Price and specifications of Spice M-9000 Popkorn advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to the Spice M-9000 Popkorn

The Spice M-9000 Popkorn is a distinct feature phone that was released in 2011. Known for its affordability and unique offering for its time, it has become a nostalgic gadget for many. The device was announced amidst a rapidly evolving mobile landscape, where smartphones began to overshadow feature phones. However, the Spice M-9000 managed to carve out a niche through its dual SIM support and multimedia capabilities, particularly its ability to function as a projector, a standout feature during its period of production.

Network Capabilities

The Spice M-9000 is designed with GSM technology, which allows for voice calls, SMS, and basic data services. It supports 2G bands specifically at GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 on both SIM 1 and SIM 2, making it versatile for various regional networks. It offers connectivity through GPRS and EDGE, allowing users to surf the internet at basic speeds suitable for checking emails and light browsing.

Design and Build Quality

The phone's dimensions are 119.2 x 50.3 x 17.4 mm, paired with a weight of 123 grams, classifying it as compact and lightweight. This makes it easy to hold and carry around. The dual SIM feature is housed using Mini-SIM cards, enabling users to maintain two active lines, an excellent feature for distinguishing between personal and professional calls.

Display Characteristics

The display is a 2.36-inch TFT screen, showcasing 256K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, the screen density stands at approximately 169 ppi. While not designed for high-end graphical demands, this display suits basic communication tasks, such as texting and viewing contacts.

Memory and Storage

The Spice M-9000 offers 87MB of internal storage, a storytelling fact about technological expectations of the past. More memorably, it includes a dedicated slot for microSDHC cards, allowing for storage expansion that suits music and media files. The phonebook has the capacity for 1500 entries, a useful feature for users with extensive contact lists. Additionally, the device maintains call records, helping users manage their communications.

Camera Features

The main camera on the device is a single 3.15 MP sensor, capable of basic photography. While it doesn't compete with even entry-level smartphone cameras today, at the time, it provided an adequate means for casual photography and capturing moments on the go. Video recording capability is included, further enhancing its multimedia functionality.

Audio and Connectivity

The Spice M-9000 incorporates a loudspeaker for hands-free operations and basic entertainment. Connectivity options extend through Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless file transfers and headset connections. While lacking WLAN and advanced positioning capabilities, it includes FM radio with recording capabilities and a built-in antenna, appealing to radio enthusiasts. The USB connectivity is version 2.0, suitable for transferring files and charging.

Additional Features

The feature set of the Spice M-9000 includes messaging through SMS, MMS, and Email, addressing basic communication needs. Java support facilitates the download and running of Java-based games and applications, providing entertainment and slight productivity extensions. The absence of advanced sensors shifts the focus to core functionalities without unnecessary complexity.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, the Spice M-9000 provides a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. While modest by today's standards, these figures catered well to the device's functionalities and audience expectations of the time.

Market Position and Legacy

The Spice M-9000, offered in Black and Silver, was priced around 60 EUR. Its market appeal lay in its range of features at a competitive price point, serving as a secondary device or an entry-level option for those new to mobile technology. Although discontinued, the M-9000 remains an illustrative example of feature phone innovation and serves as a reminder of the rich diversity in mobile technology before the smartphone era's full dominance.