ZTE R221: The Feature Phone That Revolutionized the Market in 2010
Introduction
In 2010, ZTE, a leading Chinese telecommunications company, released the R221 - a feature phone that would set the standard for mobile devices in its time. With its compact design, dual SIM capability, and impressive battery life, the R221 quickly became a popular device among consumers. Let’s take a closer look at this revolutionary device and what made it stand out from the rest.
Design and Dimensions
At only 80g and 14mm thickness, the R221 was one of the lightest and thinnest phones on the market. Its dimensions of 108 x 47 x 14 mm (4.25 x 1.85 x 0.55 in) made it easy to hold and comfortable to use. It was also available in a sleek black color, giving it a modern and stylish look.
Network and Operating System
The R221 used the GSM network technology, making it compatible with most carriers worldwide. Featuring two SIM slots, users could switch between two different networks seamlessly. It also operated on a feature phone operating system, providing basic functions such as calling, texting, and a calendar.
Display and Memory
Equipped with a 1.8 inch TFT display with 65K colors, the R221 provided clear and vibrant visuals. Its screen-to-body ratio of 20.1% was considered quite impressive for a feature phone at the time. With 5MB of internal storage and a dedicated microSD slot, users could expand the memory to store more music, photos, and videos. The phonebook could hold up to 500 entries, making it convenient for users with a large contact list.
Camera and Sound
The R221 featured a VGA camera that allowed users to capture simple photos on the go. While it did not have a selfie camera, its primary camera was sufficient for its time. The phone also came with a loudspeaker, providing clear audio during phone calls and the FM radio feature, making it ideal for entertainment on the go.
Battery and Other Features
The R221 ran on a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, providing an impressive standby time of up to 280 hours and talk time of up to 9 hours. This meant that users could go days without needing to charge their phone, making it highly convenient. Other features included a built-in MP3/WAV player and predictive text input, making it a practical device for everyday use.
Conclusion
Although the ZTE R221 may seem outdated now, it was a groundbreaking device in its time. Its compact design, dual SIM capability, long battery life, and essential features made it a hit among consumers looking for a simple yet reliable mobile phone. It was truly a game-changer and played a crucial role in shaping the feature phone market.
