When it comes to mobile devices, there are many options available in the market today. From smartphones to feature phones, each one offers something unique to its users. One such device is the Bird S1160 Plus, released by the Chinese brand Bird in 2004, Q3.
The Brand and Release Date
Bird was a telecommunications company that was established in China in 1992. It initially focused on manufacturing pagers but later expanded into producing mobile phones. The brand's motto was "Communication Changes Life," and it aimed to provide affordable and high-quality products to its customers.
The Bird S1160 Plus was released in the third quarter of 2004, making it over 15 years old now. It was launched as a feature phone, meaning it did not have advanced features found in smartphones today. However, it was still a popular choice among users at the time.
Design and Body
Weighing only 83g and with a thickness of 20mm, the S1160 Plus was a lightweight and compact device. Its dimensions were 85 x 44 x 20 mm (3.35 x 1.73 x 0.79 in), making it easy to fit in pockets or small bags. It also featured a Mini-SIM card slot and a second external mono display, which was a unique feature for that time.
Display and Memory
The device had a CSTN mono display with a resolution of 112 x 64 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This offered users a modest viewing experience for features like messaging, calls, and games. However, the S1160 Plus did not have a card slot, limiting its internal storage capacity. It could only store up to 200 entries in the phonebook and 20 dialed, received, and missed calls in its call records.
Network and Connectivity
The Bird S1160 Plus was primarily a 2G device and supported GSM 900 and 1800 bands. However, it did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities. The device also lacked modern connectivity features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it a basic communication device.
Camera, Sound, and Features
One major aspect where the S1160 Plus was lacking was the camera. It did not have a camera, which was typical for feature phones at the time. It also did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack for listening to music. The only sound feature it offered was vibration alerts and downloadable monophonic ringtones.
In terms of features, the S1160 Plus had a calculator, making it useful for simple calculations on-the-go. It also had basic messaging capabilities through SMS and a few pre-installed games. However, the device did not support Java applications like many other feature phones at that time.
Battery and Other Details
The Bird S1160 Plus had a removable Li-Ion battery, which was common for phones during that era. It was available in silver color, and it did not have any positioning technology, radio, or USB port.
The Verdict
The Bird S1160 Plus may not seem impressive by today's standards, but it was considered a popular device back in the early 2000s. Its compact design, lightweight, and affordable price made it an appealing choice for many users. While it may have been discontinued, it still holds a nostalgic value for those who have used it.
