First the 6800, and now the 3300, full QWERTY keypads seem to be here to stay. For frequent text messaging, full keypads are a must. While at first glance, the 3300 seems very large, it is still easy to talk on the phone with its unorthodox shape.
The 6800 folded into a compact design, but the 3300 has a sideways block form with no ability to fold. However, in reality it is only slightly larger than your average phone. With a full keypad, size limitations are a factor, since you can't make it so small that they keys are too close together.
Different versions of the 3300 are planned for release. This review will focus on the North American version which has a full QWERTY keypad. European and Asian models feature a 4 directional navigation button on the left half, and numeric keys on the right and are to be released after.The 3300 comes with the same 4096 color STN passive matrix display in all Series 40 phones. It has a resolution of 128 x 128 px and shows 5 lines of text and a service line. When messaging, 8 lines of text and 2 service lines are displayed due to scaling.
STN display (as opposed to TFT) does not have the circuitry on the glass and has to scan the pixel locations. This slows the response time and produces what is commonly referred to as "ghosts." Most phones use STN because the need for fast refresh rates aren't needed, and ghosts aren't a big deal. However, if you plan on playing a fast action packed games with a lot of motion, then this could potentially be a problem.With games that change a lot, you'll see remnants of the previous screen when it changes to the new screen. It's not that noticeable when you're using slow changing menu functions, but a game like bounce makes it more noticeable. The screen is bright and clear in dim conditions. However in sunny weather, the screen becomes a bit washed out.
Audio
In addition, the 3300 has the best audio capabilities to date. You won't be bored with the 3300 around. The 3300 contains a built-in music player that can play MP3's and AAC files. For those of you who don't know AAC, it's a file format with a more sophisticated compression algorithm. So theoretically, you can compress a song in AAC format, have the same sound quality of a MP3, and be half the file size.
The 3300 can also use MP3's as ring tones. MP3s are far superior in sound quality when compared to polyphonic ring tones. However, if you still want to use midi files, the phone can play up to 24 simultaneous chords.
Nokia also packed the same great dynamic FM radio found in other Series 40 phones of the past. And as if that wasn't enough, Nokia included a loudspeaker so you don't have to hold the 3300 to your ear to listen.
It's no wonder the 3300 is a much anticipated phone. With the much saturated camera phone market, Nokia has jumped out in front to lead start the music phone. The 3300 can play MP3's, AAC files, has a built-in radio, and loudspeaker.
A lithium-polymer 780 mAh battery is used with the 3300. Nokia claims the battery will work for 2.5 hours of talk time, 228 hours of standby, and 9.5 hours of digital music, however those numbers are maximum times. Realistically the times are much lower.
Minimum Rated Standby Time: 155 hours
Minimum Rated Talk Time: 120 minutes
Minimum Rated Digital Music Time: 360 minutes
When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times.The 3300's internal memory contains approximately 4.5 MB. However the phone has an expandable Multimedia Card (MMC) slot. The phone comes with a 64 MB card, but more cam be purchased to store music, ring tones, etc. Unfortunately the 3300 cannot accept SD cards.
The internal memory lets you store up to 500 phone book entries, 150 text messages or 50 picture/concatenated messages, 250 calendar notes, and up to 30 To-do list entries.
Since the memory is dynamic, you can share memory between your ring tones, pictures, and games.
The 3300 comes with a DKU-2 data cable. On the top is the outlet for charging your phone, and a system connector, Pop-port.
Pop-port can automatically identify accessories attached to the 3300. It also offers stereo sound with the use of headphones. Lastly, its also where you can charge your accessories with a single USB cable without the use of separate power sources. Pop-port transmits up to 230 kb/s.
Unfortunately the 3300 uses a Nokia proprietary headset jack, so you have to use the headphones supplied or other Nokia headset products. That means if you're an audiophile, you'll have to leave your expensive headphones at home.
Software
Nokia Audio Manager comes with the 3300 to convert MP3s and transfer between a PC and the phone through the data cable. The program allows you to rip directly from CDs into MP3 or AAC formats and assign playlists.
At the time of writing this review, there has been no software compatible with the 3300 to transfer pictures and ring tones to the phone. Programs such as PC Suite aren't compatible with the 3300. This makes customizing the 3300 a big headache.The Nokia 3300 is a good solid phone. There was no significant problems with sound quality. The tonal qualities were balanced and voices had sufficient clarity. A slight boost in low frequency audio is present for voices to carry in loudspeaker mode. However the drawback was that noises are more noticeable.
The loudspeaker is the same as other Series 40 phones. And the sound quality was excellent. The 3300 contains an internal speaker for superior sound as opposed to buzzers found in other phones.
RF Performance
The 3300 also has exceptional RF. It holds small signals and is definitely one of the better phones out there. Considering the 3300 uses an internal antenna, it's quite an accomplishment. Nokia's 33XX series phones have always had great reception, and the 3300 is no different. Overall it gets a rating of:
Above Average
Pros
· Full QWERTY keypad. Easy typing and fast messaging.
· Best audio bundle to date. Use the built-in music player to play MP3s and AAC files. Use the versatile equalizer or audio filters to change the sound of your music.
· Use MP3s as ring tones. Sounds much better than midis. But if you still want to use them, the 3300 comes with 24 chords.
· Built-in FM radio. Definitely a major plus. Stereo sound and the ability to save up to 20 radio channels. Also a headset that's functional and pretty cool. One of the best we've seen.
· Great loudspeaker. Plenty of volume for those times when you don't want to use your hands. Excellent range and clarity.
· Expandable storage. Great for bringing along extra music. The Nokia 3300 has a slot for MMC cards and comes with a 64 MB card.Cons
· No backlit for QWERTY keypad. Don't even try to text message in the dark.
· Lack of PC Suite software. At the time of writing this review, there is no PC Suite support for the 3300. Makes it a big problem when trying to transfer pictures and ring tones from your computer to phone. MP3s aren't a problem with Audio Manager though.
· Nokia proprietary headset. The special jack will only take Nokia headsets. So you're pretty much stuck with the ones that came in the box.
· Memory slot only compatible with MMC cards, not SD.
· Bigger than most phones. Might be a little bulky for some. But might not be a problem for others.
