In a world where smartphones dominate the market, it's hard to imagine a time when feature phones ruled the telecommunication industry. But in 2004, NEC released the N610, a phone that quickly made its mark in the technology world.
A Brief Introduction
The N610 was released by NEC in the third quarter of 2004, under their brand name NEC. It was a feature phone, meaning it did not have advanced features like internet access or a touchscreen interface. Despite its limited capabilities, it was well-received and gained popularity among users.
The Specs
This device had a thickness of 21.2mm and a weight of 95g, making it quite compact and easy to carry around. However, unlike modern smartphones, it did not have a card slot for additional storage. The N610 had a Mini-SIM card slot, which was commonly used during that time.
Network and Launch
The N610 operated on GSM technology, with 2G bands of GSM 900 / 1900. It also had GPRS functionality for data transfer. It was announced in the third quarter of 2004 but was later discontinued.
Display and Camera
One of the main features of the N610 was its TFT resistive touchscreen, which could display 256K colors. The resolution of the screen was 176 x 220 pixels, which was considered quite impressive at that time. The device also had a VGA camera for taking photos and recording videos.
Memory and Sound
Although the phone did not have a card slot for external memory, it did have a phonebook to store contacts, along with call records for 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. The N610 also had a loudspeaker and the option to download polyphonic ringtones for customizable alerts.
Other Features and Battery Life
The phone had some additional features like Chinese handwriting recognition and downloadable logos, wallpapers, and screensavers. It also had basic applications like an organizer, predictive text input for messaging, and games that could be downloaded. The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery and could last up to 150 hours on standby and up to 2 hours of talk time.
Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane
Looking at the specs of the N610, it's clear that it was a revolutionary device during its time. Despite its limited features, it was well-loved by users and became a popular choice in the market. And while it may seem outdated now, it will always hold a special place in the history of communication technology.
NEC N610 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1900
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
89 x 48.5 x 21.2 mm (3.50 x 1.91 x 0.83 in)
Weight
95 g (3.35 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels
Other
Wallpapers, screensavers
Chinese handwriting recognition
Downloadable logos