Unveiling Sony Ericsson K310 Specs Prices & Hidden Gems

Introduction to Sony Ericsson K310

The Sony Ericsson K310 is a classic feature phone that was announced in February 2006. Known for its simplicity and essential functionalities, the K310 was part of the early mobile phone era when devices were more about text and calls rather than multimedia and apps. Despite its simplicity, the K310 came packed with several features that made it a desirable choice for those looking for a reliable phone during its time.

Design and Build

The design of the Sony Ericsson K310 is quintessentially early 2000s. It possesses a compact form factor with dimensions measuring 101 x 44 x 17 mm and a weight of just 82 grams. This made it incredibly portable and easy to carry in a pocket or a purse. The phone incorporates a straightforward design with a 1.74-inch UBC display capable of showing 65K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, accounting for a pixel density of around 118 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 21.4%, which was fairly standard in non-smartphone devices of that era. Available in Shadow Blue and Misty Silver, the K310 had a sleek aesthetic that appealed to both professional and casual users.

Display

The Sony Ericsson K310 features a 1.74-inch display. Though the size is modest by today's standards, it was typical for mobile phones at the time it was released. The screen can display up to 65K colors, which was sufficient for its user interface and basic applications. It offered clear and vivid visibility for text messages and simple graphics.

Network and Connectivity

The K310 supports GSM technology, with 2G bands covering GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies as seen in the K310i model variant. For data connectivity, it supports GPRS class 10, but does not include EDGE technology. The phone lacks modern connectivity options like Bluetooth, WLAN, and GPS; however, it does offer infrared connectivity, a popular feature at the time for exchanging data over short distances. The device also incorporates a proprietary USB port for limited connectivity options.

Camera

This device is equipped with a VGA camera, which at 0.3 megapixels, provided basic photography capabilities. While it did not pack the advanced features seen in later models of mobile cameras, it was considered an innovative feature for capturing quick snapshots on a mobile device. There is no secondary camera for selfies, adhering to the trends of the period in which front-facing cameras were not yet common.

Memory and Storage

With 15MB of internal storage, the Sony Ericsson K310 offers limited space for saving contacts, messages, and perhaps a few small applications or images. It does not support expandable storage, meaning users would have to manage the available space efficiently. The phonebook can hold contacts with photo call support, and the call log can keep records of the last 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Sound and Alerts

The K310 features downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones with a composer for personalizing alert sounds. However, a loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack are absent, meaning audio playback options are limited.

Battery Life

This device is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, offering impressive performance with up to 360 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. This longevity was a significant advantage in the days when charging stations were not ubiquitous.

Features and Applications

Despite its simplicity, the K310 supported an array of features including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging capabilities. It also came with a WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (NetFront) browser for basic internet access. The device includes Java support (MIDP 2.0), allowing users to download and enjoy various games, a popular pastime for users of such devices.

Market Release and Discontinuation

Announced in February 2006 and priced at approximately 80 Euros, the K310 reached a broad audience looking for affordable, efficient, and functional mobile phones. Despite its eventual discontinuation, its design and function left a lasting impression on the market.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson K310 stands as a testament to the era of feature phones, where reliability and function took precedence over multimedia capabilities. Even in its simplicity, it represented a significant step in mobile communication with essential features that met the needs of its users. The K310 remains a nostalgic piece for many and a crucial chapter in the evolution of mobile phones.