VK Mobile VK560 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Network

The VK Mobile VK560 operates on GSM technology, offering basic connectivity suitable for voice calls and text messaging. It supports GSM 900 and 1800 bands, which were quite common during its era, providing users with reliable 2G network access. The device does feature GPRS Class 10, a notable inclusion at the time, allowing for basic data connectivity at a time when mobile internet was still in its infancy. However, it lacks EDGE, which limits its data speeds compared to some other contemporary devices.

Launch

The VK560 was announced in the third quarter of 2004 and has since been discontinued. During its launch, the phone was targeted at consumers who required essential phone functionalities without the frills of a smartphone. Its discontinuation marks it as a piece of mobile history, characteristic of the mid-2000s feature phones.

Body

The VK560 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 76 x 44 x 19 mm, making it easy to handle and portable. Weighing just 75 g (2.65 oz), it is particularly lightweight, suiting users who prefer minimalistic and easy-to-carry devices. The phone accommodates a Mini-SIM, consistent with the standards of its time. The overall design leans towards functionality, with a focus on utility over contemporary fashion.

Display

Featuring a CSTN display capable of 65K colors, the VK560 delivers a basic visual experience typical of its time. While the exact size of the screen is unspecified, its resolution is 128 x 143 pixels, adequate for displaying basic graphics and text. Although the display is nowhere near today’s high-resolution screens, it served its purpose efficiently in the context of the early 2000s feature phones.

Memory

The VK560 does not support external memory card slots, which reflects the norm for many mobile phones in its category during its release period. The phone supports a traditional phonebook and can keep records of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. This emphasis on call functionality and storage is illustrative of its primary role as a communication device rather than a multi-functional gadget.

Main Camera

Equipped with a VGA camera (approximately 0.3MP), the VK560 offers basic photography capabilities. The primary camera is rudimentary, catering to users who only need to capture simple images. Video recording is not supported, which is reflective of the era's technological limitations in mobile devices.

Selfie Camera

The VK560 lacks a front-facing camera, which aligns with its primary focus on essential telephony and messaging rather than multimedia capabilities.

Sound

The phone does not have a built-in loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limits its use for multimedia audio. On the plus side, it offers vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, adding a touch of personalization to incoming calls and messages.

Comms

Reflecting its status as a feature phone from the mid-2000s, the VK560 lacks modern communication features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and positioning services. It doesn’t include a radio, which might be a disappointment for users who enjoyed on-the-go radio entertainment. USB support is also not specified, hinting at limited connectivity options.

Features

The phone's feature set includes basic sensors and messaging capabilities that extend to SMS, EMS, and MMS, allowing users to send richer content such as pictures and formatted text, a step up from basic SMS. It comes with a WAP 1.2.1 browser, offering minimal web browsing capability. The inclusion of games provides a layer of entertainment, but the absence of Java support limits the potential for loading additional apps.

Battery

The VK560 is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, a common feature at the time that allowed users to replace the battery themselves as needed. With a capacity of 720mAh, it offers enough power for basic daily usage, focusing on calls and texts, although heavy use might necessitate frequent charging.

Miscellaneous

Available in silver, the VK Mobile VK560 presents a classic look with a neutral color that appeals to both professional and casual users. The simplistic aesthetic combines with its functional build to ensure practicality over style-centric design.

Conclusion

Overall, the VK Mobile VK560 is a testament to early 2000s mobile technology. Offering essential features that cater to basic communication needs, it represents an era when mobile phones were primarily about making calls and sending messages. Despite lacking the modern features of smartphones today, its simplicity and reliability made it a practical choice for many during its time. The VK560's minimalist design and straightforward functionality underscore a focus on efficient communication, appealing to users who favored these qualities over multimedia and internet capabilities.