Vodafone 360 M1 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Introduction to Vodafone 360 M1

The Vodafone 360 M1, released in November 2009, was a notable entry in the burgeoning smartphone market of that period. With a focus on connectivity and unique software offerings, the M1 sought to differentiate itself in a competitive space dominated by well-established brands.

Network Capabilities

The device supported GSM and HSPA network technologies, accommodating 2G bands on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and a singular 3G band on HSDPA 2100. The network speed capability was HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, providing moderate speeds for downloading and web browsing during its time.

Design and Build

The Vodafone 360 M1 was built with a focus on both aesthetic appeal and practical dimensions. It measured 112 x 55.4 x 13.4 mm and weighed 111 grams, striking a balance between portability and usability. The device was equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard during its release period.

Display Features

Featuring a 3.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, the M1 offered vibrant colors and a decent level of clarity for its time. While the screen-to-body ratio stood at approximately 47.0%, the display provided adequate real estate for most basic tasks.

Platform and Performance

The Vodafone 360 M1 was powered by a 600 MHz Cortex-A8 processor alongside a PowerVR SGX GPU. It ran on the Linux-based LiMo R2.0.1 operating system, providing an alternative to the more common OS choices like Android and iOS available at the time. This platform choice aimed to enhance user experience with its unique interface and preloaded applications.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 1GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This allowed users to store additional media and applications, making it moderately adaptable for personal storage needs.

Camera Specifications

The M1 was equipped with a single 3.15 MP main camera capable of recording 480p video at 15fps. It also offered a basic front-facing camera for selfies, though its performance was modest by modern standards.

Audio and Connectivity

For audio, the Vodafone 360 M1 included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories. In terms of connectivity, the device supported Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, GPS, A-GPS, and stereo FM radio with RDS.

Battery Life and Management

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. This battery provided a standby time of up to 490 hours and a talk time of up to 10 hours on 2G networks and 6 hours 40 minutes on 3G, making it reasonably enduring for users with moderate usage patterns.

Additional Features

While the Vodafone 360 M1 lacked certain modern sensors, it offered an HTML browser for basic web surfing. It adhered to the essential smartphone functionalities expected at its time of release.

Conclusion and Legacy

The Vodafone 360 M1 was more than just a piece of technology—it was part of an ambitious attempt by Vodafone to carve out a unique space in the mobile market with its proprietary software offerings. Priced at approximately 290 EUR at launch, it catered to a specific segment looking for something different from the standard fare of the era. Although it is now discontinued, the M1 remains a testament to Vodafone's innovative endeavors during the late 2000s.