Unveiling Spice S1200 Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Spice S-1200

The Spice S-1200 is a feature phone that was announced and released in 2010. Despite being discontinued, the device is remembered for its standout features, including a remarkable 12 MP camera and a sleek design. The device catered to users who desired a robust camera phone at an affordable price.

Network Capabilities

The Spice S-1200 operates on GSM technology, which supports 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900). It also features GPRS Class 12 and EDGE Class 12, enabling basic data connectivity. Although it doesn't support 3G or 4G networks, its GSM capability was sufficient for the period it was released.

Design and Build

The device has dimensions of 114 x 52 x 16 mm (4.49 x 2.05 x 0.63 in) and weighs 130 g (4.59 oz), making it a compact and portable device. It features a classic bar design with a Mini-SIM slot. The phone was available in a sleek black color, appealing to users who appreciated a simple yet elegant design.

Display

The Spice S-1200 is equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT screen that displays 256K colors, providing decent visibility and color reproduction for its class. The screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a density of approximately 167 ppi offers clear and sharp visuals suitable for basic phone operations.

Camera Features

One of the key highlights of the Spice S-1200 is its 12 MP main camera, which includes autofocus and 3x optical zoom. The camera is supported by a Xenon flash, which enhances photo quality, especially in low-light conditions. It also supports video recording at 480p@24fps.

Although it lacks a front-facing selfie camera, its main camera capabilities were considered advanced for devices in its category at the time of its release.

Sound and Audio

The device comes with a built-in loudspeaker for hands-free communication and music playback. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on Bluetooth or the loudspeaker for audio output.

Connectivity

Connectivity options in the Spice S-1200 include Bluetooth version 1.2 with A2DP support, which allows wireless audio streaming. The phone does not support WLAN or GPS, but it includes an FM radio with scheduled recording capability. The USB connectivity is via a proprietary port, which means specific cables are necessary for charging and data transfer.

Performance and Storage

As a feature phone, the Spice S-1200 does not include a powerful processor or extensive RAM capabilities. It offers 70 MB of internal storage with an option to expand via a microSDHC card slot. The phonebook can store up to 1500 entries, and call records keep track of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, which provides up to 150 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. This endurance is typical of feature phones, giving users a reliable performance without frequent charging.

Additional Features

The Spice S-1200 supports basic messaging services like SMS and MMS and includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for minimal web browsing capabilities. It also supports Java via MIDP 2.0, allowing for downloadable games and applications, adding a layer of entertainment and functionality to users. The device lacks advanced sensors but fulfills the essential requirements expected from a feature phone.

Conclusion

The Spice S-1200, with its impressive camera and essential feature phone capabilities, remains a memorable device for its time. Priced at about 180 EUR, it was an appealing option for photography enthusiasts on a budget. The phone's simplicity and reliability were its strong points, embodying a timeless appeal for users who preferred straightforward and durable mobile devices.