The Compact and Functional Nokia 6108: A Blast From the Past
In the early 2000s, the mobile phone market was dominated by flip phones and simple feature phones. One of the popular devices during that time was the Nokia 6108. It may not have the sleek design and advanced features of today’s smartphones, but this little device was a game-changer in its own right.
Brand and Release Date
The Nokia 6108 was released in Q3 of 2003 and is part of the Nokia family of phones. A Finnish multinational telecommunications company, Nokia was a major player in the mobile phone industry, producing a wide range of devices from basic models to high-end smartphones.
Dimensions and Storage
Weighing at only 98g and measuring 22.8mm thick, the Nokia 6108 was a highly compact and lightweight device, making it easy to carry around. One downside was that it did not come with a card slot, so users had to rely on its limited internal storage. But during that time, people were not taking thousands of photos or downloading hundreds of apps, so the lack of storage was not a major drawback.
Network and Operating System
The Nokia 6108 was a feature phone equipped with the standard operating system of that time. It could support GSM technology and had 2G bands for GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 networks. While it did not have the luxury of internet access and app stores, it could still handle basic functions like calls and SMS messages.
Display and Memory
The Nokia 6108 featured a CSTN display with 4096 colors and a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. It had a touchpad located under the keyboard, making navigation a breeze. The display brightness was also adjustable, and it had a four-way scroll and dynamic font size options. In terms of memory, it did not have a card slot, but it could store up to 300 names with three numbers each and record 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.
Camera and Sound
In a time where mobile phone cameras were still a novelty, the Nokia 6108 did not have one. However, it did have a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, adding a bit of personalization to the device. It did not come with a 3.5mm jack for headphones, so users had to rely on the phone's built-in speaker or a wired headset.
Connectivity and Features
The Nokia 6108 may not have had advanced features like WiFi or Bluetooth, but it did have infrared port capabilities and a radio with stereo FM and RDS. It also supported basic messaging such as SMS, MMS, and Email. Users could also download Java games like Sky Diver, Triple Pop, and Bounce to entertain themselves in their free time. The device also came with handwriting recognition, predictive text input, and a Chinese dictionary for added convenience.
Battery and Colors
The Nokia 6108 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 850mAh battery (BL-5C), which could last up to 7 hours of talk time and 410 hours of standby time. It also featured Xpress-on covers, allowing users to switch up the look of their device. The Nokia 6108 was available in three colors: Silver Blue, Silver Yellow, and Silver Rose.
SAR Rating
Known for its durability and reliability, the Nokia 6108 had a low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.55 W/kg for the head and 0.80 W/kg for the body. This means that the device emitted minimal radiation, making it safe for use.
Conclusion
The Nokia 6108 may not be comparable to the smartphones of today, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of early mobile phone users. It was a device that managed to combine functionality, convenience, and style in one compact phone. While it may be discontinued, it paved the way for the development of more advanced and innovative phones in the future.
Nokia 6108 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
106 x 46.4 x 22.8 mm, 82 cc (4.17 x 1.83 x 0.90 in)
Weight
98 g (3.46 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Other
Stylus
Display
Type
CSTN, 4096 colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 128 pixels, 8 lines, 1:1 ratio
Other
Touchpad under the keyboard
Adjustable display brightness
Four-way scroll
Dynamic font size
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
300 names x3 numbers
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Other
In shared memory:
- Phonebook
- Calendar
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
Stereo FM radio, RDS
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP, xHTML
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
Sky Diver, Triple Pop, Bounce + Java downloadable
Languages
Major European and Asian languages
Java
Yes
Other
Handwriting recognition
English
Chinese dictionary (100,000 words)
Predictive text input
Organizer
Xpress-on covers
Profiles