Price and specifications of Vodafone 250 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Vodafone 250

The Vodafone 250, released in February 2010, emerged as a budget-friendly feature phone primarily aimed at providing basic mobile communication to emerging markets. The device was part of Vodafone's initiative to extend connectivity and mobile telephony to regions with limited access to mobile technology. As such, the Vodafone 250 was designed to be affordable and straightforward, focusing on essential functionalities rather than sophisticated features. Let's delve into the details of this intriguing device.

Network and Connectivity

The Vodafone 250 was built to support GSM technology, operating on 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800. Given the time of its release and targeted market, the device did not support GPRS or EDGE technologies, which restricted its internet connectivity capabilities. The primary purpose of this device was voice communication and SMS, aligned with the basic requirements of users in its intended market segments.

Launch and Discontinuation

Officially announced and released in February 2010, the Vodafone 250 quickly garnered attention for its value-for-money proposition. However, as technology rapidly evolved and smartphones became more accessible, the device was eventually discontinued. It served its purpose during its lifecycle, providing connectivity and communication to millions at an affordable price.

Design and Build

The device was designed to be robust yet simple. Although specific dimensions and weight figures are not documented, it can be inferred that the phone was compact and lightweight, ideal for carrying around in pockets or small bags. The device supported the Mini-SIM format, which was standard at the time.

Display Features

The Vodafone 250 sported a CSTN display with support for 65K colors, which was typical for budget feature phones in its era. The 1.45-inch display had a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, offering sufficient clarity for basic navigation, reading messages, and playing simple games. While the display was by no means designed for rich multimedia experiences, it served its primary functions adequately.

Memory and Storage

As a basic phone, the Vodafone 250 did not have internal storage or support for external memory cards. It provided users with a phonebook capacity of 100 entries, along with the ability to store call records. Though limited, these features were intended to suffice the needs of users who required only essential calling and messaging capabilities.

Sound

The device featured a loudspeaker for audio output, but it did not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. This exclusion reflected the phone's focus on voice communication and economy of production, rather than media consumption.

Communication Capabilities

The Vodafone 250 did not support modern communication technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which were typically absent in feature phones at its price point. The absence of advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth and WLAN limited the phone's capabilities in data sharing and wireless communication. Nevertheless, it included an FM radio, providing users with access to over-the-air audio programming. Charging the device was done through a miniUSB port, although this port did not support data transfer functions.

Messaging and Other Features

The only messaging service available on the Vodafone 250 was SMS, which sufficed for the text communication needs of its users. Although it lacked a web browser or support for Java applications, the phone came preloaded with simple games for entertainment. There were no specific sensors onboard, reflecting its focus on minimalistic design and function.

Battery Life

Powering the Vodafone 250 was a removable Li-Ion 500 mAh battery. This modest battery could last up to 400 hours on standby or provide up to 5 hours of talk time. The battery life was in line with the phone's usage patterns, which did not involve intensive power consumption from advanced applications or connectivity options.

Color and Price Options

The Vodafone 250 was available in black and grey-blue, offering understated color choices suited for a general audience. It was priced at about 10 EUR, significantly reducing the barrier to entry for mobile ownership, particularly in underserved regions.

Conclusion

The Vodafone 250 embodied the principles of simplicity and accessibility, serving as a gateway to mobile communication for many users. While it might be deemed obsolete by today's technological standards, its role in enhancing connectivity in developing areas is undeniable. As a historical footnote in mobile phone evolution, the Vodafone 250 represents an era when the primary goal was connecting people rather than offering a multitude of multimedia features.