Display:240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density)
Camera:3.15 MP
Battery:
Released:Released 2010, November
The Crux: Pantech's Feature Phone from 2010
The year 2010 marked the release of the Crux, a feature phone by the well-known brand Pantech. While smartphones were slowly taking over the market, the Crux offered an affordable and reliable option for those who preferred not to jump on the smartphone bandwagon. Let's take a closer look at this device and its features.
Release and Specifications
The Crux was officially announced in October 2010 and was released to the public in November of the same year. As a feature phone, it did not run on a smartphone operating system, but rather relied on a basic, yet functional, proprietary system. The device weighed 122g and had a thickness of 13mm, making it a relatively compact and lightweight phone. It also featured a microSDHC slot for expandable storage, allowing users to store more music, photos, and videos.
Network and Connectivity
The Crux was a CDMA phone and supported EVDO technology, providing users with reliable call quality and data speeds. Its network bands included CDMA 800/1900 for 2G and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G. The phone also offered Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless connectivity, as well as a GPS and A-GPS for navigation. However, it did not have WLAN capabilities or an FM radio.
Design and Display
The Crux had a classic candy bar-style design, with dimensions of 109 x 58 x 13 mm. It had a 3.0 inch TFT resistive touchscreen display with 256K colors, offering decent image quality for its time. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 40.5%, giving users enough screen space to comfortably navigate through the phone's menus and features.
Camera and Multimedia
While not a smartphone, the Crux still had a 3.15 MP main camera, allowing users to capture important moments on the go. It also had a video recording feature, which was a handy addition for a feature phone. The device did not have a front-facing camera, but it did offer other multimedia features such as an MP3/WAV player, MP4/H.263 player, and built-in games. Users could also listen to their favorite radio stations with the help of VZ Navigator.
Battery and Other Features
The removable Li-Ion battery on the Crux gave users up to 324 hours of standby time and 5 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. It also had basic features such as a phonebook with a capacity of 1000 contacts and predictive text input for messaging. Additionally, it had voice memo and dialing functions, making it convenient for users to take notes or make calls hands-free.
Discontinued and Colors
Sadly, the Crux was discontinued after its release in 2010. However, it remained a popular option for those who preferred simplicity over complex smartphone features. The phone was available in a gray color variant and had a SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value of 1.25 W/kg for the head and 0.61 W/kg for the body.
In conclusion, the Crux may have been a forgotten device in the fast-paced world of technology, but it served its purpose well during its time. It provided an accessible and affordable option for communication and basic internet use. While it may not have lasted long in the market, it remains a symbol of Pantech's contribution to the ever-evolving world of mobile phones.