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Unveiling Sony Ericsson T230 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2003, Q3
Camera
NO
Battery
670mAh
Screen
1.5"
Storage
No card slot
Operating System
Feature phone

Introduction

The Sony Ericsson T230 stands as a testament to the early 2000s era of mobile technology, a time when mobile phones were simple yet functional. Released in the third quarter of 2003, the T230 was a feature phone designed to provide essential mobile communication utilities in a compact, budget-friendly package. Below, we delve into the details of this device, exploring its features, specifications, design, and functionality.

Design and Build

The T230 was designed with simplicity and user-friendliness in mind. Its dimensions of 101 x 44 x 19 mm made it a compact option, fitting easily into pockets or small bags. Weighing just 79 grams, it was light enough to carry anywhere without a second thought. The phone featured a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard for its time.

Display

The Sony Ericsson T230 came with a 1.5-inch STN display, capable of showing 4096 colors. Although limited by today's standards, such a display was quite adequate for basic tasks such as messaging and checking call logs. The screen resolution was 101 x 80 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 86 ppi. Despite its small screen size, the display was clear enough for effective interaction with the phone's user interface.

Network and Connectivity

Equipped with GSM technology, the T230 supported 2G bands of GSM 900 and 1800. The phone offered GPRS Class 4 connectivity, allowing for basic data transmission and internet access via its WAP 1.2.1 browser. However, the phone lacked modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth, WLAN, or any USB port, emphasizing its focus on essential functionality.

Memory and Storage

This device did not support memory expansion options, such as a card slot, which was typical for feature phones at the time. However, it offered internal storage for up to 250 phonebook entries along with features like photo call. Users were also able to keep track of their call history, with storage for 10 dialed, 20 received, and missed calls.

Sound and Alerts

The T230 provided a basic sound system with options for vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. It lacked a loudspeaker and the 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting its sound capabilities to its built-in speaker for ringtones and alerts.

Battery Performance

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 670 mAh battery, specifically the BST-30 model. This provided a stand-by time of up to 275 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours and 30 minutes, which was considered adequate for a device of its category and era.

Messaging and Browser

The T230 supported various messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, catering to the growing need for mobile communication. It also featured a WAP 1.2.1 browser for limited internet access. Although the browsing experience was rudimentary, it was sufficient for checking emails and basic information searches.

Games and Entertainment

For entertainment, the T230 came preloaded with games like VRally Racing 2 and Deep Abyss. Users had the option to download additional games to enhance their entertainment options. Despite the absence of Java support, the available games were a source of amusement for many users.

Miscellaneous Features

In terms of miscellaneous features, the T230 supported basic utilities such as a clock and an alarm function. The phone was available in two colors: Blade Gray and Steel Blue. The device recorded a SAR EU value of 0.74 W/kg (head), reflecting its compliance with radiation standards of the time.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson T230 was a noteworthy candidate in the early 2000s mobile market, primarily serving users who valued simplicity and budget-friendly options in mobile phones. Despite the lack of features found in today's smartphones, the T230 managed to provide the essentials for communication, all while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design. Its enduring popularity among nostalgic tech enthusiasts and collectors is a testament to the device's simplicity and charm.

Key Features of Sony Ericsson T230

  • Compact and lightweight design (101 x 44 x 19 mm, 79 g)
  • GSM technology supporting 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800)
  • Supports GPRS for data connectivity (Class 4)
  • Colorful STN display with 4096 colors
  • Phonebook with capacity for 250 entries and photo call feature
  • Messaging capabilities including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email
  • Downloadable polyphonic ringtones and composer feature
  • Includes basic games such as VRally Racing 2 and Deep Abyss with option to download more
  • Removable Li-Ion 670 mAh battery offering up to 275 hours standby time and up to 7.5 hours talk time
  • Available in two colors: Blade Gray and Steel Blue

Drawbacks of Sony Ericsson T230

  • Limited to GSM 900/1800 networks with no EDGE support.
  • No expandable memory card slot available.
  • Lack of a built-in camera.
  • No loudspeaker option for sound output.
  • Does not support Bluetooth connectivity.
  • No WLAN feature for wireless internet access.
  • No built-in radio functionality.
  • Absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack for standard audio input/output.
  • No GPS positioning features available.
  • Very small screen size with low resolution (1.5 inches, 101 x 80 pixels).
  • Limited multimedia features with basic downloadable polyphonic ringtones.
  • Java applications are not supported.
  • Limited browser capabilities with only WAP 1.2.1 support.
  • Lack of modern sensors such as accelerometer or proximity sensor.
Network
Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS Class 4
EDGE No
Launch
Announced 2003, Q3
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 101 x 44 x 19 mm (3.98 x 1.73 x 0.75 in)
Weight 79 g (2.79 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type STN, 4096 colors
Size 1.5 inches, 7.1 cm2 (~15.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 101 x 80 pixels (~86 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot No
Phonebook 250 entries, Photo call
Call records 10 dialed, 20 received and missed calls
Camera
Sound
Loudspeaker No
Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth No
Positioning No
Radio No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser WAP 1.2.1
Clock Yes
Alarm Yes
Games Yes - VRally Racing 2, Deep Abyss + downloadable
Java No
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 670 mAh battery (BST-30)
Stand-by Up to 275 h
Talk time Up to 7 h 30 min
Misc
Colors 2 - Blade Gray, Steel Blue
SAR EU 0.74 W/kg (head)

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