Nokia 603

amazon Nokia 603 reviews

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetic Appeal

The Nokia 603 was designed with a focus on vibrant aesthetics, offering a range of color options that included black, white, fuchsia, green, yellow, and blue. This approach was in line with Nokia’s tradition of providing phones with a distinct and lively design, appealing particularly to younger users or those looking to express their personality through their device. The front of the device was dominated by a 3.5-inch display, with a minimalist approach to the bezel and button layout. The back cover was removable and featured a glossy finish, which, while attractive, was also prone to fingerprints and smudges.

• Pros: The design of the Nokia 603 was both youthful and modern, with the color options adding a touch of personalization. The phone’s compact size and curved edges made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
• Cons: The glossy finish, while visually appealing, was a magnet for fingerprints and scratches, which could detract from its aesthetic over time. Additionally, the plastic build, although solid, lacked the premium feel of more expensive smartphones.

Build Quality

Nokia was known for its robust build quality, and the Nokia 603 was no exception. The phone had a sturdy construction that could withstand the typical bumps and drops of everyday use. The back cover, although made of plastic, was well-fitted and didn’t creak or flex under pressure. The overall build felt durable and reliable, characteristic of Nokia’s reputation for making long-lasting phones.

• Pros: The sturdy construction of the Nokia 603 ensured that it could handle everyday wear and tear without issue. The removable back cover allowed for easy battery replacement, which was a practical feature for users.
• Cons: The plastic build, while durable, might have felt less premium compared to the metal or glass finishes seen on higher-end smartphones. The glossy back cover also made the phone slippery, increasing the risk of accidental drops.

Display

Screen Specifications

The Nokia 603 featured a 3.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 210 ppi. This was a standard resolution for mid-range smartphones at the time, providing decent sharpness and clarity for everyday tasks such as web browsing, messaging, and viewing photos. The display supported 16 million colors, ensuring vibrant and accurate color reproduction.

• Pros: The IPS LCD technology provided good viewing angles, with colors remaining consistent even when viewed from the side. The display was also bright enough for outdoor use, making it practical for use in various lighting conditions.
• Cons: While the display was adequate for most tasks, the 360 x 640 resolution was beginning to feel outdated compared to the higher-resolution screens offered by competitors. The pixel density, while acceptable, was not high enough to offer the same level of crispness seen on higher-end devices.

Touch Responsiveness

The capacitive touchscreen on the Nokia 603 was responsive and supported multitouch gestures, making it easy to navigate the Symbian Belle interface. The screen responded well to taps and swipes, with minimal lag or delay, which contributed to a smooth user experience.

• Pros: The touch responsiveness was generally good, providing a smooth and fluid experience when interacting with the phone’s interface.
• Cons: Although the touchscreen was responsive, the size of the display might have felt cramped for users accustomed to larger screens, especially when typing or navigating more complex applications.

Sunlight Legibility

One of the strengths of the Nokia 603’s display was its sunlight legibility. The screen’s brightness was sufficient to ensure that it remained readable even in direct sunlight, which was a significant advantage for users who frequently used their phones outdoors.

• Pros: The good sunlight legibility made the Nokia 603 practical for use in various lighting conditions, including bright outdoor environments.
• Cons: Despite the good brightness levels, the glossy screen was prone to reflections, which could sometimes make it difficult to see the display clearly in very bright conditions.

Performance

Processor and RAM

The Nokia 603 was powered by a 1.0 GHz ARM11 processor, paired with 512 MB of RAM. This combination provided enough power to handle the Symbian Belle operating system and most of the apps available on the platform. While it wasn’t a powerhouse by any means, the hardware was sufficient for the phone’s intended use case as a mid-range device.

• Pros: The 1.0 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM allowed the Nokia 603 to perform adequately for everyday tasks such as messaging, web browsing, and running basic apps.
• Cons: The hardware was limited compared to more powerful smartphones, especially when it came to multitasking or running more demanding applications. Users might experience slowdowns when using multiple apps simultaneously or running more resource-intensive tasks.

