Display:128 x 128 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~113 ppi density)
Camera:
Battery:
Released:Released 2008, November
The Motorola W231: A Simple but Sturdy Feature Phone
Released in November of 2008, the Motorola W231 was a reliable and affordable feature phone that quickly became popular among budget-conscious consumers. With its sturdy design and basic features, this device was designed to provide users with a simple and hassle-free mobile experience.
Basic Specs
Weighing just 85g and measuring 14.9mm in thickness, the W231 is a compact and lightweight device that can easily fit into any pocket or bag. It features a mini-SIM card and 1MB of internal storage, which can be expanded through a microSD slot.
Network and Connectivity
The W231 operates on GSM technology, making it compatible with most mobile networks around the world. It supports 2G bands for GSM 900 and 1800, but does not have EDGE capabilities. The device also does not have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, but it does have a USB 1.1 port for data transfer.
Display and Memory
The W231 has a 1.6 inch CSTN display with 65K colors, providing a basic but clear viewing experience. It has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels and a screen-to-body ratio of 17.4%, which may seem small compared to modern smartphones, but was considered adequate for its time. The device also has a microSD slot for external storage and can store up to 500 entries in the phonebook and has capacity for 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.
Camera and Sound
Unlike modern smartphones, the W231 does not come equipped with a camera. However, it does have loudspeaker functionality and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it possible for users to listen to music or take calls hands-free.
Features and Battery Life
The W231 has a few essential features including a messaging service with capacity for 750 SMS, MMS, and Email. It also has a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, basic games, and an MP3 player. The device also comes with predictive text input, a voice memo function, and an organizer to help users stay on top of their tasks. Its battery life is also noteworthy, with a removable Li-ion battery that can last up to 465 hours on standby and up to 9 hours and 30 minutes of talk time.
Availability and Price
Unfortunately, the W231 has been discontinued, but it was originally priced at around 40 EUR. It was available in a striking red color and had a SAR rating of 1.28 W/kg (head) and 1.32 W/kg (body), which was considered safe for usage.
Final Thoughts
The Motorola W231 may not have been a fancy or high-tech smartphone, but it was a reliable and affordable device that served its purpose well. It was popular among those who were looking for a simple and sturdy mobile phone without all the bells and whistles. Although it may be considered out of date now, it will always hold a special place in the history of feature phones and Motorola's legacy in the mobile industry.
Motorola W231 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2008, Q3. Released 2008, November
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
108 x 44 x 14.9 mm (4.25 x 1.73 x 0.59 in)
Weight
85 g (2.75 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN, 65K colors
Size
1.6 inches, 8.3 cm2 (~17.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
128 x 128 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~113 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
500 entries
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Internal
1MB
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm jack
Yes
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
Stereo FM radio
USB
1.1
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS(750), MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes
Java
Other
MP3 player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo