The Discontinued Spice KT-5353: A Feature Phone That Was Ahead of its Time
In 2010, Spice, a popular Indian phone manufacturer, announced the release of their newest device, the KT-5353. Anticipation was high as the feature phone boasted impressive specs for its time. However, the excitement was short-lived as the company unexpectedly cancelled its release. Despite never making it onto the market, the KT-5353 is still remembered by many as a device ahead of its time.
Specifications and Design
The KT-5353 weighed only 95g and had a thickness of 13.2mm, making it a compact and lightweight phone. It had a microSDHC slot for expandable storage and supported GSM technology with 2G bands for connectivity. However, it lacked EDGE support, which was a disadvantage compared to other phones at the time.
The phone's dimensions were 112.9 x 48.2 x 13.2 mm (4.44 x 1.90 x 0.52 in) and it was available in dark grey. The display was a 2.2-inch TFT screen with 256K colors, providing a decent viewing experience. Its resolution of 180 x 240 pixels and 4:3 aspect ratio meant the phone had a pixel density of 136 ppi. While this may seem low by today's standards, it was considered average for a feature phone at the time.
Features and Functions
One of the standout features of the KT-5353 was its VGA camera with LED flash. While this may be considered subpar now, most feature phones at the time did not have a camera at all. This, combined with its ability to record videos, made the phone quite advanced for its time.
The phone also had a dedicated Facebook app as well as pre-installed apps from popular messaging platforms like Yahoo and Nimbuzz. However, it lacked Java support, which was a downside for those who enjoyed playing games on their phones.
Why Was It Cancelled?
The KT-5353 was set to be released in September 2010 but was unexpectedly cancelled by Spice. Many speculate that the phone's advanced features and technology may have been too expensive to manufacture and market at a competitive price. This, combined with the rise of smartphones in the market, may have led the company to believe that the feature phone market was becoming obsolete.
Remembering the KT-5353
Despite never making it onto store shelves, the KT-5353 still holds a special place in the hearts of many. It was a device that showed promise in terms of design, features, and technology. For some, it serves as a reminder of what could have been, while for others, it represents a moment in time when feature phones were still widely used.
While the KT-5353 may no longer be available, its legacy lives on. The compact design, dedicated social media apps, and basic camera functions can now be found in almost every smartphone on the market. It goes to show that even though the KT-5353 did not make it, its influence and impact on the tech industry still remain.
