Fly DS123 phone: characteristics, setup, reviews. Fly DS123 phone: characteristics, setup, reviews Working with two SIM cards
In general, I’ve used push-button devices a lot, but I’ve never done reviews on them, because I’m already spoiled by “five-inch shovels” with HD resolution. And what can you view on a regular phone? Calendar, camera with 0...MP? Or grainy screen?
It turned out that since the time regular phones a lot has changed. No, of course, you won’t find a high-resolution screen in them, good camera, and other things. But now, if you pick up an inexpensive push-button device, you can find functions that previously seemed unrealistic in such devices. For example, support for memory cards, MP3 player or dual-SIM cards.
So, I think this is where I can finish the introductory part of my review, and proceed directly to the review of today’s hero, whose name is Fly DS124. To do this, watch the video unpacking the device:
The appearance of the device is a black, fairly thick candy bar with the inscription XLife on the left. An analogy can be drawn with Philips devices, the manufacturer of which has something like a brand - Xenium, which means using the phone for a long time without recharging.
The company logo, Fly, is proudly visible at the bottom of the screen.
The buttons on the phone are plastic, the action is very clear, which confirms the loud clicks when they are pressed, for some this may be a minus (for example, for schoolchildren who like to study in class... although, what am I talking about? Schoolchildren love to sit in ICQ or in contact, but doing this from such a device is not very convenient, and it is unlikely that a student will voluntarily take a push-button telephone). So, this can hardly be considered a minus. For me personally, this is a plus, since I love when the keys (be it a push-button assembly, or the volume and screen lock buttons) click. (My Fly IQ451 Vista has a vague lock button, recessed into the body, and is pressed almost silently.)
From the rear, the device does not differ much from most similar models. At the back there is a speaker grille, which is very loud, I must admit, and a camera peephole, although it is unlikely to be needed in such a phone, the main purpose of which is to make calls.
On the left side there is a jack for standard headphones, that is, 3.5 mm, which has already become the norm for any phone/smartphone.
A flashlight is visible at the top end.
The connector is conveniently located at the bottom end Micro USB for charging and connecting to a computer.
There is also a speaker there.
The viewing angles are quite good, which is even strange for a device in this price category. If you look at the screen from the left, right and bottom, the picture does not change. But as soon as you look at it from above, the image darkens, although not very much.
We sorted out the screen, let's move on. There is no point in talking about the operating system here, since it is absent. The platform is unfamiliar to me, and inferior to the S40 platform from the Finns. But it is quite convenient and functional. What is the lock screen worth? Yes, yes, you heard right, this device has a lock screen similar to that of a touchscreen smartphone. It looks very stylish - from the lock icon you have to press up to unlock it. Left - calls, right - messages. The lock screen itself displays all the necessary information: current time, date, battery indicator, connection level, and there is also an icon that shows that a memory card is installed.
The desktop shows which SIM cards are installed and in what order. Below there are some sort of widgets through which you can access the most used programs - contacts, messages, music player, and browser.
Connection. The speaker is loud and clear, there is no interference during conversations, which will undoubtedly please those who like to talk for a long time.
Two SIM cards are now not a luxury, but an ordinary thing. Of course, there is only one radio module, and the presence of two radio modules seems nonsense to me, since the battery will drain faster.
Contacts. Here this function it is organized simply perfectly - all numbers are collected in a single list, and when you call from any number, you are immediately offered a choice of which SIM card to make the call from. Very convenient and understandable.
The Message Center offers you the following features: create a message, conversations (instead of "inbox"), drafts, IP messages, templates, and settings, all very simple.
In incoming messages, that is, when you select the “conversations” item, all incoming messages are shown in the form, hehe, of a conversation, or better said, a chat.
Music player. In essence, here it is organized quite simply and concisely, and performs only one function - playing music. No playing folders with songs, or equalizer.
Camera. Here it is purely for the fad - there it is and that’s okay. The resolution is 1.2 megapixels, of course, there is no autofocus, no flash, just press the button with two fingers and the photo is ready.
Examples of photos:
Video example:
Present the simplest manager files, which contains all the files mixed together - photographs, videos, pictures, and so on.
There is only the choice of “memory card” and “phone”, although the second item is useless, because its memory is about 500 KB.
What's interesting is that this device has Java support, although it's not much use. According to user reviews, almost not a single toy started up.
