The Minu: A Feature Phone with Impressive Functionality
The release of Parla's Minu in 2013 caused quite a stir in the mobile phone market. This compact device, with its feature phone operating system, quickly gained a fan base for its impressive specs and functionality. Let's take a closer look at the Minu and its features.
Release Date and Network
The Minu was released in the fourth quarter of 2013 and was announced in September of the same year. It operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands - GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - for both SIM 1 and SIM 2. With Class 12 GPRS support, the Minu allows for efficient internet connectivity.
Dimensions and Body
Weighing only 70g and measuring 13.7mm in thickness, the Minu is a lightweight and slim device that can easily fit in your pocket or bag. It has a compact body with dimensions of 110.6 x 46.4 x 13.7 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use. The device also has a flashlight for added convenience.
Display and Memory
Despite its small size, the Minu boasts an impressive display. It features a 1.8 inch TFT screen with 65K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While this may seem small compared to modern smartphones, it still offers a decent viewing experience with a screen-to-body ratio of 19.9%.
In terms of memory, the Minu has a dedicated microSDHC slot for expandable storage. It also has 32Mb of internal storage and 32Mb RAM, allowing for smooth performance and the ability to store important files and data.
Camera and Sound
The Minu may not have the most advanced camera features, but it does come with a VGA single camera that allows you to capture memories in the moment. It also has a video recording option for capturing short clips. There is no front-facing camera on this device.
With its loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, the Minu offers decent sound quality for music and calls. It also features a stereo FM radio for those who enjoy listening to their favourite stations on the go.
Connectivity and Features
The Minu does not have built-in Wi-Fi or NFC capabilities, but it does have Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support for wireless data transfer. It also has a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.
In terms of features, the Minu comes with essential sensors like SMS and MMS messaging, and gaming options. While it does not support Java, it does have a music player, video player, organizer, and voice memo functions.
Battery and Miscellaneous
The Minu is powered by a Li-Ion 600 mAh removable battery, which can provide up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. This means you can conveniently use the device without worrying about frequent charging.
The Minu comes in two colors - black and white - giving users options to choose from according to their preferences.
In conclusion, the Minu may be a feature phone, but it offers impressive functionality and features for its time. Its compact size, decent display, and reliable performance make it an ideal device for those looking for a simple yet functional mobile phone.