VK Mobile VK2100 All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to VK Mobile VK2100

The VK Mobile VK2100 was an announced but unfortunately cancelled mobile phone from the company VK Mobile. Announced in the fourth quarter of 2005, this device was aimed at being a compact and effective feature phone. Although it never made it to the consumer market, the VK2100 provides an interesting insight into the mobile technology aspirations of that era. Below, we explore various aspects of this phone, detailing its specifications and intended features.

Network and Connectivity

The VK2100 was designed to support GSM technology, which was a staple in mobile communication during the mid-2000s. With 2G bands that included GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, the device was equipped for communication across numerous regions, a significant advantage for a feature phone at the time. While it featured GPRS Class 10 for mobile internet connectivity, it lacked EDGE support, which meant limited data connectivity speed compared to later mobile technologies.

Design and Build

The VK2100 was notable for its compact dimensions, measuring just 93 x 49 x 9.3 mm and weighing a mere 48g. This made it an ultra-portable device, emphasizing ease of carrying and use. The phone was designed to house a Mini-SIM card, which was the standard at that time, ensuring compatibility with most GSM networks. Its lightweight and stylish form factor were intended to appeal to users seeking simplicity and convenience.

Display Features

Though compact, the VK2100 incorporated an OLED display capable of displaying 256K colors with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. This display technology was quite advanced for a feature phone, offering vibrant color reproduction compared to the monochrome displays that were previously common in earlier phones.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the VK2100 offered 2GB of internal storage, which was generous for a feature phone—especially since it had no card slot for expandable storage. This amount of memory would have allowed users to store a substantial number of contacts, call records, and downloadable ringtones or games. The phonebook had a capacity for up to 1000 entries, which was significant for personal and professional use. Additionally, the device recorded the last 50 dialed, received, and missed calls, providing robust call management features.

Audio and Alerts

The device lacked a loudspeaker, opting instead for a more discreet vibration alert system along with polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, there was no 3.5mm audio jack, which limited audio accessory options. This design choice highlights the VK2100's emphasis on being a straightforward, no-nonsense phone instead of a multimedia device.

Communication Features

The VK2100 included Bluetooth support, allowing users to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices for data transfer or hands-free calling. Despite this, it did not offer WLAN or radio capabilities, which meant the phone could not provide Wi-Fi internet connectivity or built-in radio listening, both of which were gaining popularity at the time. The device used a proprietary USB connection, standard for many phones of that period; however, it limited compatibility with universal cables.

Messaging and Applications

The phone supported various messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, and MMS, enabling basic text communication and multimedia messaging. It had a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, which was sufficient for basic web browsing on mobile networks available at the time. However, it did not support Java, so users wouldn't have had access to the large library of Java-based applications or games that others enjoyed. Despite this, the VK2100 did come with built-in games to entertain users.

Battery and Power Management

The VK2100 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 790 mAh battery, a common type for mobile phones back then. The battery supported up to 150 hours of stand-by time and up to 3 hours of talk time, offering decent longevity for daily usage without frequent charging—a critical factor in mobile phone satisfaction and utility during that decade.

Conclusion

Although the VK Mobile VK2100 never reached full production, its intended features and specifications make it a noteworthy entry in the landscape of mid-2000s mobile phones. With its compact design, robust memory capacity, and essential GSM network compatibility, it was poised to provide users with a reliable feature phone experience. Despite its cancellation, the VK2100 remains a fascinating look into the mobile technology aspirations and design philosophies of the era.