Sharp GX10 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sharp GX10

The Sharp GX10, released in October 2002, was a significant mobile phone that marked a transition in mobile technology during the early 2000s. This phone was one of the early devices that combined a range of features, including a color display and an in-built camera, to cater to the growing demand for multifunctional mobile devices.

Design and Build

One of the standout aspects of the Sharp GX10 was its design. Measuring 94 x 49 x 27 mm and weighing around 110 grams, the GX10 was compact and convenient for everyday use. The device featured a clamshell design, which was popular at the time, providing both protection for the keypad and a unique style. The phone was equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, conforming to the standards of mobile technology during its release period.

Display

The GX10 came with a TFT display capable of showing 65K colors, enhancing the user experience with its vibrant screen. Although the exact size of the display isn't specified, the resolution was 120 x 160 pixels with a 4:3 ratio, which was considered adequate for viewing images and engaging with mobile content during that era.

Camera Capabilities

The Sharp GX10 featured a CIF camera, allowing users to take basic photos at a time when mobile photography was still in its infancy. While the camera was relatively basic (0.1MP) compared to today's standards, it served as an innovative feature for consumers who were beginning to explore photo-taking on mobile devices. However, it did not support video recording, which was common during those days.

Memory and Contact Management

The phone did not support expandable storage via a card slot but offered a phonebook that could hold up to 200 entries with six fields per contact, illustrating the basic contact management systems of early mobile devices. Additionally, it featured call logs for the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, providing users with simple call tracking functionality.

Network and Connectivity

The Sharp GX10 operated on GSM 900 and 1800 bands and supported GPRS Class 10 technology, catering to the essential needs of wireless communication. It did not include modern capabilities like Bluetooth or WLAN, but it was equipped with an infrared port, which was a popular method for local wireless data transfer at the time.

Sound and Alerts

For its alert types, the device supported polyphonic ringtones and had a built-in composer for personal customization. However, the device did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limited its usage for audio beyond simple ringtones and alerts.

Battery Life

The GX10 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, which supported up to approximately 250 hours of standby time and 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This was fairly standard for mobile devices of that generation, balancing between compact design and battery longevity.

Other Features

The GX10 included several additional features that enhanced its usability, such as SMS and MMS messaging, a WAP 1.2.1 browser, as well as basic utilities like a clock and alarm. The presence of Java meant users could download and run Java-based applications, which was quite progressive for the period. The phone also featured three pre-installed games: PK Game, Collection Hunter, and Ice Hockey, providing basic entertainment options.

Conclusion

The Sharp GX10 was a significant product in the early 2000s mobile phone market. It encapsulated a number of features that were ahead of its time, despite the limitations by today’s standards. The integration of a camera, color display, and MMS capabilities represented an evolutionary step in mobile technology, paving the way for future advancements. Its user-friendly design and balanced feature set made it an appealing choice for early adopters of mobile technology, making it a memorable piece of mobile history.