Toshiba G810 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Toshiba G810

The Toshiba G810 was a noteworthy smartphone released in 2008. It presented a distinct blend of features that were modest yet efficient for that period. This device catered primarily to professionals and tech enthusiasts who valued its Windows Mobile 6.0 operating system. Although this piece of technology has long been discontinued, it remains a fascinating study in the trajectory of smartphone evolution.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 110 x 58 x 14 mm and weighing approximately 120 grams, the Toshiba G810 was relatively compact. Its design was sleek and functional, encased in a black exterior that gave it a professional appearance. It operated with a Mini-SIM, which was common at the time but has since been phased out by micro and nano SIMs in modern smartphones.

Display

The device featured a 2.83-inch TFT resistive touchscreen. Although having only 65K colors, it was considered suitable during its time. Offering a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the display reached around 141 pixels per inch. The touchscreen was not as responsive as capacitive screens seen today, but it served its purpose for basic applications and operations.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Toshiba G810 was powered by the Qualcomm MSM7200 chipset with a 400 MHz ARM 11 CPU. It was equipped with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional, allowing users access to various applications tailored for the business community, including document viewing and email functionalities. Although the processing power and OS might seem limited by today’s standards, they provided ample functionality during the era of their release.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 128MB of RAM and 256MB of internal ROM. It also offered expansion capabilities through a dedicated microSDHC card slot. While the internal memory was minimal compared to today’s gigabyte storage, the option for expandable memory allowed users considerable flexibility for storing additional data.

Camera Capabilities

Toshiba equipped the G810 with a 3.15 MP autofocus main camera, which was average for capturing photos at that time. Although lacking advanced features like image stabilization and high-resolution video recording that are standard today, it allowed users to take decent quality pictures and share them easily. Additionally, the presence of a front-facing camera, albeit rudimentary, enabled basic video calling.

Audio and Connectivity

In terms of sound, the G810 had a loudspeaker for calls and media playback. It supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, enhancing personalization for users. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, a characteristic that has become a major point of contention in modern smartphones. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, and a proprietary USB interface for connecting with other devices. Positioning was facilitated through GPS and A-GPS for navigation needs.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery, the G810 could manage up to 200 hours on standby and offer up to 4 hours of talk time. This level of battery performance was typical for smartphones at that time, reflecting the less demanding nature of applications and connectivity options compared to today’s standards.

Network and Communication

The G810 supported GSM/HSPA network technologies with 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850/1900/2100). These specifications allowed users to stay connected globally with varying network speeds, including HSPA offering download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps.

Pricing and Release

Initially announced in February 2008 and released in September of the same year, the Toshiba G810 was priced at approximately 220 EUR. Although discontinued, its price and features reflected the balance it struck between performance and cost efficiency.

Conclusion

The Toshiba G810 stands as a significant device in the history of smartphones, showcasing the technological advancements and design philosophies of its time. While its specifications and functionality may seem dated today, it provided a smartphone experience that matched the needs of its period audience, paving the way for subsequent innovations and setting a standard for business smartphones operating on the Windows Mobile platform.