The year was 2006, and the mobile phone market was rapidly evolving. HTC, a young company based in Taiwan, was starting to make its mark with innovative devices that featured Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system. One such device was the HTC S310, a sleek and compact smartphone packed with features that made it stand out among its competitors.
Design and Dimensions
The HTC S310, also known as the HTC Oxygen or HTC Oxygen 100, had a simple yet stylish design. It had a candy bar shape with rounded edges and a 2.0-inch TFT display. The phone was impressively thin at just 18.5mm and weighed only 108 grams. It was available in three colors: black, white, and grey. The 5-way navigation button on the front made it easy to navigate through menus and apps.
Operating System and Performance
Released in September 2006, the HTC S310 was powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone edition. This was the latest version of the operating system at the time, offering users a user-friendly interface and access to popular Microsoft applications such as PocketIE web browser and Outlook email. The phone was equipped with a 200 MHz ARM processor and 64MB of RAM, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks.
Storage and Camera
For storage, the HTC S310 had 64MB of internal memory which could be expanded using a miniSD card. This allowed users to store their favorite music, photos, and videos. The phone also featured a 1.3 megapixel camera, which may seem low by today's standards but was considered quite impressive back then. It could take decent photos and even record videos.
Connectivity and Battery
The HTC S310 supported 2G GSM networks and had GPRS and EDGE capabilities for internet connectivity. It also had Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, allowing users to connect wireless headphones and speakers. However, it lacked Wi-Fi and GPS, which were not yet standard features at the time. The phone ran on a removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery, providing up to 3 and a half hours of talk time and up to 220 hours of standby time.
Price and Availability
The HTC S310 was announced in September 2006 and was available for purchase shortly after. However, it is now discontinued. At the time of its release, it retailed for around 130 EUR, making it an affordable option for those looking for a powerful smartphone.
The Legacy of the HTC S310
The HTC S310 may seem outdated by today's standards, but it was a breakthrough device in 2006. It showcased HTC's proficiency in incorporating Microsoft's operating system into their devices, which became a defining feature of their brand. The S310 was also lauded for its compact design and impressive performance, laying the foundation for future HTC smartphones.
In conclusion, the HTC S310 may be considered a classic device from a time before smartphones dominated the market, but it played a significant role in shaping the mobile phone industry. Its innovative features and user-friendly interface cemented HTC as a competent competitor in the world of smartphones, and it will always hold a special place in the hearts of tech enthusiasts.
