Camera

The 6103 offers the same VGA (0.3-megapixel) camera found on the 6101, triggered by the dedicated Camera Key, turning the internal LCD turns into the viewfinder (self-portraits are also possible using the external LCD).

But with advancements in mobile imaging technology, VGA cameras are almost a thing of the past. With many devices progressing beyond 1.3-megapixels into 2.0- and above, the 6103 is below average, only capable of snapping photos up to 640 x 480 px in size.

Encoded in JPEG, three image quality options allow users to choose between high, normal, basic, although anything below high is virtually unusable. And even on high, the resolution is too low to make decent prints. Instead the 6103's camera is best suited for snapping impromptu photos to send in multimedia messages or set as phone wallpapers.

Self-Timer and Night Mode functions are included on the 6103, however the lack image processing options such as digital zoom, exposure and brightness adjustments, or color balance make the 6103 fairly weak in image correction features.

Video clips can be recorded at Sub QCIF (128 x 96 px) resolution and encoded in the 3GP codec (H.263 and AMR) format. Not particularly usable, the video features on cell phones have never been very good, integrated more of as novelty item than functional.

Basic Features

Released exclusively for T-Mobile, the tri-band Nokia 6103 runs on GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 network worldwide, provided it's unlocked. As a common carrier practice, the 6103 is "locked" to T-Mobile's network to prevent customers from taking discounted phones (purchased in conjunction with a plan) to other carriers. However good-standing customers can usually request the unlock code after 90 days of service. Only after entering the code can users take the 6103 to different GSM carriers.

Rating the 6103's 720 mAh Li-Ion battery at 4.0 hours and 384 hours (16.0 days) of talk and standby times respectively, these are under optimal conditions. Manufacturers and carriers often list talk and standby times with disclaimers about variable performance, and refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Actual talk and standby times are lower.

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