Introducing the Motorola ROKR ZN50: A Feature-Packed Feature Phone from 2009
In 2009, the mobile phone market was dominated by smartphones such as the iPhone and various Android devices. However, for those who were looking for a reliable feature phone with advanced features, the Motorola ROKR ZN50 was a popular choice.
About the Device
The ROKR ZN50 was released by Motorola in 2009 and came with a sleek and stylish design. It featured a resistive touchscreen display, making it one of the few feature phones to have this technology at that time. Weighing at 143g, it was a relatively lightweight and compact device, measuring 108.9 x 54 x 14.3 mm (4.29 x 2.13 x 0.56 in) in dimensions.
Network and Operating System
The ROKR ZN50 was a feature phone and ran on a proprietary operating system. It supported GSM and HSPA networks, making it capable of 2G and 3G connectivity. The device also came equipped with an HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps speed, allowing for faster data transfers.
Storage and Memory
For storage, the ROKR ZN50 had a dedicated microSDHC slot, which could support up to 32GB of expandable storage. It also had a phonebook feature and could store up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each. The device also featured a VGA front camera for selfies.
Camera and Multimedia
The main camera of the ROKR ZN50 was a 3.15 MP, autofocus camera that could capture decent images and videos. It also had a VGA front camera for those who enjoyed taking selfies. The device had a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack for audio output, and it came with SRS WOW HD technology for enhanced audio quality. Additionally, it offered a variety of multimedia features such as MP3/WMA playback, video playback, and a T-DMB2 TV tuner.
Connectivity and Features
The ROKR ZN50 did not have Wi-Fi connectivity, but it did support Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP. It also had GPS and A-GPS for navigation and an FM radio with RDS. Other features included an accelerometer sensor, messaging capabilities, and a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. It also came with Java support, which allowed users to download various apps and games.
Battery Life and Other Details
The ROKR ZN50 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery. According to Motorola, the battery could provide up to 200 hours of standby time, 4 hours of talk time, and 30 hours of music playback. The device was available in black and had a SAR rating of 0.37 W/kg (head) and 0.41 W/kg (body).
Pricing and Availability
When released, the ROKR ZN50 had a price tag of about 140 EUR. However, it was eventually discontinued as smartphones became more popular. Today, it is considered a rare device, and those who wish to purchase one may have to rely on second-hand markets.
The Verdict: A Feature-Packed Device Ahead of its Time
The Motorola ROKR ZN50 may not have been as popular as other feature phones or smartphones during its time, but it was undoubtedly ahead of its time with its advanced features and sleek design. It was a reliable and affordable option for those who wanted more than just a basic phone. Today, it serves as a reminder of what phones used to be like before the smartphone revolution took over.
