The year was 2005, and Motorola released the V230, a feature phone that left a lasting impact in the phone industry. While smartphones were still in its early stages, the V230 proved to be a versatile device with its compact design and impressive features.
A Blast from the Past: Release Date and Dimensions
Released in the first quarter of 2005, the V230 was relatively small and lightweight compared to other phones of its time. Weighing only 96g and measuring 24.4mm in thickness, it was an easily portable device that could fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
Storage and Network Capabilities
The V230 had a storage capacity of 10MB, which may seem small by today's standards but was considered sufficient back then. However, the device did not have a card slot, so users couldn't expand their storage. But what made the V230 stand out was its network capabilities. It supported GSM technology with 2G bands for GSM 900/1800/1900, GPRS Class 10, and EDGE. This made it possible for users to stay connected even in areas with a weaker signal.
Announcement and Discontinuation
The V230 was announced in the first quarter of 2005 and quickly gained popularity among mobile users. However, like every piece of technology, it eventually became obsolete and discontinued. Despite being released over a decade ago, the V230 is still fondly remembered by its users.
Display and Memory
This feature phone had a small STN display with 65K colors. The main screen had a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, while the secondary external display had a resolution of 96 x 32 pixels. Users could also download screensavers to personalize their device. In terms of memory, the V230 had a phonebook with a capacity of 1000 entries and could store up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. It also had an internal memory of 10MB, allowing users to store essential files and messages.
Camera, Sound, and Other Features
Unfortunately, the V230 did not have a camera, which was quite disappointing for photography lovers. However, it did come with a loudspeaker and supported vibration and downloadable ringtones in polyphonic, MP3, and AAC format. The V230 also had no Bluetooth or WLAN capabilities, but it did have a miniUSB port for charging and transferring data. Other features included Instant Messaging, SMS, EMS, WAP 2.0/xHTML browsing, and downloadable games through Java MIDP 2.0.
Battery Life and Color Variants
The V230 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 810 mAh battery, which provided a standby time of up to 260 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours. When it comes to color, the V230 only came in black, giving it a sleek and classic look.
In conclusion, the V230 may have been discontinued, but its impact on the mobile industry remains. Its compact design, impressive features, and reliable performance made it a popular choice back in the day. While we have come a long way in terms of technology, it's always nice to look back and appreciate how far we've come.
Motorola V230 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
Yes
Launch
Announced
2005, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
86.3 x 47 x 24.4 mm (3.40 x 1.85 x 0.96 in)
Weight
96 g (3.39 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
STN, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels
Other
Second external display (96 x 32 pixels)
Downloadable screensavers