The F10: A Feature Phone from NIU That Withstood the Test of Time
Released in April 2013, the F10 from NIU may seem like a distant memory compared to the smartphones dominating the market today. However, this rugged feature phone still holds a special place in the hearts of many mobile users. With its durability, triple SIM capability, and other unique features, the F10 proved to be a worthy device that stood the test of time.
The Birth of F10
NIU announced the F10 in November 2012, and it was officially released in the market in April 2013. This sturdy feature phone captured the attention of many consumers with its impressive specifications, especially for a device in its price range. Weighing only 72g without the battery and with a thickness of 13.7mm, the F10 was a lightweight and compact device, making it easy to carry around.
Design and Network
The F10's design may seem simple, but it was built to last. Its body dimensions of 102 x 59 x 13.7 mm made it easy to grip, and its QWERTY keyboard provided a convenient way to type and navigate the device. Plus, the phone's triple SIM capability gave users the flexibility of using multiple networks—perfect for those who need to maintain separate personal and work numbers.
Moreover, the F10 was a GSM phone that supported 2G bands of GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 on all three of its SIM slots. This meant that users could enjoy reliable network connectivity, even in areas with poor network coverage.
Display and Storage
The F10's 2.2 inch TFT display may not be as large or vibrant as the screens of modern-day smartphones, but it was more than enough for users to read texts and view photos. The phone also came with 64Mb 32Mb RAM storage, and a microSDHC slot was available for users who needed extra space for their files. Despite its capacity limitations, the F10's storage was sufficient for storing essential data, such as contacts, call records, and even some multimedia files.
Camera, Sound, and Other Features
The F10 came equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera, which may sound primitive by today's standards, but it was still capable of capturing decent photos. It also had a built-in flashlight, making it a handy tool for those moments when you need a source of light in the dark.
In terms of sound, the F10 had a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, giving users the option to listen to music or watch videos without headphones. However, unlike modern-day smartphones, the F10 did not have WLAN or NFC capabilities, and its Bluetooth only supported version 2.1 with A2DP.
But what the F10 lacked in advanced features, it made up for in other unique features. It had analog TV, which was uncommon for feature phones during its time, and it also had a video player, music player, and organizer—features that were highly valued by consumers who were always on the go.
Battery Life and Miscellaneous
The F10 was powered by a Li-Ion 600 mAh battery that was removable, meaning users could easily replace it in case of battery failure. This battery could last up to 400 hours on standby and up to 5 and a half hours of talk time, making it a reliable device for those who needed a phone that could last them through the day.
The F10 was available in four different colors: black, blue, red, and white. Each color option appealed to different users, adding more variety to the device's already impressive specifications.
Final Thoughts
The F10 may no longer be in production today, but it will always have a special place in the hearts of those who owned and loved this rugged feature phone. Its durability, triple SIM capability, and unique features set it apart from other devices in the market, making it a notable device from the NIU brand.
