Nokia 1616

Editor's Review of the 1616

Nokia are famous for making different specced mobiles to cater to a wide range of users around the world, such as its N-Series aimed at businesspeople. The Nokia 1616 is a budget mobile phone, targeting users after a basic mobile, ideal for calling and sending text messages.

It's a compact, candybar handset, measuring in at just 107 x 45 x 15mm, and weighing a comfortable 78.5 grams. The device is available in 4 different colours, including Black, Dark Red, Blue and Dark Grey.

Its design is reminiscent to earlier Nokia models such as the 1660, with the alphanumeric keypad occupying the lower half of the handset, alongside a central navigation key and call and hang-up buttons. It's no ordinary mobile however, as the traditional keypad is resistant to dust, alongside offering large, comfortable keys for quick and easy messaging. Alongside the keypad is a 1.8 inch TFT display, complete with a 128 x 160 pixel resolution and scratch resistant coating. The display may be fairly basic, but it showcases the handset's easy to use menu complete with colourful icons.

In terms of features, the Nokia 1616 is fairly limited. It does all of the basics well, offering an internal memory which can store up to 500 phonebook entries, alongside 20 received, outgoing and missed calls. Still, the handset doesn't just provide the bare minimum, as it also comes equipped with pre-loaded games, an FM radio complete with 3.5mm audio jack, customizational MP3 and Polyphonic ringtones and Nokia Life Tools, a handy little feature offering information on agriculture, weather, careers, eduction, entertainment and horoscopes. Other basic features include Nokia's standard suite of applications, including a clock, alarm, calculator, voice memo and calendar.

Those of you after a tech-equipped handset may be disappointed, as the Nokia 1616 lacks an integrated camera, Internet connectivity, Bluetooth and a USB port.

Saying that, the Nokia 1616 is perfect for those of you looking for a frill-free device, and with its easy to use functions, it could be ideal for both children and the elderly. We also think it could act as a fantastic back up phone, for those of you a little too protective of your iPhone 4 to take it with you on a night out.