The Classic NEC N22i: A Feature Phone That Defined the Early 2000s
In 2003, NEC released their N22i model, which quickly captured the attention and hearts of feature phone users. With its sleek design, compact size, and impressive features, the N22i became a must-have for mobile phone enthusiasts.
Impressive Dimensions and Weight
At a time when bulky flip phones were still popular, the N22i came in at a weight of 110g and a slim thickness of 27mm. This made it not only easy to carry around, but also a fashion statement with its trendy silver color. Its dimensions of 101 x 48 x 27mm with a SIM card slot that took a mini-SIM added to the convenience factor of the device.
A Beautifully Vibrant Display and Memory Capacity
The N22i boasted of a CSTN display with 4096 colors, and a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels. It also had a second LCD with a backlight of 12 colors and a resolution of 120 x 30 pixels, perfect for quickly checking notifications. Its memory capacity included a phonebook that could store up to 500 contacts with 8 fields each for detailed information and a photo call feature. The phone also had the capacity to store up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. A voice memo feature was also included, allowing users to record up to 20 seconds of audio for quick reminders.
Missed a Shot – Not with the N22i
One of the most talked-about features of the N22i was its camera. Although it did not have a front-facing camera or a rear-facing camera, it did have the capability to capture screenshots and save them as wallpapers or animations. In an era where cameras on phones were still novel, this feature was definitely a major selling point for the N22i.
Entertainment at Your Fingertips
For a feature phone, the N22i was ahead of its time when it came to entertainment. Its five pre-installed games - Belt, Poker, Puzzle, Thief, and UFO – provided hours of amusement for its users. In addition to this, the phone also had a clock, alarm, iMode browser, and predictive text input, making it a complete package for staying connected and entertained on the go.
A Powerhouse Battery and Other Features
The removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery boasted an impressive standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 20 minutes. Other features included interchangeable covers, voice memo, and profiles, allowing users to personalize their device.
Taking a Step Back in Time with the NEC N22i
Even though the NEC N22i was launched almost two decades ago, it is still remembered and cherished by many as a symbol of the early 2000s’ technology. While it may not seem impressive compared to today’s smartphones, the N22i paved the way for the innovations and advancements we see in the mobile phone industry today. It is undoubtedly a device that marked the beginning of our technological journey, and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of its users.
NEC N22i Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
101 x 48 x 27 mm, 94 cc (3.98 x 1.89 x 1.06 in)
Weight
110 g (3.88 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN, 4096 colors
Size
Resolution
120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio
Other
Second LCD (120 x 30 pixels) with 12 color backlight
Downloadable wallpapers, animations