, a hallmark feature of many classic feature phones.

Connectivity and Network

The Plum Tingle operates on GSM networks, supporting GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands for both SIM slots. It offers basic connectivity options such as Bluetooth for external devices and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. Although it doesn't come with WLAN or positioning features, the inclusion of an FM radio ensures users have access to entertainment on the go.

Additional Features

In terms of software, the Plum Tingle supports SMS and MMS messaging, and is Java-enabled allowing users to run basic applications and games. The phone supports multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, making it accessible to a wide user base. A loudspeaker is included for hands-free calling, although a 3.5mm jack is not available.

Appearance and Color Options

The phone is available in a variety of vibrant colors such as Red, Black, Blue, and Magenta, appealing to users who appreciate personalization and style in their mobile devices.

Conclusion

While the Plum Tingle is a discontinued model and may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of features and performance, it remains a testament to the simplicity and reliability of feature phones of its time. Its compact design, dual SIM functionality, and efficient battery life made it a popular choice for users seeking basic communication capabilities without the complexities of advanced smartphones.