Bluetooth. It is quite ordinary, and performs the only function inherent in it - transferring files to other devices.
Browser. There is a standard browser and Opera, but it is unlikely that anyone will access the World Wide Web via WAP through this device, since there is no 3G here. And the screen is not very conducive to surfing the Internet.
As for the speed of the device, this is completely in order. The menu opens and scrolls through very quickly, it even uses beautiful animation when scrolling, which does not interfere with the speed of the device.
Finally, the most important advantage of the device, which is why it has the XLife logo, is the high-capacity 3000 mAh battery. There is no such battery in any push-button device. Its charge lasts for two weeks with average use, this is a very good indicator.
Fly DS124 is a well-balanced device that performs its “call” function without interruption.
If there are any disadvantages, they are not such. I read reviews that criticized the camera, the grainy screen, and so on. If you need a good camera, an excellent clear screen, then you need to buy more expensive devices. And in this device, I think, there are no downsides.
Thank you everyone for reading my review.
Yandex Market
I found on the Internet a solution to the problem with rapid battery discharge, when the phone suddenly “dies” during the day, and in the morning it was 60%. We dial *#446633# -> 2 "Device" -> 4 "Set default level" -> 1 "Battery" And set the following values: 3000000 3050000 (If more then it gives sound signal about the need for charging) 3610000 (If more, it displays 0%) 3640000 (If more, then displays 30%) 3760000 (If more, then displays 60%) 3880000 (If more, then displays 100%) 9999999 I found the ability to only attach photos to numbers when taking photos from the phone. As I found out, the photo size is less than 20 KB. Maybe if you squeeze it external photo to such sizes, then they will be attached to the numbers.
Guest 2 years ago
Yandex Market
A great thing, especially if you only need the phone for two situations: making calls and listening to music.
Konstantin G. 2 years ago
Yandex Market
In the 4th year, the battery lasts for a month. - the speakers work - Unfortunately, although it holds up well when dropped, I still lost parts of the case. :(We'll have to change it soon. A great dialer with a long battery life. And I'm using 3 of these phones. All are over 3 years old. They all work and don't plan to die. Loud. Strong. Long-lived. P.S. Give me the carcass of a dead DS124, I'll reanimate mine. :) Otherwise I'll have to take some kind of sensei...
Guest 2 years ago
Yandex Market
Indestructible, falls and injuries did not take him for 3 years. The plastic around the screen began to crack, as if from the inside, but not completely. Everything works, I just reset it to factory settings once. The camera is not a smartphone, but it works. It’s a pity that such a more modernized model never came out, while I’m still using the DS124).
Guest 2 years ago
Yandex Market
We have been using it for more than 3 years! The perfect caller! The charge lasts for a week or more! We are so used to the fact that it rarely needs to be charged, that we generally forget that it can run out of charge :) Very strong! I fell a hundred times and never got hurt in any way. A couple of times it turned off when it fell, then turned it on and continued to work without failures. It fits very compactly in the hand, even though it is a little plump (due to the large battery). It’s a huge sadness that this model is no longer produced and can’t be found anywhere else: (I wish I could get a couple more!
Guest 3 years ago
Yandex Market
metal case oh... and an excellent, reliable, long-playing dialer, the only thing I can’t understand is why install such a monitor... if in fact half the size is enough... there are no cards, there’s no point in taking photos (the quality is a killer, but who needs it) except to sit on Opera, but without 3g it’s not comfortable update 02/01/2017 excellent handset 5+... covered the screen with thick plastic... knocked out the bottom row of buttons... in general, now it serves as an alarm clock killer volume
Alexey L. 3 years ago
Yandex Market
One of the best push-button phones in recent years. And in some respects it has no analogues at all. And, apparently, it never will be. My mother used the phone mostly. And she really, really liked him too. Until he died. She was delighted with the well-coordinated, reliable and comfortable work this device. Unfortunately, this model is no longer produced, and it is not possible to buy this device. For many technical specifications This device is superior to others. And now it’s impossible to find a more or less identical replacement for it. Well, one cannot help but note the fact that the price of this push-button phone at the time of purchase ranged from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles, depending on the store. That is, for little money the consumer received a more than worthy gadget. The phone coped with all its functions with a bang. And it remains in the memory as the best mobile phone of recent years. This device is complete and confidently gets the highest score from me. As a result, "5" with a huge plus. P.S. I described exclusively my copy. I can’t know or say how others work, but our phone worked brilliantly. And if I hadn’t drunk water, I think I would have continued to function. P.S. After some time I want to add to the review. After spending several days in a deep coma, the phone came to its senses again. HE'S ALIVE!!! IT'S just some kind of MIRACLE, he healed himself. It now functions as before. It's amazing. My mother uses it, and she is incredibly happy about the return of this device from the world of dead phones. So the old retired Fly DS124 will still serve, since there is simply no alternative to it today.
