Motorola released the C168 in Q3 of 2005, marking a significant milestone in the development of feature phones. Despite being discontinued, this device has a rich history and boasts impressive features that were ahead of its time. Let's take a closer look at the C168 and its impact on the mobile phone market.
Design and Dimensions
The C168 was a sleek and compact device, weighing only 77g with a thickness of 14mm. Its dimensions were 104.4 x 46 x 14 mm, making it comfortable to hold and fit easily into pockets. The device had a solid and sturdy build, with a mini-SIM slot for easy accessibility.
Display and Memory
Equipped with a CSTN 4096 color display, the C168 offered a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels in a 1:1 ratio. Users were also able to customize their display with downloadable wallpapers and screensavers. Though it didn't have a card slot for external storage, the C168 came with 640 KB of internal storage, enough to store 600 contacts and 250 SMS messages.
Camera and Sound
The C168 did not have a camera, but it made up for it with its impressive sound features. The device supported vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones and had a composer for users to create their own tunes. Though it did not sport a traditional 3.5mm jack, it had a stereo FM radio that provided entertainment on the go.
Features and Connectivity
The C168 lacked modern networking technologies like WLAN and Bluetooth. However, it supported messaging through SMS, EMS, and MMS. With WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, users were able to access basic internet features. The device also had various pre-installed games and a photo editor, making it a well-versed phone for its time.
Battery Life
The C168 came with a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery that provided up to 340 hours of standby time and 9 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. These impressive battery life numbers allowed users to stay connected at all times without the fear of running out of power.
The Legacy of C168
Despite being discontinued, the C168 has left a lasting impact on the feature phone market. Its compact design, impressive features, and long battery life set the standard for future feature phones. It also showcased Motorola's commitment to providing affordable and functional devices to its consumers.
In conclusion, the C168 was a revolutionary device that played a significant role in shaping the mobile phone landscape. Its advanced features and design made it a fan-favorite among users, and its legacy lives on in today's modern feature phones.