Storage

The Nokia 603 came with 2 GB of internal storage, which was relatively modest even by the standards of the time. However, the phone included a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand the storage by up to 32 GB. This expansion capability was crucial for users who wanted to store more apps, photos, music, and other media on their devices.

• Pros: The inclusion of a microSD card slot provided flexibility in storage, allowing users to easily expand the available space to suit their needs.
• Cons: The 2 GB of internal storage was limited, especially given that a portion of it was used by the operating system and pre-installed apps. Users would likely need to invest in a microSD card to avoid running out of space quickly.

Graphics and Gaming

The Nokia 603 featured a Broadcom BCM2763 GPU, which was sufficient for handling basic graphics tasks and casual gaming. While it wasn’t capable of running graphically intensive games available on other platforms, it could handle simpler games and applications available on the Symbian platform without issue.

• Pros: The phone was capable of running casual games and handling basic graphics tasks without significant issues, making it suitable for light gaming.
• Cons: The graphics performance was limited compared to more powerful devices, meaning that the Nokia 603 struggled with more demanding games and applications. The Symbian platform’s limited app selection also meant that users had fewer gaming options compared to iOS and Android devices.

Camera

Primary Camera

The Nokia 603 was equipped with a 5-megapixel fixed-focus rear camera, which was fairly standard for a mid-range smartphone at the time. The camera could capture photos at a maximum resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels and featured basic options such as geo-tagging, face detection, and a panorama mode.

• Pros: The camera was capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions, with relatively accurate colors and detail. The inclusion of features such as panorama mode added some versatility to the camera’s capabilities.
• Cons: The lack of autofocus limited the camera’s ability to capture sharp images, particularly in close-up shots or in situations where precise focusing was required. Low-light performance was also poor, with the camera struggling to capture sufficient detail without significant noise and grain.

Video Recording

The Nokia 603’s camera could record video at a resolution of 720p at 30 frames per second, which was a respectable capability for a mid-range smartphone. The video quality was decent, with relatively smooth frame rates and acceptable detail for everyday recording needs.

• Pros: The ability to record 720p HD video was a positive feature, allowing users to capture videos with a good level of detail and clarity.
• Cons: While the video quality was adequate, it wasn’t exceptional, and the lack of autofocus affected the ability to maintain sharpness during recording. The camera’s low-light performance also impacted the quality of videos recorded in dim environments.

Front Camera

The Nokia 603 did not include a front-facing camera, which was a notable omission in an era when video calling and selfies were becoming increasingly popular. This limitation made the phone less appealing to users who wanted to use their device for video chats or self-portraits.

• Pros: N/A
• Cons: The absence of a front-facing camera was a significant drawback, especially for users who valued the ability to take selfies or participate in video calls.

Software and Ecosystem

Symbian Belle Operating System

The Nokia 603 ran on Symbian Belle, an updated version of Nokia’s long-standing Symbian operating system. Belle brought a range of improvements over its predecessor, Symbian Anna, including a more modern user interface, better multitasking capabilities, and enhanced customization options. The operating system was designed to be user-friendly, with a focus on providing a smooth and intuitive experience.

• Pros: Symbian Belle was a significant improvement over earlier versions of Symbian, offering a more polished and responsive user experience. The operating system’s multitasking capabilities were robust, allowing users to switch between apps with ease.
• Cons: Despite the improvements, Symbian Belle still lagged behind iOS and Android in terms of app availability and overall functionality. The platform’s limited app ecosystem was a significant drawback, as users had fewer options for customization and productivity compared to Android and iOS. This limitation in the app ecosystem became more pronounced as developers began to prioritize these more popular platforms, leaving Symbian users with a dwindling selection of applications.

User Interface and Experience

The user interface of Symbian Belle was designed to be more touch-friendly compared to its predecessors. It featured multiple home screens that users could customize with widgets, shortcuts, and folders, allowing for a personalized experience. The notification bar was also improved, offering quick access to settings and notifications, similar to what was already available on Android.

