23 Jun 2009
Tagged as a small yet mighty mobile phone, the Vodafone 231 is housed in a block-type, compact casing in classy black colour. It tips the scale at roughly 70 grams and has the full measurements of 105 x 46 x 12 millimetres. As such, this mobile phone is fairly easy to slide in the pocket and a real comfort to hand-carry. Users may opt to select from a set of pre-installed ringtones in polyphonic format, in order to give this handset a more distinctive appeal that reflects its user's personality.


A 47.24-millimetre CSTN external screen fills the front part of this mobile phone. It displays picture wallpapers in 65,000 vibrant colours over a 128 x 160 resolution. Right underneath the wide display screen is a set of large and fumble-free keys, which make text and numeric inputs always a breeze.


The Vodafone 231 runs on 2G network, particularly supporting GSM 900 as well as GSM 1800. It offers the customary SMS messaging service that allows users to get in touch with their contacts through receiving, composing and sending text messages. This mobile phone allows users to keep track of their handset transactions, as it comes with a Call Records feature that supports up to 20 dialed or outgoing calls, 20 received or incoming calls and 20 missed calls.


This handset can pass for an efficient virtual assistant to its busy users. It comes with an integrated phone book. For scheduling purposes, this mobile phone also instantly turns itself into a calendar that maps out daily plans, a clock that keeps close track of the day's schedules, as well as an alarm clock that alerts users of important hourly reminders. Business-focused users can also treat this handset as a portable, and a currency converter. For messages or calls that simply cannot wait and are too urgent to be ignored, users can opt to activate this mobile phone's vibration option, while deactivating alert tones in certain situations such as conferences or meetings.


The Vodafone 231 is powered by a standard Li-Ion 670 mAh battery. Users will enjoy using this handset to talk to their friends and family for approximately 3 hours. It also offers roughly 280 hours of standby time when it is used with a fully charged battery.


Unhappy users have criticised the Vodafone 231 for its display screen that tends to become extremely unclear and blurry when used. This mobile phone also does not support MMS or multimedia messaging. Hence, it limits users from changing the handset's interface and background settings, nor customise it in any way. While the handset supports Bluetooth, it is applicable only for headset purposes, and does not connect to other handsets or personal computers for data transfers.


Moreover, this mobile phone is gaining criticism for its lack of features that are otherwise conventionally integrated in most communication devices. They contend that this handset has compromised the entertainment facet that is expected of most mobile phones. To them, the lack of fun handset features in the Vodafone 231, such as an onboard camera and a basic media player or music player is an utter frustration. Accordingly, these displeased users contend that this mobile phone is simply unable to address the needs of the modern handset user, and does not effectively compete with most modern communication gadgets that are currently sold in the market.


While gaining the disapproval of modern users, this mobile phone is being applauded by satisfied owners for its large display screen, which makes it easy to view wallpaper images and, more importantly, to read text and other messages. This mobile phone's set of well-spaced and aptly-sized keys also make texting and dialing a breeze. In addition, users admire the handset for its solid yet compact feel, which is a break from most bulky handsets that offer inconvenience. Contrary to the criticisms, happy users of the Vodafone 231 contend that this handset may be highly simple, but its uncomplicated characteristics make it a must-have for those who want neat and no-fuss mobile phones that offer the most practical features.