Samsung i300x vs Nokia N91: A Blast from the Past

Remember a time before smartphones dominated our pockets? The Samsung i300x and Nokia N91 represent that era, offering unique features and designs. This comparison dives deep into these iconic devices, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you understand their legacy.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung i300x edges out the Nokia N91 thanks to its slightly faster processor and innovative slider design. While the N91 boasts a large storage capacity for music, the i300x's overall user experience and design feel more refined for its time. Both are relics of a bygone era.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung i300x Nokia N91
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands-UMTS 2100
EDGENo-
GPRSClass 10-
Speed-Yes, 384 kbps
TechnologyGSMGSM / UMTS
Launch
Announced2006, Q12005, Q2
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions113 x 48 x 20 mm (4.45 x 1.89 x 0.79 in)113.1 x 55.2 x 22 mm (4.45 x 2.17 x 0.87 in)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight121 g (4.27 oz)164 g (5.78 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density)176 x 208 pixels (~130 ppi density)
Size2.0 inches, 30 x 40 mm, 12.4 cm2 (~22.8% screen-to-body ratio)2.1 inches, 35 x 41 mm, 14.0 cm2 (~22.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colors (65K effective)TFT, 256K colors
 Scroll wheel navigation5-way configurable navigation key
Platform
CPUIntel XScale 416 MHz220 MHz Dual ARM 9
OSMicrosoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE SmartphoneSymbian 9.1, Series 60 UI 3rd Edition
Memory
Card slotmicroSD (dedicated slot)No
Internal4GB (microdrive), 64MB RAM4GB 64MB RAM, 8GB 64MB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single1.3 MP2 MP
VideoYesYes
Selfie camera
VideoYes-
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Alert typesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, WMA, WAV, AAC, MP3 ringtonesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 Dual speaker-
Comms
Bluetooth1.2, A2DP1.2 (A2DP - 8 GB version only)
Infrared portYes-
PositioningNoNo
RadioNoStereo FM radio
USBProprietaryminiUSB 2.0
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11b/g
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (PocketIE)WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
 MP3/WMA/AAC/MP4 player Pocket Office Predictive text input Organizer Voice command Voice memoPredictive text input Voice dial Voice memo Organizer
Battery
Music play-Up to 10 h
Stand-byUp to 200 hUp to 190 h (2G) / 170 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 7 hUp to 4 h (2G) / 3 h (3G)
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1000 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery (BL-5C)
Misc
Colors-Light Blue Chrome, Dark Gray Chrome, Black (Music Edition)
Price-About 230 EUR
SAR0.47 W/kg (head)     0.66 W/kg (body)0.74 W/kg (head)     0.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.74 W/kg (head)0.48 W/kg (head)

Samsung i300x

  • Faster processor
  • Innovative slider design
  • Slightly better display
  • More responsive UI

  • Lower resolution camera
  • Shorter battery life
  • Limited app ecosystem

Nokia N91

  • Large storage capacity (110MB internal + microSD card slot)
  • Good battery life
  • Classic Nokia design
  • Decent music playback capabilities

  • Slower processor
  • Less responsive UI
  • Lower resolution display
  • Poor camera quality

Display Comparison

The Samsung i300x features a 2.1-inch QVGA display, offering decent clarity for the time. The Nokia N91 has a 2-inch QVGA display. Both are small by today's standards, but the i300x's slightly larger size and potentially better color reproduction give it a minor advantage.

Camera Comparison

The Nokia N91 has a 2MP camera, while the Samsung i300x has a 1.3MP camera. Image quality on both is poor by modern standards, but the N91's slightly higher resolution gives it a marginal edge. Both struggle in low-light conditions.

Performance

The Samsung i300x's Intel XScale 416 MHz processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Nokia N91's 220 MHz Dual ARM 9. Apps load faster, and the overall user interface feels more responsive on the i300x. However, both phones are limited by their older operating systems.

Battery Life

The Nokia N91's battery life is generally better due to its lower power consumption, especially when used primarily for music playback. The Samsung i300x's battery life is adequate but drains faster with more intensive use.

Buying Guide

The Samsung i300x is for collectors and enthusiasts interested in early slider phone designs and a slightly more responsive experience. The Nokia N91 appeals to those seeking a device primarily focused on music playback with ample storage, and a love for Nokia's classic design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone was released first?
The Nokia N91 was released in Q4 2006, while the Samsung i300x was released in early 2007.
❓ Are spare parts readily available for these phones?
Finding spare parts for either phone can be challenging due to their age. Online marketplaces and specialized retro phone repair services are your best bet.