Launched in 2010, the Microsoft Kin Two and Kin TWOm represented a unique attempt to capture the social networking generation with dedicated hardware. Despite sharing core components, the Kin Two and TWOm differed in design and target user. This comparison dissects the similarities and subtle differences between these two devices, revealing why Microsoft's social phone experiment ultimately failed to gain traction.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the hypothetical user still considering these discontinued devices, the Kin TWOm emerges as the slightly more practical choice. Its smaller form factor and lower price point (at launch) made it more accessible, while the shared Nvidia Tegra chipset ensures comparable performance to the Kin Two.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | CDMA / EVDO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, April | 2010, November. Released 2010, November |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 115.1 x 65.3 x TBC mm | 111.3 x 59.9 x 16.3 mm (4.38 x 2.36 x 0.64 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | - | 133 g (4.69 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.4 inches, 34.4 cm2 (~45.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.4 inches, 34.4 cm2 (~51.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| |
| - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600MHz ARM 11 | 600MHz ARM 11 |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra | Nvidia Tegra |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Practically unlimited | Practically unlimited |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 256MB RAM | 8GB 256MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocal | Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocal |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | No |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.1 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Facebook and Twitter integration
YouTube client
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, PDF viewer)
Voice memo
Predictive text input | SNS integration
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, PDF viewer)
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 232 h | Up to 232 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 6 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1390 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.29 W/kg (head) 0.76 W/kg (body) |
Microsoft Kin Two
- Slightly larger screen for better media viewing (potentially)
- Potentially more premium build quality due to larger size
- Shared Nvidia Tegra chipset ensures comparable performance
- Larger size may be less comfortable for one-handed use
- Reliance on the discontinued Kin Studio ecosystem
- Limited app support compared to iOS or Android
Microsoft Kin TWOm
- More compact and pocketable design
- Potentially lower price point at launch
- Shared Nvidia Tegra chipset ensures comparable performance
- Smaller screen may be less ideal for media consumption
- Reliance on the discontinued Kin Studio ecosystem
- Limited app support compared to iOS or Android
Display Comparison
Both the Kin Two and Kin TWOm feature displays designed for social interaction rather than immersive media viewing. While exact screen sizes aren't specified, the Kin Two's larger overall dimensions suggest a slightly larger display. However, both likely utilize TFT LCD technology, common for the era, and lack the high refresh rates or OLED vibrancy found in modern smartphones. The focus was on readability in typical social networking scenarios, not color accuracy or peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Both the Kin Two and Kin TWOm feature cameras geared towards quick photo capture for social sharing. Specific megapixel counts are not provided in the context data, but the emphasis was on ease of use and integration with the Kin Studio software. Image quality would have been adequate for online sharing but falls far short of modern smartphone standards. The lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or high-resolution sensors limits their photographic capabilities.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Nvidia Tegra chipset, housing a 600MHz ARM 11 CPU. This means performance is virtually identical between the Kin Two and Kin TWOm. The Tegra chipset, while capable of handling basic tasks and some light gaming, was already showing its age in 2010. The ARM 11 architecture lacks the efficiency and power of later ARM designs, resulting in limited multitasking capabilities and potential slowdowns with multiple applications running. The shared chipset means thermal management is also comparable; neither device is likely to experience significant overheating under normal use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are absent, but given the relatively low-power chipset and focus on social networking (rather than demanding applications), both devices likely offered all-day battery life under moderate use. Charging times would have been typical for the era, likely several hours via USB. The shared chipset and similar usage scenarios suggest comparable battery performance between the Kin Two and Kin TWOm.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Kin Two if you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and a slightly more premium feel. However, the size difference is minimal. Buy the Microsoft Kin TWOm if you prefer a more compact device that’s easier to handle and pocket, and if you value a lower initial cost. Both devices are fundamentally limited by their reliance on the Kin Studio software and lack of broader app support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Kin Studio software still functional in 2024?
No. Microsoft discontinued the Kin Studio service and software updates shortly after the devices launched. While some users have attempted to revive the software through unofficial means, functionality is extremely limited and unreliable. The core value proposition of the Kin devices – seamless integration with Kin Studio – is no longer available.
❓ Can I install Android or other operating systems on the Kin Two or Kin TWOm?
While technically possible, installing a custom ROM like Android on the Kin Two or Kin TWOm is extremely difficult and requires significant technical expertise. The devices' unique hardware and limited developer support make the process challenging and prone to issues. It's not a practical solution for most users.
❓ What kind of apps can I run on the Kin Two or Kin TWOm?
The Kin Two and Kin TWOm run a proprietary operating system designed primarily for social networking. App support is extremely limited compared to iOS or Android. Users are largely restricted to the pre-installed apps and a small selection of compatible applications.
