The Nokia 3230 has a mean and professional look about it. This phone appeared quite distinct from some of the other phones available in this range. I had a Panasonic G50, which was doing quite well. But, the moment I laid my eyes on this mean piece I was hooked.
The 3230 comes under the genre of Smart Phones, meaning they do a lot more that goes beyond the realms of an ordinary Cell Phone. If you thought cell phones were merely communication devices meant for answering or sending calls with messaging facility, well, think again. With the launching of smart phones the concept that cell phones are just for communicating has taken a bit of beating.
Today’s cell phones can do a lot more than your 90’s desktop PC with the added advantage of being portable. After examining the pros and cons of the various models available vis-à-vis the price, I settled for the Nokia 3230. In fact, my dealer even recommended me this particular model mentioning that it had all the features of a higher end model but at a surprisingly reasonable price. Suitably convinced, I clinched the deal.
It’s been over a year now, and it’s time to reflect on my decision to go for the 3230 and, more importantly, on its performance.
The Screen:
It is a 2 inches large TFT screen capable of displaying over 65K colours having a 176 x 208-pixel resolution. The images are pretty sharp even during daylight.
Camera:
The 3230 has a 1.3 megapixel camera, which unlike the VGA cameras on some of the other mobiles such as the 6600, gives a pretty sharp image. In fact, the image that you see on my profile page is taken from my 3230.
Video Capture:
The camera permits video capture up to 1 hour. But I have loaded a third party software that permits me to take unlimited video as long as there is sufficient memory space available. It also permits me to customise my movies with the help of a movie director.
XHTML browser for browsing:
This is helpful to people who are constantly on the move, but want to access the Net from remote places. You need to get the settings right to access the net. It is useful to scan your email and catch the latest headlines on your mobile. Frankly, I never felt the need to browse the Net with my mobile, but it always helps to have this feature.
Expandable Memory:
The phone comes with a 32 MB Reduced Size Multi Media Card that is sufficient for storing contacts, MP3 songs, a few images and clips. But, if you wish to go for Smartmovies, create large video clips, or use it as a full-fledged organiser; then, you require at least a 256MB Card. I am using a 512MB Card purchased separately at an additional cost of Rs.2.5K that is capable of storing one entire feature film (in Smartmovie format). I have about 80 video songs apart from a lot of MP3 songs and still have enough space for recording dictations, images, and video clips using the built in camera. That’s the advantage of having an additional memory slot. The video songs can be watched in full screen format and the high frame rate makes it easy on the eyes. There is absolutely no flicker and the quality of the picture is just great.
Blue tooth:
This is a wireless feature, which can be used to transfer files from one Bluetooth device to another without physically connecting it. Transferring files via this mode is a child’s play. I keep the bluetooth feature on my phone off for fear of viruses. That’s why I do not use a bluetooth headset, though it can be pretty handy.
Games:
The 3230 comes with games such as Agent V, Rally Pro, and Warrior preloaded. But, I have also loaded a few third party games such as Micro Pool, SkyForce, Motoracer, Bounce, Space Impact, Lock’nLoad – Rise of War, Tennis, etc. Some of the games are pretty cool and can relieve you from boredom. You can also play games via the bluetooth with other people.
Battery:
The 3230 comes with a powerful BL-5B, Li-Ion 760 mAh Nokia Battery that gives you 4 hours of talk time and many hours of entertainment. This battery charges pretty quick.
Build:
The Nokia 3230 is solidly built and therefore is a trifle heavy. Once, I inadvertently dropped it from a height of 4 feet. As it hit the solid cement flooring below, my heart leapt to my mouth. I thought that the camera would be undoubtedly damaged, apart from other collateral damage. But to my pleasant surprise everything was working perfectly fine except that there was just a hint of the impact on the body. Since then, I am using a translucent silicon non-slipcover, which fits perfectly and also prevents the piece from slipping from my hands.
My Views:
The 3230 is pretty easy to operate. Thanks to the joystick, navigation is also hassle free. Though, it has a comparatively small keyboard I could easily operate the keys with the same hand that I was holding the mobile. The 3230 takes a little more time to boot than the average phone in the market. It is slightly on the heavier side, though, much heavier when compared to my Panasonic G50.
Thanks to the S60 OS software, the 3230 is more like a PC than a mobile phone. It permits us to load a lot of third party software (and there is plenty available). Most third party software, being dedicated, is better than the original software that comes with the mobile.
At a cost of approximately Rs.14K, the 3230 seems to be the best bargain despite new models being churned up by Nokia almost on monthly basis. The success rate of Nokia 3230 is comparable to the best mobiles available in the market.
I am tempted to borrow a much-maligned phrase from a leading multinational food company – “I am loving it!”
mbfarookh.