The NEC N850: Bringing Technology to your Hands in 2005
In the early 2000s, mobile phones were starting to evolve from basic communication devices to more advanced gadgets with additional features. The release of the NEC N850 in 2005 was a game-changer in the mobile phone market, providing its users with a range of features that were previously unheard of. Let's take a closer look at the technology and design behind the NEC N850.
Released in Q1: A stepping stone for Feature Phones
The NEC N850 hit stores in early 2005, marking a significant milestone for feature phones. For those unfamiliar with the term, a feature phone is a mobile device that offers more advanced features than a basic phone, but not as advanced as a smartphone. This was an essential step in the evolution of mobile phones, as it paved the way for future technological advancements.
A Sleek design ahead of its time
The NEC N850 measured 93 x 46 x 24 mm and weighed only 95g, making it one of the most compact feature phones on the market at the time. Its slim design and lightweight body made it convenient for users to carry it around in their pockets or bags. It also featured a 1.9-inch TFT display with 65K colors, which was considered quite advanced for a feature phone back then.
Creating memories with the N850
At the time of its release, most phones only had minimal internal storage, but the NEC N850 boasted an impressive 26MB of storage capacity. This allowed users to store their photos, videos, and other data without having to worry about running out of space. The phone also came with a 1.3 MP camera, which was a step up from the VGA cameras seen on most phones at the time. It also featured a second external display with 4096 colors, perfect for downloading pictures and keeping them organized in the phone's photo book.
Connectivity and communication made easy
The NEC N850 supported GSM technology and had 2G bands that worked on GSM 900/1800/1900 networks. For its time, this was a significant feat as it allowed users to make calls and send SMS messages across different networks. The phone also offered features like SMS, MMS, and email, making communication more comfortable and efficient.
Other notable features
The NEC N850 had additional features that made it even more appealing to users. It came with a downloadable MP3 player, allowing users to play their favorite tunes whenever and wherever they wanted. It also had predictive text input, which made typing on the phone's keypad more manageable. Other essential features included an organizer, voice memo, and games to keep users entertained.
Discontinued but not forgotten
Although the NEC N850 was eventually discontinued, it played a crucial role in paving the way for future feature phones and smartphones. With its advanced features, sleek design, and impressive performance, it remains a fond memory for those who owned one back in 2005.
The NEC N850 was truly ahead of its time, providing users with features and technology that set it apart from other feature phones at the time. It may be obsolete now, but its impact within the mobile phone industry will never be forgotten.
NEC N850 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2005, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
93 x 46 x 24 mm (3.66 x 1.81 x 0.94 in)
Weight
95 g (3.35 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
1.9 inches, 30 x 37 mm, 11.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density)
Other
Second external STN, 4096 colors display (128 x 128 pixels)
Downloadable pictures
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
Yes, Photo call
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal
26MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
QCIF
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
1.2
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
MP3 player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice dial/memo