Izhbulatov T. 3 years ago
Yandex Market
Despite the fact that the market mobile devices touchscreen smartphones have taken over, the role of push-button phones cannot be downplayed. Even among “old-fashioned” devices you can find worthy representatives that are convenient to use in any situation.
One of these is Fly phone DS123. The device has a case classified as a candy bar, and, as you can guess, is equipped with a physical keyboard. Read more about it in our article.
Device characteristics
A mobile phone can be called obsolete for the reason that it is no longer produced. The segment of keyboard-type devices from the manufacturer is represented by other models, which, obviously, are more in line with the requirements of the time. However, despite this, mobile is still worthy of your attention.
In all respects, the phone is equipped at a fairly good level (for the requirements put forward by the user). At least customer reviews dedicated to the Fly DS123 confirm this. Now in this review we will briefly describe the technical characteristics, after which we will directly present the recommendations themselves from people.
Design and body
The Fly DS123 device has a simple but quite stylish design. Highlighted by its metallic sheen, the entire phone has been specially housed in a light-colored casing (available in multiple color combinations) that contrasts with the darkness around the display. For this reason, the phone looks like it can be used by both a stern man and a fragile girl - regardless of social status and age. In addition, the device is assembled in such a way as to prevent it from being damaged during impacts and falls - therefore we can confidently speak about the security of this model and its reliability in operation.
If you take the phone in your hands, in general it does not play or creak, the cover fits like a glove.
Screen
As already mentioned, the entire display is housed on a dark panel on the front of the device, which contrasts well with the light “body” visible on the side and back parts. According to the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer, there is a 2.4-inch screen running on TFT technology. For a device with a physical keyboard, the resolution of 240 by 320 pixels, which can be found here, is optimal for performing basic tasks. Obviously, no one is going to watch a movie on this phone, although this is theoretically possible.
Connection
First of all, it should be emphasized that the device supports two SIM cards. You can understand this if you disassemble the device or simply go into Fly settings DS123. There you will see a window for switching cards, assigning one of them - the main one - for outgoing calls, and so on.
As for the ability to connect the phone to certain networks, the latter is capable of working both in the standard GSM/DCS format and connecting to mobile internet GPRS/Wap. Yes, we are talking about somewhat outdated communication formats, but nevertheless, with their help you can view the message sent to you in in social networks or by mail using the browser for this category mobile phones(Opera Mini). There is also support for a newer communication format - 3G. Due to this, the device can be called a full-fledged smartphone.
It should also be noted that there is a Bluetooth module for transmitting and receiving files using this model. The feature is useful, and there is space on the phone for this - there is a memory card slot with a capacity of up to 32 GB, with which you can expand the functionality of the device to a multimedia drive. For example, if you are a music lover, this kind of portable player that supports communication will be very useful to you.
Unfortunately, the ability to connect to high-speed mobile wireless communication formats (for example, LTE) using this model will not be possible, since there is no hardware support for them. It is obvious that the developer of Fly DS123 chose to reduce the capabilities of the phone, giving it only the most necessary functions. In this case we are talking about a set of functions for “dialers”.
Battery
Traditionally, for our reviews, we provide a paragraph dedicated to the phone’s battery and its characteristics. True, this, apparently, is not necessary, since due to the lack of functions in the Fly DS123 set that mean battery consumption, the phone is able to work for quite a long time. According to reviews, we are talking about several days, maybe even a week. If you are a business person who needs to be constantly in touch, this phone is just for you. Modern Android gadgets cannot even dream of such a level of autonomy that the battery installed on the DS123 Fly offers. To ensure its operation it is required compact battery, which, moreover, allows you to reduce the dimensions of the device as a whole.