• Pros: The customization options provided by Symbian Belle allowed users to tailor the interface to their preferences, making it more user-friendly. The multiple home screens and widgets were practical for quick access to frequently used features and information.
• Cons: Despite these improvements, the user interface still felt somewhat dated compared to the slicker, more intuitive designs seen on competing platforms. Some users found the navigation and menu structures to be less straightforward, with certain tasks requiring more steps than necessary.

App Store and Availability

The Nokia 603 had access to the Nokia Store (previously known as Ovi Store), which was Nokia’s official app marketplace. While the store offered a variety of apps, games, and utilities, it was significantly less populated than the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Many popular apps were either not available or had less polished versions on Symbian, which limited the phone’s appeal to app-centric users.

• Pros: The Nokia Store provided a decent selection of apps for basic needs, including productivity tools, social media, and entertainment.
• Cons: The lack of app variety and the unavailability of many popular applications were major drawbacks. As developers increasingly focused on Android and iOS, the Symbian platform was often neglected, leaving users with fewer options and less support for newer technologies.

Connectivity

Network Support

The Nokia 603 supported GSM, HSDPA, and 3G networks, providing reliable connectivity for voice and data services. The phone also featured Bluetooth 3.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, ensuring that users could stay connected whether they were at home, in the office, or on the go.

• Pros: The network support on the Nokia 603 was robust for its time, offering good coverage and data speeds on 3G networks. The inclusion of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allowed for versatile connectivity options.
• Cons: While 3G support was adequate, the absence of 4G LTE meant that the phone couldn’t take advantage of the faster data speeds that were becoming more common at the time.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

One of the standout features of the Nokia 603 was its inclusion of Near Field Communication (NFC), a technology that was still relatively new in smartphones at the time. NFC enabled quick and easy sharing of content between compatible devices and could also be used for mobile payments and other emerging applications.

• Pros: The inclusion of NFC was a forward-thinking feature, providing users with the ability to explore new ways of interacting with their devices and other electronics.
• Cons: Despite the potential of NFC, its adoption was still in its early stages, and there were limited opportunities to fully utilize the technology. The lack of widespread support for NFC-based payments and services meant that many users might not have found this feature immediately useful.

GPS and Navigation

The Nokia 603 featured A-GPS support, making it a capable device for navigation and location-based services. Nokia’s proprietary navigation software, Nokia Maps (later known as HERE Maps), was included and offered offline map support, turn-by-turn navigation, and various location-based services.

• Pros: The GPS performance was reliable, and the inclusion of Nokia Maps was a significant advantage, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly navigation experience. The ability to download maps for offline use was particularly useful for travelers.
• Cons: While the navigation features were strong, they were not as seamlessly integrated or as polished as those offered by Google Maps on Android devices.

Battery Life

Battery Capacity and Performance

The Nokia 603 was equipped with a removable 1300 mAh battery, which, while not particularly large by today’s standards, provided reasonable battery life for the device’s hardware and software. Nokia claimed that the battery could offer up to 16 hours of talk time on 2G, 7 hours on 3G, and up to 490 hours of standby time on 3G.

• Pros: The battery life was generally good, with the phone easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The removable battery was also a practical feature, allowing users to replace it easily if needed.
• Cons: While the battery life was adequate, it was not exceptional, especially when compared to some of the newer smartphones with larger batteries. Heavy users or those who frequently used data-intensive applications might have found themselves needing to recharge by the end of the day.

Charging Time

The Nokia 603 charged via a standard micro-USB port, which was typical for the time. Charging times were average, with the phone taking around 2-3 hours to fully charge from empty.

• Pros: The use of a micro-USB port made it easy to find compatible charging cables and accessories.
• Cons: The charging speed was relatively slow compared to the fast charging technologies that were beginning to emerge around this time.

Multimedia Capabilities

Audio Quality

The Nokia 603 featured a built-in music player and FM radio, making it a capable device for media consumption. The audio quality from the built-in speaker was decent, although not exceptional, with the speaker producing clear but somewhat tinny sound. The phone also included a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones or external speakers.

