ZTE R220 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview and Launch

The ZTE R220 was launched in 2009 and eventually became discontinued in the same year. As a feature phone, it showcased basic functionalities suitable for users who primarily required voice call and text messaging options. With its release, it appealed to a segment of the market looking for a cost-effective, straightforward mobile device that could handle essential communications without the need for extensive technical features.

Design and Body

The ZTE R220 was designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. It had dimensions of 107 x 45.5 x 12.5 mm, making it a compact and easy-to-carry device. Weighing just 80 grams, the phone was lightweight, further enhancing portability. The device supported a Mini-SIM card, adhering to the standard practices at the time.

Display

The phone was equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT display, displaying up to 65K colors. This screen size and technology were quite typical for feature phones during the period. It had a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, resulting in a density of approximately 114 ppi. While not comparable to modern smartphone displays, it provided adequate visual quality for texts and basic graphics.

Camera

In terms of photography, the ZTE R220 featured a basic VGA camera with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels. This was intended for very basic photography and was quite a typical offering in feature phones back then. The phone did not support video recording, which was a common limitation associated with VGA cameras in that era.

Sound and Audio

The device came with a built-in loudspeaker for hands-free calling. However, it lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, which might have limited the use of personal headphones unless a proprietary accessory was used. Despite this, the built-in FM radio served as an entertainment option for users who enjoyed listening to music or radio shows on the go.

Communication and Connectivity

Connectivity features of the ZTE R220 were relatively limited. It supported GSM networks with 2G bands on GSM 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies. In terms of data connectivity, the phone offered GPRS with speeds up to 115 kbps. Unlike modern devices, it did not support EDGE, WiFi, or GPS. However, Bluetooth was available for short-range wireless communications.

Memory and Storage

Storage capabilities of the ZTE R220 were minimal, with an internal memory of 10MB. Nonetheless, it did provide a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity, which was a significant benefit for storing more contacts or messages. The phonebook and call records were significant features, as they allowed users to store contacts and keep track of call history.

Battery

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, typical for feature phones of its time. The battery type allowed for easy replacement if needed, enhancing the phone’s lifespan. Although the specific standby and talk time were not detailed, feature phones typically had long battery lives due to their low power consumption.

Operating System and User Interface

The ZTE R220 ran on a proprietary feature phone operating system. It supported SMS and MMS messaging, but did not support Java applications, which limited the variety of applications and services that could be used. Despite this, it offered a simple user interface suitable for users seeking straightforward, uncomplicated operations.

Entertainment and Additional Features

Entertainment on the ZTE R220 was limited but sufficient for a device of its category. Games were preloaded, offering basic entertainment options. Its FM radio functionality remained a key feature, providing another entertainment option without needing an internet connection or digital media.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZTE R220 was a basic feature phone ideal for consumers interested in a reliable means of communication without the need for advanced features. The device’s simplicity, long battery life, and affordability made it suitable for users who prioritized voice calls and text messaging over other functionalities. While it would not compete with modern smartphones, its essence captured the primary connectivity needs of its user base in 2009.