The Nokia 6600, announced on June 16, 2003, and released in October 2003, is a smartphone from Nokia’s high-end 6xxx Classic Business Series. Priced at approximately €600 at launch, it was a premium device running Symbian OS 7.0s with Series 60 2nd Edition. Known for its advanced features at the time, it sold over 150 million units. This article examines its specifications and features.
Design and Build
The Nokia 6600 measures 109 x 58 x 24 mm and weighs 125 grams. It has a plastic body with a bar form factor, available in black, white, blue, and pink. The design includes a conventional keypad, making it an upgrade option for users of older Nokia models like the 6210 or 6310i. It lacks water or dust resistance but was durable for its era. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card and features a removable back cover for battery access.
Display
The phone features a 2.1-inch TFT display with a resolution of 176 x 208 pixels, offering a pixel density of about 130 PPI. It supports 65,536 colors, a significant improvement over earlier models with 4096 colors. The screen is suitable for basic tasks like menus and messaging but lacks modern touch capabilities. It performs adequately in indoor lighting but struggles in bright sunlight due to limited brightness.
Performance
Powered by a 104 MHz ARM 9 processor, the Nokia 6600 runs Symbian 7.0s with Series 60 2nd Edition, introducing theme support and Java MIDP 2.0 applications. It has 6MB of internal storage for user data and apps, expandable via an MMC card (32MB included). The phone supports basic multitasking but faced compatibility issues with some Series 60 software in early firmware versions, later fixed in updates like 4.09.1. Performance was adequate for calls, messaging, and light apps.
Camera
The Nokia 6600 has a VGA rear camera (640 x 480 pixels) with a 2x digital zoom, capable of capturing basic photos and videos up to 95KB (9-27 seconds) with audio. It lacks a front camera or flash, limiting its use in low light. Features include portrait and night modes, but image quality is modest by today’s standards. The phone was among the first non-Communicator models to include a camera, following the Nokia 3650.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a removable 850mAh Li-Ion battery (BL-5C), the phone offers up to 240 hours of standby time and 4 hours of talk time. Battery life was reliable for its time, lasting a few days with light use. Charging uses Nokia’s standard wired charger, taking about 2 hours to fully charge. The removable battery allowed easy swaps, a practical feature for users needing extended uptime.
Software and Connectivity
Running Symbian OS 7.0s with Series 60 2nd Edition, the Nokia 6600 supports Java MIDP 2.0 and Symbian apps, including a calculator, calendar, and email client. Connectivity includes GSM 900/1800/1900, GPRS, HSCSD, Bluetooth 1.1, and Infrared (IrDA), but no Wi-Fi or USB. It lacks a radio or 3.5mm headphone jack, relying on a mono speaker. The phone supports SMS, MMS, and basic email protocols like POP3 and SMTP.
Conclusion
The Nokia 6600 was a milestone for Nokia, introducing advanced features like a VGA camera, Bluetooth, and expandable storage in a business-focused smartphone. Its Symbian OS and durable design made it popular, especially in developing markets. However, it lacks modern connectivity and has limited multimedia capabilities. Priced at €600 in 2003, it was a premium device that set trends for future smartphones, remaining a nostalgic icon in 2025.
