Sharp GX30 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Sharp GX30 was a groundbreaking mobile phone released in 2004. This device stood out for its innovative features during an era when mobile technology was rapidly evolving. It combined high-end specifications and design choices that were relatively advanced for its time.

Network and Connectivity

The Sharp GX30 operated on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900, which enabled it to function across many global networks. Although it featured GPRS Class 10 for data transmission, it lacked EDGE support. Connectivity was further limited due to the absence of WLAN and GPS capabilities, while Bluetooth 1.1 and an Infrared port offered some flexibility for data sharing and connectivity with peripheral devices. The phone was also equipped with a proprietary USB connection, restricting compatibility with other chargers and cables.

Launch and Availability

Announced in the first quarter of 2004, the Sharp GX30 was eventually discontinued. Despite its relatively short market life, this device made a considerable impact due to its advanced technology for the time.

Design and Build

The physical design of the GX30 featured dimensions of 95 x 49 x 26 mm, making it compact and portable with a weight of 110 grams. Its build was typical for the early 2000s mobile phones, featuring a Mini-SIM slot and a design focused on durability and practicality rather than ultra-slim profiles seen in modern devices.

Display

The GX30 came with a 2.2-inch CGS display capable of showing 256K colors at a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, with an 8-line display that rendered visuals clear and vibrant for its time. This color depth and resolution were notable for a feature phone, enhancing user interaction with multimedia content.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the device had 6MB of storage. While this might seem minimal by today’s standards, it was significant for a feature phone of that era. The memory was expandable via an SD card slot, which included a 16MB SD card. The phonebook could store 500 contacts, each supporting multiple fields and caller photos, while call records included logs for 10 dialed, received, and missed calls each.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 1 MP main camera, the GX30 was designed to capture images at a resolution that was considered high-end at the time, coupled with an LED flash that allowed for better performance in low-light conditions. Video recording capability further extended its usability as a portable imaging device.

Audio and Alerts

The GX30 did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, which limited its capabilities as an audio device. Nonetheless, it supported downloadable polyphonic ringtones and a composer for custom ringtone creation, offering users some level of personalization for alerts and notifications.

Communication Features

In terms of communication, the GX30 supported a variety of messaging formats including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, catering to a wide range of user preferences. A WAP 1.2.1 browser facilitated basic web browsing capabilities, while support for Java MIDP 1.0 allowed for the installation of applications and games, enhancing its functionality.

Battery and Power

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery, offering a stand-by time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. Although these figures might not seem impressive relative to modern standards, they were competitive among devices at the time, offering sufficient battery life for daily use.

Miscellaneous Features

While the phone did not feature advanced sensors or GPS capabilities, its other features, combined with robust design, made it a versatile device in its time. The device did not provide specific color options, leaving design flexibility rather limited.

Conclusion

The Sharp GX30 stood out in 2004 for its combination of impressive display technology, a functional camera, and versatile connectivity options, albeit with some limitations typical for the era. Its design, battery life, and multimedia capabilities made it a memorable device for users looking for an advanced mobile phone experience at the time. Despite being discontinued, the GX30 remains a testament to Sharp's innovative approach in mobile phone development during the early 2000s.