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2011 Winter NTTDocomo Smartphone Roundup
The day is October 18, 2011 and NTTdocomo has announced its slew of winter/spring 2011 line of cell phones.
The biggest attraction this year is the expanded range of Smartphones. A worldwide phenomenon, smartphones are also catching on in Japan recently, with iOS and Android being the major driving force.
Though the Japanese manufacturers took much longer than established heavyweights like HTC and Samsung to enter the Android smartphone business, the 2011 winter/spring lineup proves that Japanese makers can be the best in the world when pushed to the edge.
Let’s cover some of the models in detail.
2011 Summer NTTdocomo PRIME Series Roundup
Yes, the apex of high-spec phones, uncontested across the globe. These are perhaps the highest spec phones one can buy at this very moment. Now with the new unlock policies, all phones sold by NTTdocomo are available unlocked – meaning gone are the days of hypersim instability and weak signals.
Well, lets get to it.
SHARP AQUOS SHOT SH-10C
Representing the the latest in advanced phones from SHARP, the AQUOS SHOT SH-10C is packed with the latest technology. Featuring a 16.1MP CCD sensor as well as a 3D-capable LCD complemented by a high IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing & IP5X dustproofing, this phone has it all.
The style is reminiscent of STYLE-series models while signaling a break from traditional SHARP design. In fact, the exterior reminds me of a CASIO CA003 from au by KDDI whereas the interior is similar to that of Fujitsu F-03B.
- 16.1MP CCD sensor, 1080p FULL HD video recording capable, 3D image capable
- 3.4” New Mobile ASV LCD, FWVGA resolution (854×480), 3D-capable
- 15.5mm thick (22mm maximum), 139g
- IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing, IP5X dustproofing
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- Rotating axis display, can be used as touchscreen when folded
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n)
Fujitsu F-09C
Fujitsu has been a minor player in the handset market prior to its major breakthrough, the F-01A. Since then, it has grown rapidly, setting the benchmark with F-01B, F-04B and the F-06B. The F-09C is Fujitsu’s latest attempt to further raise the bar.
The F-09C is the successor of the F-06B, which introduced their proprietary “Yoko-motion” technology to a waterproof, slider form.
Befitting of the PRIME Series tag, the F-09C features IPX5/IPX8 waterproofing (the highest level achievable commercially). It means that you can immerse this phone in water deeper than 1m for prolonged periods and the phone will still function.
The camera sensor is now soured from Sony, using the 16.3MP Exmor R for Mobile featuring 3D image and video capability, as well as HDR photography.
- 3.5” FWVGA resolution (854×480), 3D-capable, touchscreen
- 16.3MP CMOS sensor, 3D image/video capable
- 15.8mm thick, 138g
- IPX5/IPX8 waterproofing
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- Yoko-motion display, can turn 180degrees horizontally
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n)
Casio EXILIM keitai CA-01C
The CA-01C is Casio’s first ever phone produced for NTTdocomo. Before this, Casio was most often associated with au by KDDI for producing many eye-catching models over the last couple of years.
Visually, the CA-01C resembles a CA003/CA005 from about a year ago. However, its specs have seen a great boost in comparison to the two models. The camera is the same Sony unit as the one in the Fujitsu, with the 16.3MP unit that is capable of recording 1080p FULL HD video.
The 3.4” FWVGA display supports glasses-free 3D display and the ability to switch between 2D/3D mode. The phone is protected by IPX5/IPX8 waterproofing, an industry benchmark comparable to the Fujitsu F-09C.
- 3.4” FWVGA resolution (854×480), 3D-capable
- 16.3MP CMOS sensor, 3D image/video capable
- 16.9mm thick, 149g
- IPX5/IPX8 waterproofing
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- Rotating axis display, can be used as touchscreen when folded
- FM Transmitter
Panasonic LUMIX Phone P-05C
Panasonic stirred the keitai world with the introduction of its first branded phone, aptly called LUMIX Phone P-03C half a year ago. Since then, the team at Panasonic has worked to improve the user experience while maintaining the familiar shape of the phone.
