Note: The breakdown of scores is appropriate for 2008 when I first bought this device, not present day.
The Nokia E71 was my last smartphone that was just that, a smart phone. It pushed my Gmail perfectly, I could type at 45WPM on it's keyboard, it had a basic podcast downloader/mp3 application, I could wirelessly tether my laptop, I could use Google Maps, and I could browse the full web using Opera. That was pretty much it, but that was all I needed it for, and it did handled everything exceptionally.
The build quality of the E71 is without a doubt the highest I've seen on any phone. This phone is rock-solid, and only measured a svelte 10mm (it was 2008) thick at the same time.
The software was functional; barebones, yes, but very stable, and the display, whilst exceptionally low resolution by today's standards, was a transflective LCD panel, so could be used in direct sunlight/harsh fluorescent lighting, staying completely readable.
As for battery life - if i'm heading into the wilderness for a week (it's happened before, promise), I take my e71 with me, and use my iPhones/Galaxy S II only when completely necessary. This phone lasts 4 days with regular usage, and i've got a week and a half out of it by turning off push.
I wish all smartphones today were like the e71 - built to last, both in terms of quality and battery life, and most importantly: focused on doing what they're supposed to do, perfectly.
The Breakdown
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Design
9
-
Display
7
-
Camera(s)
7
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Reception / call quality
10
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Performance
9
-
Software
8
-
Battery life
10
-
Ecosystem
5