Memory
We have already raised the question regarding memory on the Fly DS123, and previously indicated that there is support for microSD cards. In addition to the ability to expand the volume up to 32 GB, there is also a built-in volume of 1.6 MB, which is enough to post several photos, as well as receive SMS messages. Of course, to get more opportunities, it’s better to increase the space on your phone. Support for working with Java applications allows you to install, for example, various “readers”, which turns the phone into a completely convenient portable “reader” in your pocket. In addition, you can install various time-killing games and a browser here.
Transferring data from PC to phone (and vice versa) is very simple. The included USB cable makes it possible to exchange information using a simplified scheme - connected mobile computer sees it as a removable disk.
Multimedia
At first glance, of course, it may seem that the phone is too limited in functions, making it difficult to talk about any functions that are more complex than just calls or sending messages. In fact, this is not so. Firstly, we have already mentioned Java support- this can make the device an e-reader or turn it into a surfing device (with Opera). The user also has the opportunity to download the ICQ client, through which you can stay in touch using instant text messages.
In addition, the device by default plays pictures and animations (JPG, JPEG), video files (AVI, MPEG, MP4), as well as music tracks (MP3, AAC, WAV). If you connect a headset to the phone, you will also get an FM player. Thus, we can talk about the presence of options for basic work with some multimedia formats.
Camera
The device has a main camera, which, according to official description, has a matrix with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels. However, as phone users note in reviews, this is not the case. A 0.3 megapixel module was placed on the device for creating photos and videos. The quality of the resulting image leaves much to be desired. Everything that is photographed by the device comes out in slightly darker tones. And after this it will not be easy to make out the image itself - the picture will turn out somewhat blurry. As for video, objects also appear blurry, especially when shooting in motion.
Therefore, the fact that the Fly DS123 is not a “cameraphone” can be definitively stated.
Menu
Since this is the center for access to all functions of the phone, it is very important that it has a pre-installed menu that is clear and easy to use. Fly DS123 has a catalog that is quite comfortable to interact with, which is controlled very simply and smoothly, without unnecessary braking or delays. Plus, the menu is equipped with colorful, intuitive icons that even people without extensive experience with mobile devices. There is nothing complicated in this part of using the device.
Codes
I would also like to draw the attention of readers to the so-called “ secret codes”, or combinations for accessing certain functions of keypad devices. So, there are also codes on the Fly DS123 that allow you to perform the operation using a simplified procedure. For example, in order to see what software version the phone is running on, you need to enter *#8375#. Another example is to enter the menu technical settings you need to enter the combination *#13646633# (directly there you can manage some system options).
Other options
Of course, when working with the device, others will appear, additional features. For example, this is a flashlight located on the bottom of the phone. It is quite durable: thanks to a powerful battery, it can shine for 5-6 hours without interruption. This also includes a fairly loud speaker, the sound quality of which allows you to listen to music without headphones.
There are many similar functions in the device, and anyone who directly works with the phone can discover them for themselves.
The topic is especially relevant for the budget segment, since Samsung, LG and Philips do not yet have truly cheap “dual SIM” phones, and Nokia still cannot make a final decision on the need to green light such solutions. Thus, the resulting niche continues to be filled Chinese fakes and GSM terminals produced under the Fly brand.
Fly DS100 is the cheapest of the certified phones equipped with dual SIM support, and is offered for the same money as regular budget solutions from other manufacturers with similar functions. During the review, we will try to figure out whether it gives Chinese phone the presence of an additional slot is a decisive advantage over competitors.
Contents of delivery
- Telephone
- Wired headset
- Charger
- User guide
Design
Fly DS100 looks archaic and, thanks to the presence of a rubber keyboard, it resembles waterproof phones with a protective design.
The monoblock itself is quite small, which is emphasized by the minimal weight (65.6 grams) and the smooth contours of the body. By the way, the airiness of the forms would be useful for the DS100 if it were available in several color options - as practice shows, light colors combine well with a similar design; the Philips E100 we recently reviewed is an example of this. However, the phone is presented only in black color, and, of course, there is no need to expect any updates.
Size comparison:
- : 104 x 44 x 13.7 mm, 75 g.
- : 104.7 x 44 x 13.9 mm, 71 g.
- Fly DS100: 106 × 45.5 × 14 mm, 65.6 g.
The DS100 body is made of matte plastic, the coating is quite thick and pleasant to the touch. The device fits well in the hand, it is very smooth and glides easily across the palm.
