The Motorola ZN300: A Feature-Packed Device from 2009
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it's easy to forget about the devices that have paved the way for the smartphones we have today. One such device is the Motorola ZN300, released in May of 2009. Let's take a closer look at this innovative device from the past.
A Compact Design
The Motorola ZN300 may seem small compared to today's smartphones, but at the time of its release, it was considered compact and lightweight. With dimensions of 95.6 x 46 x 15 mm and a weight of just 103g, it was easy to carry around and use with one hand. Its slim profile also made it great for slipping into pockets or bags without adding too much bulk.
A Vibrant Display
The ZN300 featured a 2.0 inch TFT display with 256K colors, providing vibrant and clear visuals for its time. The display had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it great for browsing the web and watching videos. It also boasted a ModeShift morphing keypad, which allowed users to switch between landscape and portrait modes by flipping the device.
A Powerful Platform
The ZN300 ran on the Linux-based MOTOMAGX operating system, which was specifically designed for Motorola devices. It also had Java support, allowing for a wide range of third-party apps to be installed. This combination provided a smooth and efficient user experience, with fast app loading times and minimal lag.
Ample Storage and Camera Features
For its time, the ZN300 had decent internal storage of 8MB, with the option to expand it using a microSDHC card. This provided plenty of space for storing photos taken with the device's 3.15 MP camera with flash. This camera also had video recording capabilities, with an impressive frame rate of 15-20fps. However, there was no front-facing camera for taking selfies.
Connectivity and Entertainment Options
The ZN300 may not have had all the bells and whistles of modern devices, but it did have some impressive connectivity features. It supported GPRS and EDGE technology for internet browsing and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming. It also had a built-in FM radio and came with apps for popular social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Photobucket.
A Long-Lasting Battery
The ZN300 was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 940 mAh battery, offering up to 7.5 hours of talk time and 400 hours of standby time. While this may seem minimal compared to today's smartphones, it was quite impressive at the time and allowed for extended usage without the need for frequent charging.
Availability and Pricing
The Motorola ZN300 was announced in March of 2009 and released in May of the same year. It has since been discontinued, but it can still be found on second-hand markets and online retailers. At its initial release, it was priced at around 60 EUR, making it an affordable option for those looking for a feature-packed device.
The Verdict: A Pioneer in Its Time
The Motorola ZN300 may not be the most advanced device by today's standards, but it was a pioneer in its time. With its compact design, vibrant display, and powerful platform, it offered a great user experience. It also had features that were ahead of its time, such as a video camera and social media apps. The ZN300 remains a testament to Motorola's innovative spirit and contribution to the world of mobile technology.
Motorola ZN300 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
Class 10
Launch
Announced
2009, March. Released 2009, May
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
95.6 x 46 x 15 mm (3.76 x 1.81 x 0.59 in)
Weight
103 g (3.63 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio
Other
ModeShift morphing keypad
Platform
OS
Linux / Java-based MOTOMAGX
Memory
Card slot
microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal
8MB
Main Camera
Single
3.15 MP
Features
flash
Video
@15-20fps
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
3.5mm jack
Yes
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
2.0, A2DP
Positioning
No
Radio
Stereo FM radio
USB
2.0
Features
Sensors
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (Opera mini)
Other
MP3/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/WMV/3gp player
Organizer
Voice memo
Video mixer
Facebook, Myspace, YouTube and Photobucket apps