Nokia 6133

Introduction

As the widely and eagerly anticipated successor to the Nokia 6102i, the Nokia 6133 was slated to be a sophisticated update to Nokia's line of flip phones, and chosen by T-Mobile over the internationally released Nokia 6126.

With an eye catching clamshell design, the Nokia 6133 offers a sleek push-button flip release unleashing multimedia features such as an FM radio, 1.3-megapixel camera, dual vibrant color LCDs, and video options such as video ring displays. However, the pros lead to cons that have some consumers upset.

The classic Nokia reputation of simplicity is inherent in the Nokia 6133, however the quality is somewhat lacking with a flimsy flip frame, lower than documented battery life, odd numeric design and

Design

At first glance, the most striking feature of the Nokia 6133 is its solid black front and large display. Measuring in at 92 x 48 x 20 mm and weighing 112 g, the 6133, while not as slim as the Motorola RAZR series, has a nice round compact design that makes it easy to slip into one's pocket.

The clamshell layout ideally protects the keys and internal screen; however the style of the black soft rubber exterior is debatable. Not quite the phone for the fashionista, the muted black silhouette against the shiny silver makes the 6133 look rather sporty.

At the top of the frontplate sits the 1.3-megapixel camera. While it does not have a mirror for vanity shots, the 120 x 160 px exterior display works as a mirror in Camera Mode.

The backplate is constructed with the same rubbery texture as the front, protecting the battery, SIM card, and oddly placed microSD slot. Able to be removed while the phone is in use, the microSD card is inconveniently located under the backplate. The battery charger and USB port plug into the top of the phone making it extremely difficult to talk on the phone while charging it. The power button lies below the camera button on the left side of the phone, making it difficult for left-handed consumers to take vanity shots, and making it easy for the camera button to be accidentally pressed.

The highlight of the Nokia 6133 that sets it apart from many clamshell phones is the inclusion of a flip button that when pressed, opens the phone.

This brilliant addition seems obvious so consumers can open the phone with just one hand. While a savvy addition, the placement is a bit awkward on the top plate of the phone, and the spring is rather strong. The flip design also seems somewhat flimsy, appearing as though the top plate of the phone could easily become removed.

Once opened, the strengths of the Nokia 6133 become apparent. At 2.2-inches (240 x 320 px resolution), the 16.7 million-color screen is a true highlight. Users can choose from an array of stored themes for the interior and exterior displays. Animation, photos, graphics and text are vivid; however navigating the menu is somewhat difficult. The text is not well distinguished and as users scroll through the menu, a faded, almost non-existent marker guides them. The layout of the keypad is a bit boxy but a nice texture gives text messaging a tactile feel.

Out of the box, the Nokia 6133 comes with an 820 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Power Cable, Headphones, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual. Some users may despair the lack of a USB cable.

Camera

Seeing as how the Nokia 6133's strengths lie in its vivid screens, the camera should be as outstanding to make use of this feature, but instead, it is a pretty standard feature. With video capabilities and fun photo options, the camera is not deficient, but at 1.3-megapixels, it is rather mediocre.

Users will be pleased to find all the standard bells and whistles: a self-timer, zoom, white balance, color effects. However, serious digital photographers will have to look to a separate device for their photo-capturing needs.

The camera features a number of controls. Users can adjust camera filters, from Grayscale to False Colors, Sepia, Negative or Solarize. They also have their choice of Image Quality (Basic, Normal, and High) and Image Settings ranging from 1024 x 1280 px to 120 x 160px. Images can be previewed for 0, 3, 5, or 10 seconds, and stored in the phone or on a memory card. There is no flash on the camera, but there is a night setting for low light, a rather poor substitute.

The video camera also has a variety of choices. The consumer can choose Quality (Basic, Normal, High), Resolution (176 x 144 px and 128 x 96 px) and Length. The video can be as large as your internal memory or additional microSD can support.

The Nokia 6133 rises just above average with its 1.3-megapixel lens, no flash, and video capabilities. Though it is not meant for serious photographers, the phone offers the basic tools for a fun video and camera phone experience.

Basic Features

The Nokia 6133 is certainly most functional as a phone. It has standard call features and contacts storage that should meet all calling needs. Released for T-Mobile, the it features GSM quad-band (850 / 900/ 1800 / 1900 Mhz) technology, permitting the use of the handset on compatible GSM networks in North America, Europe and Asia, provided it has been unlocked.

Nokia offers its usual straightforward menu options and calling choices that make the 6133 simple to navigate without ever having to read the manual. The time and date can be set for both the internal and external displays, and the consumer has a choice to customize the wallpaper and screensaver for both screens as well.

The basic phone features are clear, and the easy-to-use speakerphone is prompted on any given call by pressing the top right key. The sound on most calls is clear, though somewhat distant. The 6133 can perform most calling basics such as call waiting, forwarding, and voice command.

The 6133 allows for access to T-Zones and the use of T-Mobile's new myFaves service, which offers unlimited nationwide calling to five U.S. phone numbers.