Nokia 101 Dual-SIM Mobile

Nokia 101 is a ‘dual-SIM’ 2G phone which, as its name implies, takes two SIM cards at the same time. The phone should work okay on all UK networks except the ‘Three’ network, which is 3G only. While Nokia 101 is definitely not a Smartphone, you wouldn't expect one of those for around thirty quid, would you? To my mind, the main selling points of Nokia 101 are that it’s an inexpensive, well-known branded product that, unlike most other mobile phones on the market, takes two SIM cards, both of which remain active simultaneously. So if somebody calls you on the number associated with SIM 1 you can answer knowing that, while you are engaged, another call to the number associated with SIM 2 will be handled by voicemail. The same principle operates in reverse.

PROS

Inexpensive

Both SIMs active at the same time - no physical swapping required

Great for making calls and texting

Decent battery life

Accepts micro SD cards up to 16Gb

Simple interface

Nice keyboard

FM radio & MP3 music player

Torch

Fits perfectly into the leather case for my old SE T68i

Very 'modern' feel and appearance to it

Smaller than it looks; unobtrusive

CONS

Radio & MP3 volume level, while fine for me, may not be loud enough for some

Supplied headphones with changer button not terribly good; better cans give superior performance and volume levels

Call sound quality not the best, but adequate for me

Bluetooth would make this phone almost perfect (for adults only)

No data connection (but hardly a big deal since stuff can be loaded via a PC onto a micro SD card)

The back cover on mine is very hard to slide off

This would be a good phone for children because it's not dear, cannot access the Internet and has no Bluetooth. For adults just wanting a straightforward phone for making calls and sending texts it would also be ideal - especially given the dual SIM facility which allows, say, a personal and business SIM to reside in the same device and be on standby simultaneously, thereby banishing the need to carry two phones about with you at the same time. If you need a further recommendation, let me tell you that when my friend tried my Nokia 101 he went straight online and ordered two - one for himself and one for his wife. So I think you’ll be delighted with this phone. In my opinion it offers excellent value for money.

Incidentally, Nokia 101 will work fine with only one SIM installed. The ‘two SIM’ feature is clearly aimed at business people and/or those who must differentiate between ‘friends’ and ‘acquaintances’.