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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | UMTS 2100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / UMTS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2006, Q1 | 2005, Q2 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 113 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) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 121 g (4.27 oz) | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 176 x 208 pixels (~130 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 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) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors (65K effective) | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Scroll wheel navigation | 5-way configurable navigation key |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Intel XScale 416 MHz | 220 MHz Dual ARM 9 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE Smartphone | Symbian 9.1, Series 60 UI 3rd Edition |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 4GB (microdrive), 64MB RAM | 4GB 64MB RAM, 8GB 64MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Video | Yes | - |
| | No | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, WMA, WAV, AAC, MP3 ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | Dual speaker | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 1.2, A2DP | 1.2 (A2DP - 8 GB version only) |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | miniUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (PocketIE) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| | MP3/WMA/AAC/MP4 player
Pocket Office
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice command
Voice memo | Predictive text input
Voice dial
Voice memo
Organizer
|
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 10 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 200 h | Up to 190 h (2G) / 170 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h | Up to 4 h (2G) / 3 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery (BL-5C) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | - | Light Blue Chrome, Dark Gray Chrome, Black (Music Edition) |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.66 W/kg (body) | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.74 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.