Nokia E62 vs Nokia E61i: A Detailed Throwback Comparison

The Nokia E62 and E61i represent a fascinating period in mobile technology – the dawn of the smartphone era. Both devices offered a blend of business features, QWERTY keyboards, and early smartphone capabilities. But which one truly reigned supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to find out.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia E61i edges out the E62 thanks to its dual-core processor, offering a noticeable performance boost. While both are relics of the past, the E61i's slightly faster processing and similar feature set make it the marginally better choice for those seeking a nostalgic smartphone experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia E62 Nokia E61i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands-UMTS 2100
EDGEClass 10-
GPRSClass 11-
Speed-Yes, 384 kbps
TechnologyGSMGSM / UMTS
Launch
Announced2006, September2007, February
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions117 x 69.7 x 14 mm, 108 cc (4.61 x 2.74 x 0.55 in)117 x 70 x 13.9 mm, 97 cc (4.61 x 2.76 x 0.55 in)
KeyboardQWERTYQWERTY
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight144 g (5.08 oz)150 g (5.29 oz)
Display
Resolution320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~138 ppi density)320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)
Size2.9 inches, 58 x 45 mm, 26.0 cm2 (~31.9% screen-to-body ratio)2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~29.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 16M colorsTFT, 16M colors
 Five-way scroll key Five-way scroll key
Platform
CPU235 MHz ARM 9220 MHz Dual ARM 9
OSSymbian OS 9.1, Series 60 UISymbian OS 9.1, Series 60 v3.0 UI
Memory
Card slotminiSDmicroSD (dedicated slot)
Internal80MB 32MB RAM60MB 64MB RAM
Main Camera
Single-2 MP
Video-CIF
Selfie camera
 -No
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Alert typesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, monophonic, MP3 ringtonesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, monophonic, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.01.2
Infrared portYesYes
PositioningNoNo
RadioNoNo
USBminiUSBPop-Port 2.0
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11b/g
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTMLWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
 WMV/RV/MP4/3GP player MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Predictive text input Voice command/memo Organizer PrintingMP3/AAC/MP4 player Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Blackberry connectivity Push to talk Voice command/dial Organizer Printing
Battery
Stand-byUp to 330 hUp to 400 h (2G) / 456 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 6 hUp to 9 h (2G) / 5 h (3G)
TypeRemovable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery (BP-5L)Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery (BP-4L)
Misc
ColorsSilverSilver, Mocca
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 200 EUR
SAR0.95 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)1.12 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.51 W/kg (head)0.57 W/kg (head)
Camera
 No-

Nokia E62

  • Sleek design
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Symbian OS

  • Slower performance
  • Limited camera quality
  • Outdated display

Nokia E61i

  • Dual-core processor (slightly faster)
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Symbian OS
  • Potentially better battery life

  • Limited camera quality
  • Outdated display
  • Can be harder to find in good condition

Display Comparison

Both the Nokia E62 and E61i feature 2.8-inch QVGA (320x240) displays. Image quality is typical for the era – functional but not visually stunning. The E62's display might have a slightly better viewing angle, but the difference is minimal. Both suffer from limited brightness and color reproduction by modern standards.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a 2-megapixel camera. Image quality is, predictably, quite poor by today's standards. Expect grainy photos with limited dynamic range. Low-light performance is virtually nonexistent. Neither phone is a serious contender for photography.

Performance

This is where the E61i gains a significant advantage. Its 220 MHz Dual ARM 9 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the E62's 235 MHz single-core ARM 9. Apps load faster, and multitasking feels slightly smoother on the E61i. However, both devices will struggle with modern applications.

Battery Life

The Nokia E62 typically offered around 300 hours of standby time and 9 hours of talk time. The E61i, with its slightly more efficient dual-core processor, often achieved slightly better battery life, potentially extending standby to around 330 hours and talk time to 9-10 hours. Both rely on a BL-5C battery.

Buying Guide

The Nokia E62 is ideal for collectors seeking a specific model or those who appreciate its design. The Nokia E61i is better suited for users wanting the slightly improved performance and a more robust overall experience, even within the constraints of these older devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What operating system did these phones use?
Both the Nokia E62 and E61i ran Symbian OS, specifically Symbian 9.3. It was a popular mobile operating system at the time, but is now outdated.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
While technically usable, these phones are severely limited by their outdated hardware and software. They can't run modern apps and have limited internet connectivity options. They are primarily of interest to collectors and enthusiasts.