Nokia 6120 classic
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CNET Asia Review
The good:
Series 60 platform; HSDPA; Bluetooth stereo; mini-USB port; 2.5mm audio jack.
The bad:
Fingerprint database; no autofocus for camera; 2-megapixel image quality not impressive.
The bottom line: If you're hunting for an inexpensive 3G/HSDPA handset equipped with an overall decent set of features, this is it.
Review:
The Nokia 6120 classic is probably one of the many mobile phones that most people would assume is a low-end handset. We had the same thought, too. What's not apparent at first glance is that the nondescript handset is, in fact, equipped with quite a few features. While most users probably won't fall in love with this candy-bar smart phone, we don't think anyone would call it ugly, either. Unlike the E- or N-series devices which have specific target markets, the midrange 6120 classic is aimed at the masses.Design
Frankly, the design of the 6120 classic is like what its name suggests--classic. It's unpretentious and is nothing more than a rectangular candy bar with a screen and some buttons. Put the two together and you'll get a phone. The Finnish company has flashier models and this is definitely not one of them.
At best, this Nokia looks vaguely like the trendier DVB-H-enabled N77 with a glossy black fascia and matte-silver circumference. Both the front and back sport similar surfaces, so be prepared to wipe the rear estate often if you're picky about the fingerprint database.
Initially, we kept mixing up the menu and correction keys for the left/right soft controls. It became a non-issue only after a few days of use. We were also skeptical about the flimsy alphanumeric keys which appeared to be similar to the ones on the Sony Ericsson W960i. Again, the good tactile and responsive feedback changed our minds.
It could be just our review unit, but the battery cover didn't seem to stay firm after it was locked into place. That wasn't a big issue although it was mildly irritating to feel irksome.
Features
By making it unassuming in terms of looks, it is actually "beyond expectations" to find HSDPA (3.5G) connectivity on this quadband handset that's powered by the robust Symbian S60 platform. The smart phone also comes with Bluetooth stereo A2DP and mini-USB port connectivity options.
For expanded memory, the microSD card is hot-swappable from the left edge of the phone. The door to the flash media is not spring-loaded, so it stays in place after opening it. We're not too sure whether the hinge will loosen over time, though. The 6120 comes with 35MB of built-in memory and Nokia ships commercial units with a 256MB card.
One thing we're couldn't convince ourselves was surfing the Web via HSDPA on the 2-inch QVGA screen. It's fine for short occasional Web browsing, but prolonged viewing will probably result in some eye-squinting or a less than immersive experience.
The 2-megapixel camera took average-quality photos and the onboard LED photolight helped when we were shooting in low-light environments with our subject in close proximity. What it lacked was autofocus, a feature which is commonplace on Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot models and just as important as a built-in photolight. Besides the main shooter, there's also a front-facing camera for 3G video calls.
We also liked the 2.5mm audio jack on the 6120 although a 3.5mm-size one would be preferable for external headsets. That said, at least it is easier to find a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm connector than one to match a proprietary port.
Performance
Nokia rates the handset for 3.1 hours of talktime and 9.5 days on standby. In actual use of making calls, sending text messages and listening to music via A2DP daily during commute, the battery trudged on for just over two days before it gave up. Call quality was good and the onboard speakers were relatively loud. It helped that the latter is well-placed on the side of the handset instead of on the back, so we were able to hear the caller who was on the other end of the video call relatively clearly.
User Reviews
Latest User Reviews
"One of Nokia's best buy"
gsr5867 posted a review on
The GoodHSDPA,camera flash,tons of features,compact,screen,interface,classic design
The Badfingerprint magnet,chrome navigation pads fades easily,no autofocus
If you're looking for an HSDPA phone that won't hurt your wallet then stop looking,this is it! Worth every centavo!
"average phone that doesn't impress much"
brickred posted a review on
The Goodvery light and handy because of its size
The Badlittle keypads, greenish pix, small C (cancel) key
contacts are jumbled either you select the first name or last name FIRST
"Perfect for a simple use"
ljialing posted a review on
The GoodSlim and slender design
The BadHandphone strap hook
This is a simple phone to use. There is no hidden functions and totally idiot proof. You cannot go wrong with it. However, if you are searching for a phone that provides great image capture then you will not appreciate the 2 MegaPixel camera. As for the rest. There is really not much to complain about. If you like to hang things on your phone, then this phone is not very advisable as well.
"Good for everyday use. Light in weight but 'heavy' in features."
BrownBear posted a review on
The GoodShap display.
The BadLack of WiFi. 2.5mm jack instead of 3.5mm jack.
A handy cell phone.
"poor"
sukuesJoshi75 posted a review on
The Goodnoting
The Badno
floop
"Heats up within a minute during Usuage"
rks posted a review on
The GoodNo appreciable feature ,i have found till date in this phone.
The BadHeats up within a minute during usuage,very irritating.Nokia should stop this model selling in the market.
Not a good phone at all.No one there in NOKIA care to listen to your grienvances.NOKIA care is crap in singapore.They took 2 weeks or more to resolve hetp up problem but not able to and later told heat up prob is inbuilt.Be aware b4 buying it has got this irritating problem.Camera-Crap,MPs player-Crap.Not a single feature i could appreciate about this phone.
"Excellent"
carfan posted a review on
The GoodSleek and feature packed
The BadNavigation keys hard to press
One of the best phones I've even owned. Got it at $0 from a recent promotion. It has almost everything I need bluetooth, symbian, etc. Would have been perfect if the camera is a 3MP and the screen is bigger...but that would me paying a premium of course. Overall very satisfied.
"Nokia 6120 classic is absolutely versatile smartphone"
excalibur posted a review on
The GoodUser friendly, features of this phone are satisfactory
The BadSmall keypad which allow inconvenience for a large finger user, Incapable of WiFi Technology
Nokia 6120 classic contain almost all the features of more expensive and much higher model of mobile phone instead of WiFi Technology but generally it is a versatile smartphone offering satisfactory features.
"Too hot to handle"
wmw2000 posted a review on
The GoodGood pricing for a phone for all the features included in the phone i.e 2.0 mega pixel camera, hsdpa, 3 g, expansion card slot and etc.
The BadThe phone gets warm within 10 minutes of talk time and on few occasion the phone gets hang and need to be reboot.
Overall is not a very bad phone if you have a bluetooth devise or ear phone. If you do not have these items than you need a freezer for your ears.
"truely value for money"
yapyyv posted a review on
The Goodmany functions, inexpensive, small and light
The Badbuttons hard to presss
it's the most value-for-money phone (S$48) I ever purchased. It comes with all functions I want: radio, video call, mp3, 2mp camera.... it's also truely pocket size: very light and small that I put it at my shirt pocket. of course, being small means the real-estate is limited to put in big screen and buttons; somehow one of them need to compromise. In this case, the buttons are compromised: they are small and hard to press, that post a problem to SMS and playing games. Other than this, I don't have other complain.