The front panel of the phone contains a standard set of elements. Block function keys highlighted by two additional buttons: “flashlight” (activates the flashlight with a long press, a short press plays the role of Backspace - deleting the previous entered character) and “second call” (for calls using the secondary SIM).
The sides are empty; there is only room for an interface connector (miniUSB). At the bottom end there is a flashlight, at the top there is a mount for a neck strap.
The battery compartment cover is combined with rear panel, it is completely separated from the body. Inside there is a 1000 mAh battery, and under it there are two slots for SIM and one for a microSD memory card.
Practicality and ergonomics
Despite its light weight, Fly DS100 does not create the feeling of a “house of cards”. The assembly is done at a good level, there are no loose elements here. It’s difficult to say how the cover’s fastenings will behave over time, but they don’t look very reliable, so you shouldn’t give the phone frequent visits to asphalt and other hard surfaces.
Due to the fact that the keyboard array protrudes above the surface of the case, it is more convenient to work with the keys than, for example, in the Philips E100. The ergonomics of the digital block are approximately at the same level; there are no problems with typing.
The function block keys are less convenient - due to the additional buttons, the sizes of the elements had to be sacrificed. This applies to soft keys to a lesser extent; they are convenient due to the convex transition from the keyboard to the display.
Comments about the phone's resistance to external influences unnecessary, since it has a rather crude design, and its owner is unlikely to be bothered by minor scratches on the body.
The phone's drawbacks include an extremely inconvenient microSD slot - I have never been able to remove a memory card without using a screwdriver or other improvised means.
Display
The phone has a small (1.44 inches) CSTN display with a resolution of 128x128 pixels, supporting display of up to 65,536 colors.
You can’t expect any outstanding performance from a cheap display, especially when it comes to third-tier manufacturers. Looking at the slow CSTN matrices of cheap phones, one remembers the times when handsets had monochrome screens, perfectly readable in the sun and cheap to manufacture. However, the desire to see a picture that pleases the eye with colors has long defeated common sense, and in the Fly DS100 we again see the same picture as in the Philips E100/E210 and many other “state budget” devices. The phone's thoughtfulness when working with basic functions is very noticeable; it can take up to 1 second to process a press.
In the display settings, you can select the brightness level (5 levels) and the duration of the backlight activity (5 – 60 seconds). Among the traditional options, it is possible to set a background image, screen saver, animation for turning the phone on and off.
Menu
The main menu is presented in nine sections. The images accompanying each of them are static; for each item, the name and position in the list are highlighted (horizontal dot scale).
You can quickly move between menu items using the number keys 1 - 9. Navigation is also present within sections, but it is poorly implemented - pressing a key only highlights the corresponding item; confirmation is required to enter it.
The settings for quick access to various functions are organized in the phone as follows: all 4 presses of the navigation key are configured, and with one of the presses you can select the “My Menu” list, which, in turn, contains the most popular elements (up to 10 items).
Contacts
From the menu Phone book All available functions necessary for the user when working with contacts are available. Your phone can store up to 300 names and phone numbers.
While creating new entry you can add the following information: name (up to 30 characters), number (general, home, work, fax), company name, email address, picture, melody and group membership. There is not much data, only the most necessary.
From subsection Options you can set contact display options (phone memory, SIM 1 or SIM 2), edit your business card, configure the fields available when creating a new entry, and select the type of memory to save (phone or SIM) and its current state.
In addition, the phone has the ability to copy contacts from a SIM card to the phone, either individually or as a whole. address book fully. The corresponding function is assigned to the item Copy all.
Also on the menu Contacts highlighted in a separate paragraph additional numbers: phone owner's number and emergency number.
Initially, there are 5 preset groups in the phone book (for each you can select a name, an individual melody and an image), but the ability to create new ones is not provided.
While viewing the list, the name, mobile phone number and an icon are displayed indicating whether the contact belongs to the phone memory or one of two SIM cards. A quick search is possible only by the subscriber's name.
Messages
The phone supports integrated SMS, which can be dialed either letter by letter or using predictive input. Up to 300 SMS messages are stored in the phone's memory.
It is possible to use one of 10 text message templates, which are presented in the folder of the same name.
Work with MMS is organized in the form of slides, to each of which you can add images and sound files. Also, the message may contain an arbitrary attachment, but its format must be supported by the phone, in otherwise you just won't see it in the list of files. In the settings you can specify an auto-signature, as well as set the creation mode (free or limited). To store MMS in memory, 100 cells are allocated, the total volume is limited to 225 kB. The size of one message cannot exceed 100 kB.