The biggest news is in the camera. As a first ever for Japanese keitai phones, P-05C features optical image stabilization. This means better looking photos that won’t be affected by vibration and hand movements. This feature becomes most apparent during photo session in low-light conditions, as well as during the capture of 1080p FULL HD video.
- 3.3” FWVGA resolution (854×480)
- 13.2MP CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization
- 17.7mm thick, 149g
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n)
2011 Summer NTTdocomo Smartphone Roundup
NTTdocomo has released its highly anticipated smartphone lineup for the Summer/Fall 2011 collection. Perhaps the most exciting news is that all phones sold by NTTdocomo will be available for SIM unlock starting with this season, which means you can very well be using one of these phones natively outside Japan!
Here is a quick roundup of the major phones and its features. All (except F-07C) are are based on the Android OS.
NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C
As said in the title “WP” the MEDIAS N-06C is a waterproof successor to the N-04C that was release this past February. The N-06C keeps the familiar shape and slimness of the N-04C, while adding IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing. The OS gets upgraded to Android 2.3, with T9 support. Other Japan-specific features include IR, osaifu-keitai i-mode mail and 1seg TV tuner.
- 4” FWVGA resolution (854×480)
- 5.1MP CMOS sensor
- 7.9mm thin, 9.7mm maximum, 113g
- IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n), GPS
Fujitsu FMV LOOX F-07C
Fujitsu has entered uncharted territory with the F-07C, which combines a Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit with the tried-and-true Symbian OS that’s on most Japanese keitai handsets. With Windows 7, this phone is more accurately classified as a UMPC – or ultra mobile PC.
This UMPC includes all features that are standard on Japanese keitai handsets. It is aimed mostly towards the people who carry both a smartphone and a Japanese keitai (to augment missing features from smartphones).
- 4” SVGA resolution (1024×600)
- 5.1MP CMOS sensor
- Intel Atom Z600 @ 1.2GHz
- 19.8mm thick, 218g
- 32GB SSD
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n), GPS
Panasonic P-07C
The Panasonic P-07C is Panasonic’s first attempt at the Android smartphone market. Loaded with Android 2.3, the P-07C features a large 4.3” LCD screen as well as Panasonic’s own take on the Android OS.
Other features are very standard for Japanese smartphones (which surpass the specs of overseas smartphones).
- 4.3” screen
- 5.1MP CMOS sensor
- 14mm thick
- 3G/GSM WORLD WING compatible (usable in Canada)
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n), GPS
SHARP AQUOS PHONE SH-12C
SHARP released their first Android smartphone a year ago in the form of SH-10B, with Android 1.6 and a unique form factor suited to Japanese users. It was followed 6 months ago by a more concentrated effort, resulting in spectacular and groundbreaking phones such as the 003SH (3D display & CCD camera) and SH-03C LYNX 3D. This season, SHARP is focusing on strengthening their 3D portfolio.
The AQUOS PHONE SH-12C incorporates a 3D camera as well as a 3D display. Nearly all specs have received a boost from the 003SH, SHARP’s prior flagship smartphone.
- 4.2” QHD resolution (960×540), 3D-capable
- 8.0MP dual sensor w/ProPix engine capable of 3D images and video
- HDMI-out for playback on TV
NTTdocomo STYLE Series Roundup!
Here’s the round two of the NTTdocomo Fall/Spring 2011 model roundup. This time, the focus is on the STYLE Series. From the name, it’s obvious that STYLE series is mainly geared towards the female users – as well as the males who like a stylish handset instead.
Here are some of the more interesting models of this season.
Fujitsu F-02C
The F-02C is a STYLE Series phone that carries PRIME Series-equivalent specs. In fact, if it weren’t for the more decoratively oriented design this can pass for a PRIME Series phone.
The main feature is the 12.2MP camera that starts up in 0.5 seconds, complimented with 1080p FULL HD recording support. Flipped open, it reveals a beautiful 3.3” FWVGA screen and a 0.3MP in-camera for taking self-portraits. The internals are protected from external elements via an IPX5/IPX7 standard waterproofing, which is impressive for a phone only 13.2mm thick.
The F-02C will be available in COOL BLACK, ELEGANT PINK, ETERNAL WHITE and ANTEPRIMA GOLD.