• Pros: The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack was a plus, providing users with flexibility in their choice of audio accessories. The music player was easy to use and supported a variety of formats.
• Cons: The built-in speaker’s quality was average at best, with limited bass and overall volume. Audiophiles or users looking for a more immersive audio experience might have found it lacking.

Video Playback

The Nokia 603 could play videos in common formats such as MP4 and H.264, with support for up to 720p resolution. The video player was straightforward and included basic playback controls, making it easy to watch videos on the go.

• Pros: The ability to play 720p videos was a good feature, especially given the phone’s mid-range positioning. The video playback was smooth, with no significant stuttering or lag.
• Cons: The 3.5-inch display, while adequate for viewing videos, felt a bit cramped for extended viewing sessions. The limited internal storage also meant that users would need to rely on a microSD card for storing their video library.

Camera Integration with Social Media

Symbian Belle included integrated sharing options that allowed users to quickly upload photos and videos to social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. This integration was a convenient feature for users who wanted to share their moments on the go.

• Pros: The built-in sharing options made it easy to upload content to social media directly from the camera or gallery apps.
• Cons: The quality of the camera limited the appeal of this feature, as users who valued high-quality photos might have been disappointed by the results.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 603 was a device that straddled two worlds: the traditional, hardware-focused mobile phone industry that Nokia had long dominated, and the new, software-centric smartphone era that was being defined by the likes of Apple and Google. It was a solid, reliable phone with several innovative features, but it was also a phone that was quickly overshadowed by the rapidly changing landscape of mobile technology.

Strengths of the Nokia 603

The Nokia 603 had several strengths that made it a competitive mid-range smartphone at the time of its release. These included:

1. Durable Build Quality: The phone’s sturdy construction ensured that it could withstand the wear and tear of daily use, a hallmark of Nokia’s design philosophy.
2. Symbian Belle OS: While not perfect, Symbian Belle brought significant improvements over previous versions, including a more touch-friendly interface and better customization options.
3. NFC Support: The inclusion of NFC was a forward-looking feature that set the Nokia 603 apart from many of its competitors in the same price range.
4. Battery Life: The phone offered decent battery life, allowing users to get through a full day of use on a single charge.
5. Affordability: As a mid-range device, the Nokia 603 provided good value for money, offering a solid set of features without the higher price tag of flagship models.

Weaknesses of the Nokia 603

However, the Nokia 603 also had its share of weaknesses, which ultimately limited its appeal and longevity:

1. Limited App Ecosystem: The lack of popular apps and a shrinking developer community for Symbian significantly undermined the phone’s potential.
2. Outdated User Interface: Despite improvements, the Symbian Belle UI still felt dated compared to the more modern and intuitive interfaces of Android and iOS.
3. Lack of 4G Support: The absence of 4G LTE meant that the phone could not take advantage of the faster data speeds that were becoming more common at the time.
4. Camera Performance: While the 5 MP camera was adequate for casual photography, it lagged behind the competition in terms of image quality and features.
5. Short Lifespan: As one of the last Symbian devices, the Nokia 603 had a short lifespan in terms of software support and updates, limiting its long-term viability.

Final Thoughts

In retrospect, the Nokia 603 is a reminder of a time when the mobile phone industry was undergoing a dramatic transformation. It represents both the strengths of Nokia as a manufacturer of durable, reliable devices, and the challenges the company faced in adapting to a new era of mobile computing. For those who used the Nokia 603, it likely served as a dependable companion during its time, but it also signaled the end of an era for Symbian and the beginning of Nokia’s struggle to find its place in a rapidly changing market.

The Nokia 603 may not have been a game-changer in the way that the iPhone or the first Android devices were, but it remains an important part of Nokia’s legacy and a testament to the company’s efforts to innovate and compete in the face of significant challenges. For tech historians and mobile enthusiasts, the Nokia 603 is a fascinating device that captures the intersection of old and new, making it a notable entry in the history of smartphones.

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