In the world of smartphones, it's easy to forget about the simpler phones that first introduced us to the concept of having a personal electronic device with us at all times. One such device was the N710, released in 2004 by NEC.
The Basics
The N710 was a feature phone, running on a GSM network with 2G capabilities. It was a compact device, measuring only 26mm in thickness and weighing 95g. The phone had 2MB of storage, without the option of expanding it through a memory card slot.
Design and Display
The N710 had a classic design, with a simple layout and a Mini-SIM card slot. The device featured a 1.8 inch TFT display with 65K colors, providing a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. It also had a second external display with 96 x 30 pixels and 12 colors LCD.
One of the standout features of the N710 was the availability of customizable wallpapers, as well as downloadable pictures and animations.
Memory and Storage
The N710 had a phonebook and could store up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. The phone had a small 2MB internal storage, enough for basic usage at the time, but no memory card slot was available for additional storage options.
Camera Capabilities
The main camera of the N710 was a VGA camera, with LED flash. While it did not have video recording capabilities, it still allowed users to capture special moments. The phone did not have a front-facing camera for selfies, as it was not a common feature during its time.
Additional Features
The N710 boasted of features such as predictive text input, photo editor and voice memo. It also had preinstalled games, with the option to download more. Other features included SMS and MMS messaging, WAP 1.2.1 browser, and Java support.
Battery Life and Other Details
The N710 was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery which provided a standby time of up to 100 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours. The phone came in two color options: silver and pink.
The End of an Era
The N710 was announced in Q1 of 2004 and had a good run, but it was eventually discontinued. As technology advanced, phones with more advanced features started dominating the market. Despite its limited capabilities, the N710 will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned and used it.
In conclusion, the N710 by NEC was a compact and reliable feature phone that introduced us to many basic features we take for granted in our current smartphones. It was a device that paved the way for the evolution of mobile phones into what they are today.
NEC N710 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
91 x 45 x 26 mm (3.58 x 1.77 x 1.02 in)
Weight
95 g (3.35 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
1.8 inches, 29 x 35 mm, 10.2 cm2 (~24.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density)
Other
Second external display 96 x 30 pixels (12 colors LCD)
Wallpapers
Downloadable pictures and animations
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
Yes
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal
2MB
Main Camera
Single
VGA
Features
LED flash
Video
No
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS
Browser
WAP 1.2.1
Games
2 + downloadable
Java
Yes
Other
Predictive text input
Organizer
Photo editor
Voice memo