Sharp GX34 A Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices and Features

Overview of Sharp GX34

The Sharp GX34 was a noteworthy phone, released in November 2007, during a time when mobile phones were transitioning from basic communication devices to more multifunctional gadgets. The GX34 catered to users who needed essential communication functionalities along with a few added features.

Design & Build Quality

The Sharp GX34 featured a compact design with dimensions of 93 x 44.6 x 21 mm and a weight of 87 g, making it extremely portable and easy to carry. The body, crafted for simplicity and usability, housed a Mini-SIM slot and was available in a sleek black finish. Its small size made it fit comfortably in the hand or pocket, making it an ideal device for users who preferred convenience.

Display

The phone was equipped with a 1.9-inch TFT display, capable of showing 256K colors, which was quite vibrant for its time. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, the screen was clear enough for basic phone functions, including viewing contacts, text messages, and navigating the menu. Although the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 27.4%, it was sufficient given the phone’s compact design.

Camera

Sharp GX34 featured a single 2 MP camera, which was modest, but functional for capturing basic images. It could also record QCIF quality video. While it may not have competed with higher-end camera phones of the era, it served its purpose for users looking to occasionally capture moments.

Network and Connectivity

The GX34 supported GSM 900/1800/1900 bands, ensuring it could make and receive calls across diverse regions, specifically in areas supporting GSM technology. It offered GPRS Class 10 for internet connectivity, although it lacked EDGE for faster data transmission. Bluetooth 2.0 was available for peer-to-peer connectivity and the phone supported USB 2.0, allowing it to connect to a PC for data transfer. Notably, it did not support WLAN, positioning, or radio, which might limit its appeal to users seeking advanced connectivity options.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 9MB of internal storage, it was quite limited, especially for users needing ample space for multimedia files. However, the dedicated microSD slot allowed for expandable storage, giving users flexibility in storing additional data. The phonebook could hold 500 contacts across 9 fields with options for contact groups and photo calls, which added a level of personalization not always present in phones from that era. Call records could store data for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls.

Sound and Multimedia

For sound, the GX34 didn't feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, indicating limited multimedia capabilities. Alert types included vibration and polyphonic ringtones, which could be downloaded and had a composer feature. The absence of advanced sound capabilities reflected its primary focus on basic communication rather than entertainment.

Battery Life

The GX34 supported a removable Li-Ion battery, which offered up to 250 hours of standby time and about 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This was fairly standard, ensuring that users could rely on the phone throughout the day without frequent recharging, particularly in an era where power efficiency was critical.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone operating system, the GX34 offered basic software capabilities like SMS, MMS, and email for messaging. It supported WAP 1.2.1 for web browsing, although this would have been quite limited in function compared to smartphone browsers. Additionally, pre-loaded games and the ability to download more, along with Java MIDP 2.0 support, catered to users interested in light gaming and application use.

Conclusion

The Sharp GX34, now discontinued, was a device of its time, aimed at users who valued simplicity and essential functionalities over advanced features. It served as a reliable communication tool with modest multimedia options and an expanded storage option via a microSD slot. While it wouldn't appeal to users today due to its limited capabilities and lack of smart features, it remains a nostalgic piece of technology reflecting the transition period in mobile phone evolution.