Features
- 12.2MP camera with 1080p FULL HD recording
- 3.3” FWVGA internal LCD/0.8” external OLED display
- IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing
- 13.2mm thick
- Comes with two extra body panels which can be swapped out to change the design of the phone
Fujitsu F-04C/F-05C
This represents the first time Fujitsu has offered a slider type phone for the STYLE Series. Previous Fujitsu sliders have been exclusively PRIME Series (F-06B, F-04B, F-09A, etc). Whereas previous Fujitsu sliders included Yoko-motion in addition to ordinary sliding, the F-04C/F-05C is a simple, no-frills slider model much like the Mitsubishi D905i and Panasonic P-02B. In fact, design wise, it looks really close to those two models.
This model takes a step back in terms of hardware specs; it only comes with a 5.1MP outer camera, but has a relatively powerful 1.3MP internal camera for self-portraits and TV calls. The main display is rather small at 3.0”, but it still is FWVGA resolution. The display does feature a resistive touch panel though; it also will come with a stylus for drawing onto photos.
The F-05C is a collaboration model version of the F-04C in partnership with SHIBUYA109.
Features
- 3.0” FWVGA LCD display
- 5.1MP external camera/1.3MP internal camera
- Resistive touchscreen
NEC N-01C
NEC has been making ultra-slim fashion phones under the “μ” label beginning with the N905iμ which was a big hit in 2007. Since then, the names may have changed and features increased, but the overall silhouette has remained much the same.
The N-01C continues the NEC tradition of slim, lightweight fashion phone. Keen readers will notice that the external design strongly resembles the N-01B (which I own) but the keypad design is similar to the N-08A/N-02A. With the N-01C, NEC didn’t aim to increase hardware specs – rather it focused on improving user experience and the illumination.
For example, the illumination on the front cover has been improved over the N-01B which had 6 fiixed-color lamps. The N-01C can now illuminate the external display in as many patterns one can imagine. Users in Japan would be able to access “Everyone’s N-Land” and download more preset illumination patterns for both the keypad and display illumination.
Camera has remained the same at 8.1MP from the N-01B, but the startup time has been further reduced to 0.5 seconds, with 0.6 seconds between shots. The 0.3MP inside camera also now has a dedicated shortcut key, doubling as a hand mirror.
Features
- 8.1MP camera
- 3.2” FWVGA internal LCD/OLED external display
- 12.9mm thin
- Beautifully illuminated keypad
Sharp SH-02C
Sharp has consistently been the top contender in every season and while it seems to have slowed down slightly somewhat in recent years, they’re still going strong. The SH-02C is proof of that.
The SH-02C is really an improvement of the SH-08B from last season. This design language really started with the 934SH “mirumo” from SoftBank – which made it to the SH-08B and now the SH-02C. Frankly, I personally like this flat design better than the SH-02B which featured a rounded “crystal” design.
Hardware wise, the previously 8.0MP CCD camera has been upgraded to the 9.6MP CCD unit found in most Sharp smartphones and keitais lately. The camera is paired to a 3.2” FWVGA MobileASV display which guarantees exceptional screen quality. Complementing the design is IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing.
As you can tell from the photos above, the external display is rather funky, but I think it looks unique. The nearly-flat back design is also a change from the usual bulge seen in other keitais.
Features
- 3.2” FWVGA MobileASV display with AQUOS technology
- 9.6MP CCD camera
- IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing
Sharp SH-04C
Lastly we have the second Q-Pot collaboration model to come out so far. Last year, the SH-04B fetched ridiculously high prices in both Japan and overseas – with some eBay listing charging $1500 for the phone. It was limited production after all – and the same thing happened with the SH-06A NERV edition too.
Whereas the SH-04B featured a melting chocolate on the front cover, the SH-04C this time around features a biscuit dipped in molten chocolate. In essence, this phone is a specialized limited-production edition of the SH-02C – but the fact that it is a limited edition collaboration model is sure to skyrocket the listing prices.
Feature wise, it is identical to the SH-02C listed above, but in addition to the default themes, exclusive Q-Pot contents are preinstalled on the phone as well.
