The Plum Star: A Compact and Versatile Feature Phone
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, there still exists a niche market for feature phones. These no-frills devices prioritize simplicity and affordability, making them popular among those who are looking for a basic communication tool without all the bells and whistles. One such device is the Plum Star, released by the relatively new brand Plum in 2016.
Introducing the Plum Star
The Plum Star may be small in size, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to functionality. Weighing only 46.5g and with a thickness of 12.8mm, it is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. It is the perfect option for those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone that can easily slip into their pocket or bag.
The Basics
The Plum Star runs on a feature phone operating system, which offers a simple and straightforward user experience. With 32MB of ROM storage and a microSDHC slot, it has enough space to store your contacts, messages, and essential files. It is also equipped with a dual SIM feature, allowing you to switch between two different SIM cards for greater flexibility and convenience.
Connectivity and Network
The Plum Star operates on GSM technology, with support for the 2G bands of GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 on SIM 1 and SIM 2. It also has a Class 12 GPRS connection, ensuring a stable and reliable internet connection for basic web browsing and messaging. However, it does not have an EDGE connection for faster data speeds.
Design and Display
Sporting a sleek and minimalist design, the Plum Star is available in a variety of vibrant colors such as black, blue, lime, orange, pink, red, and white. It also has a built-in flashlight feature, making it handy for emergencies or low light situations.
The display of the Plum Star is a 1.8-inch TFT screen with 256K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While it may not be as advanced as the displays on modern smartphones, it still offers a decent viewing experience for basic tasks such as reading texts and viewing photos.
Performance and Battery Life
Powering the Plum Star is a Mediatek MTK6261D chipset and an impressive 600 mAh Li-Ion battery. With its low-power feature phone operating system, the battery can last up to 190 hours on standby and up to 4 hours of talk time before needing a recharge, making it a reliable and long-lasting option for those always on-the-go.
Additional Features
The Plum Star may be a feature phone, but it still offers useful features such as a loudspeaker, FM radio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for listening to music and audio. It also has a 2MP rear camera for taking photos and recording videos, although it does not have a front-facing camera for selfies.
Other helpful features include SMS and MMS messaging, an audio and video player, and an organizer for keeping track of your schedule and tasks. It also has predictive text input to make typing on the small keypad more efficient and convenient.
The Verdict
The Plum Star may not have all the fancy features of modern smartphones, but it offers a great option for those looking for a simple and affordable device for communication and basic tasks. Its compact size, versatile features, and long battery life make it a reliable companion for everyday use or as a backup phone. If you're in the market for a no-frills feature phone, the Plum Star is definitely worth considering.
