Screen

The Nokia 6103 delivers the same 65K-colors screen found on the 6101, measuring 128 x 160 px in resolution. Constructed of TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD technology, circuit transistors placed directly on the glass provide more vivid imaging and faster refresh rates over STN (Super Twisted Nematic) technology.

By contrast, the external display is an STN external screen, providing 4K-colors at 96 x 65 px. While not as vibrant as the internal TFT screen, STN has the added benefit of consuming less power, prolonging battery life. Used mainly for static indicators, Nokia decided STN was a better fit for the external screen.

Offering information to signal strength and battery level, other essential information includes network name, time and date, the active profile, and alarm clock or calendar note alerts. Additionally when users have an incoming call, the caller's name or number is displayed.

The 6103's dual displays offer mediocre imaging. Compared to other LCDs on the market, the 6103 is not state-of-the-art, falling well short in vividness and sharpness to screens on high-end devices with 262K-color and now even 16.7 million color screens. However, being priced as a mid-tier handset, the 6103 offers an acceptable screen at a reasonable price.

Audio

These days, music phones are almost as popular as camera phones. Unfortunately, the 6103 lacks MP3 playing capabilities (although it supports MP3 ringtones). To make up for it, Nokia included an FM stereo radio (headset sold separately). Allowing consumers to listen to live radio on the road, up to 20 stations can be preset, through both manual and automatic tuning.

Messaging

The Nokia 6103 supports SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) for text and multimedia messaging.

A new feature called Nokia Xpress is also included on the 6103. Allowing consumers to send voice clips over the network, customers to send personalized audio messages in spontaneous and creative new ways.

Supporting the latest instant messaging platforms, the 6103 also comes preinstalled with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger, a standard among T-Mobile devices these days. Providing real-time chat from a wireless device, consumers no longer need to end the conversation away from home. Through the 6103, users can keep the conversation alive just as if they were sitting in front of a PC. Airtime charges may apply.

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