NTTdocomo PRIME Series Roundup
So here it is. The cutting edge of cellphone hardware in the world. Leading in camera quality, resolution and the sheer number of features incorporated into one, tiny hardware in your hands. The NTTdocomo PRIME Series gives you all.
This year’s lineup has been significantly trimmed. The four major makers threw in one contestant each. Let’s take a detailed look at all four.
Fujitsu F-01C
The highest-specced phone that Fujitsu offers at the time of this writing, the F-01C is an evolution of the F-01B offered last year. While some may scream for a revolution instead, I think evolution is a better thing. Certainly, the F-01B was an excellent phone. It brought Fujitsu back into the high-spec keitai game after losing out with the F90xi series.
This impressive keitai features a 3.4” FWVGA display coupled to a slim body of 13.9mm, while still increasing the camera size to 13.2MP. This is a big improvement from the F-01B which was 17.3mm thick. Even more impressively, Fujitsu managed to do all this while keeping the F-01C water and dustproof – something missing on many phones worldwide (*ahem* iPhone).
Camera features have been strengthened. It can take 7.5 photos/second in VGA mode, and it also allows users to take photos continuously until there is no more room in the microSD. Full HD video recording is supported, and if you buy the HDMI cable you can output it to any phone or monitor you’d like. Wi-Fi, which was missing, is now part of the impressive feature set.
Features
- 3.4” 854X480 16.7M LCD
- 1.4” 174X64 External OLED
- 13.2MP CMOS Full HD camera
- IPX5/IPX7 water/dustproofing
- 13.9mm thin
- Global GSM Support
NEC N-03C
NEC is a company that I think really hits or misses the design. The N-01B was a good design, but I disliked the N-04B and N-02B for its clunky design. It seems like that trend will continue with the N-03C, a phone that looks tough but very unwieldy.
The phone is focused on shock resistance while incorporating water/dustproofing. There’s also a collaboration model with BURTON, the snowboard maker. The shock resistance is rated at US MIL standard, so its claims aren’t bogus for sure. It supports IPX5/IPX8 waterproofing which allows it to operate the camera/calls at 1m deep for at least 30 min. Impressive!
Features
- 3.2” 854X480 LCD
- 0.8” 96X35 External OLED
- 8.1MP CMOS camera with 0.5second startup
- IPX5/IPX8 waterproofing
Panasonic P-03C
Yes, the SoftBank 001P “Lumix Phone” makes its debut on NTTdocomo as well – as the P-03C “Lumix Phone”. Good news for overseas keitai enthusiasts, since NTTdocomo models are easier to coax into functioning mode using a hyperSIM.
It has all the features explained in my SoftBank 001P post, but here’s a quick recap -
- 13.2MP Lumix camera featuring Mobile VenusEngine
- 27mm wide angle lens
- 3.3” 854X480 LCD touchscreen display
- 720p HD recording
- Internal Wi-Fi
Check this photo gallery out for more photos!
SHARP SH-01C
SH-01C carries on the famed AQUOS SHOT label into its fourth generation. It’s build a formidable reputation in both Japan and among overseas users for its superior image quality compared to any mobile phone out there.
The design of the SH-01C takes some cues from the older days of 90xi series. In fact, the two-tone gradient is reminiscent of the earlier FOMA handset days like the SH904i. The overall rounded also has an aura of the earlier days to it. Personally, I don’t like it – I’d much prefer having angular, sharp edges in a design (like the SH-06A and SH-01B).
The phone’s features have been improved over its predecessor, SH-07B. For one, the camera’s now a 14.1MP CCD unit, still capable of 1080p video capture. Another big improvement is the inclusion of a Wi-Fi module. Overall, the improvements in this generation seems to be in enhancing camera experience and overall operation speed, so there isn’t a big “must-get” sort of feature with the SH-01C.
Features
- 3.4” 854X480 MobileASV display
- 14.1MP CCD camera with 1080p video capture
- Internal Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n)
- HDMI-out/DLNA
- IPX5/IPX7 waterproofing
The NTTdocomo STYLE Series article will be coming online tomorrow. Stay tuned!
