Mitsubishi M330: A Feature Phone Classic from 2003
The year was 2003 - the era of flip phones, limited storage, and physical keyboards. Among the many devices that were released during this time, one stood out as a sleek and reliable option - the Mitsubishi M330.
Released in Q3 of 2003, the M330 quickly gained popularity for its simplistic yet functional design. With its release, Mitsubishi joined the race to create the best feature phone of the early 2000s. Let's take a closer look at what made the M330 stand out in its time.
Design and Network
Weighing only 95g and with a thickness of 20mm, the M330 was a compact and lightweight device. It fit perfectly into pockets and purses, making it convenient to carry around. The phone had no card slot, which may seem like a limitation compared to today's smartphones, but considering the time period, it was quite common for feature phones.
In terms of network, the M330 operated on GSM technology with support for 2G bands - specifically GSM 900/1800. This allowed for reliable call and text communication, although data connectivity was still a rarity.
Display and Memory
The phone featured a 128 x 141 pixels CSTN display with 4096 colors, providing users with a decent viewing experience for pictures and messages. However, the display size was not specified, which could be seen as a drawback.
In terms of memory, the M330 had no external card slot but still offered decent storage options. It had a phonebook capacity of 255 x 6 fields and could store up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. Additionally, it had 20 voice dial records, a 2-minute voice memo, and storage for 100 text messages.
Camera and Sound
Although the M330 did not have a camera, its loudspeaker and downloadable polyphonic ringtones made up for it. Users had the option to personalize their ringtone with Midi, SP-Midi, or iMelody tunes. However, there was no 3.5mm jack for headphones, which meant users had to rely on the phone's speaker for all audio.
Connectivity and Features
The M330 lacked modern connectivity features like Bluetooth, WLAN, or USB. However, it did come with an infrared port for data transfer and WAP 1.2.1 browser for basic internet access.
The phone also had a clock, alarm, and pre-installed games. It supported multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Thai, making it accessible to a wider audience. However, it did not have Java support, and predictive text input was the only form of keyboard assistance available.
Battery Life and Miscellaneous
The M330 was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, which provided a standby time of up to 350 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. This was an impressive feature, considering the limited technology available at the time.
The phone was available in two colors - Quartz Silver and Frost White, adding a touch of personalization for users.
In Conclusion
Although the Mitsubishi M330 may seem basic compared to today's smartphones, it was a reliable and popular device during its time. With its compact design, decent display and memory, and impressive battery life, it fulfilled all the essential functions of a feature phone. For those who owned and used the M330, it will always hold a special place as the classic device that stood the test of time.
Mitsubishi M330 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
116 x 47 x 20 mm (4.57 x 1.85 x 0.79 in)
Weight
95 g (3.35 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN, 4096 colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 141 pixels
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
255 x 6 fields
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Other
20 voice dial records
2 min voice memo
100 text messages