The e616 is NEC’s replacement for the e606 which was the first NEC’s 3G handset. Like the other NEC 3G phones, the e616 supports the full range of popular video mobile services - video calling, video messaging and downloading video clips. In addition, it also supports the GPS (Global Positioning System) enhanced features such as directions, maps and traffic reports.
It has the largest screen size of any of the current NEC 3G phones, and benefits from a Bluetooth wireless headset connection. Other nice features are the generous internal memory and the option to add additional memory sticks. The phone supports Bluetooth, but only for connecting to a wireless headset.
The e616 has 2 integrated video cameras - one mounted on the front, the other on the back panel. Strangely, the camera resolution is only CIF format (100,000 pixels) which is lower than most other camera phones, although the camera does have a built-in light for taking pictures or videos in low light.
The battery life of the e616 is particularly poor, although the standard battery can be swapped for an extended battery which does improve things somewhat. The phone also has some reliability problems, as you can see from reading the consumer reviews below. Overall this isn’t a phone that we recommend, and it certainly doesn’t rate as highly as NEC’s cheaper e228, even though it has the benefit of GPS and a Bluetooth headset option.
Summary of features:
- Supports all 3’s video mobile services, video calling, video messaging and download video clips
- Integrated front and back CIF cameras with 2 x digital zoom, built in light and torch
- Display: 65,000 colours, 240 x 176 pixels
- MP3 player
- Voice recorder / Call memo to record conversations
- Multimedia messaging (send photos, videos and text)
- Predictive (T9) text input
- Java games
- 40-voice polyphonic ringtones
- Assisted GPS (Global Positioning System) for enhanced location based services
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity (headset & dial-up networking profile only)
- Connectivity: USB
- Organiser features: Calculator, Currency Converter, Scheduler, Notepad, To Do List, Clock, Alarm
- Internal memory: 19 Mbytes
- Optional memory card up to 128 Mbytes (Sony MemoryStick Duo)
- Synchronisation of data with a PC
- WAP, GPRS class 8
- Fast 3G data transmission: 384 kbps download / 64 kbps upload
- Size: 103 x 53 x 26 mm
- Weight: 131g
- Talktime: 1.5 hours
- Battery standby: 2 days