There is no built-in e-mail client, but sending MMS to e-mail is also possible.
Also in the “Messages” section you can find an item dedicated to working with information messages.
Call center and talk mode
On the menu Call center information about missed, outgoing and incoming calls is stored (the last 20 numbers for each type). Here, in other sections, you can view information about the duration of calls, the number of SMS received/sent and the GPRS traffic counter.
During a conversation you can activate speakerphone(right soft key). Using the left soft key, a menu is available from which you can enter phone book, start a new conversation, send SMS, activate the voice recorder, mute sound and DTMF signals.
Profiles
In the Fly DS100, a separate menu item was not allocated for profiles; they are available in the “Settings” section. There are five preset options in total; when you connect a headset, the “Headphones” profile is activated.
Each profile has its own melody assigned to incoming call and SMS (for each SIM card), a melody to turn the phone on and off, set the volume and tone of key press signals. You can also activate call answering with any key and configure the event display mode.
Separately from the list of profiles is presented offline mode(Settings –> Dual-SIM settings), which turns off the radio part of the phone.
Dual SIM mode
The main feature of the Fly DS100 is support for two SIM cards. Both cards are active at the same time, that is, it is possible to make and receive incoming calls without having to switch SIM cards. Both SIMs are designed to operate on 900 and 1800 MHz networks.
The operators of the two installed SIM cards are displayed in the standby mode in the center of the screen. Each entry has an icon labeled “1” or “2” depending on which card is secondary and which is primary.
Dialogues for choosing between two SIM cards are integrated into all telephone functions. As mentioned above, there are two call keys - one for each SIM card. There are also two call lists, respectively.
In the settings you can deactivate either SIM card or both cards (offline mode). Everything here is quite convenient, the implementation does not raise any questions.
Memory
The phone has extremely little internal memory, so if you need to store MP3s, ringtones and photos, it is better to expand it using MicroSD cards (support for media with a capacity of up to 4 GB is declared). The expansion slot, as mentioned above, is located under the battery.
Built-in file manager(menu item - My files) is very simple and allows you to perform only standard operations such as viewing, moving/deleting and sorting files. Copy and move options are available only individually; this cannot be done simultaneously for a group of objects. All operations are performed only with directories located on the memory card, while the phone's own memory is inaccessible.
You can send files only via MMS (pictures, sound, video).
Audio player and FM radio
The second most important advantage (after support for two SIM cards) of the Fly DS100 is the presence of an MP3 file player and an FM radio.
One of the signs of a phone's budget origin is the lack of download capabilities. music files directly through the phone (connection to a PC is not provided at all). Every time you need to update your music library, you have to disassemble the phone, take out the memory card and place it in an external card reader.
Nevertheless, the very fact of having a full-fledged MP3 file player cannot but rejoice. The application is located in the “Multimedia” menu and “feeds” on songs downloaded to the My Music folder (from other directories they are visible only through the file manager).
The program interface contains all the necessary elements, rewinding is supported. Volume is controlled by the navigation key; it cannot be changed in the background.
When the player is minimized, a running line with the name of the song being played is displayed on the screen. In our sample, the scrolling of the name was incomplete - a software flaw, which is most likely typical for all existing Fly DS100 (the manufacturer was not noticed in frequent updates firmware).
In the settings you can enable/disable work in the background, automatic update music libraries, repeat playback and random playback.
The player's menu neighbor is an application for listening to FM radio, equipped with simple interface from several lines.
The receiver's functions include memory for 9 stations and playback through an external speaker. The radio also works in the background, just remember to connect your headset.
Interestingly, radio broadcasts can be recorded on a voice recorder, including according to a schedule. In addition, the FM receiver can be used as an alarm clock.
The phone comes with a stereo headset, its quality is extremely low. The service life of such an accessory will be at most a couple of months, after which it will tear, break, or something like that. Needless to say, it produces an appropriate sound.
It would be foolish to expect outstanding music capabilities from the Fly DS100; in this phone, the player is needed only to replace the sounds of the street with your favorite radio program or listen to music on the subway. However, features like FM alarm and scheduled recording make the phone stand out from its competitors.
Organizer
You can find a classic set of office applications in the section Applications. Let's briefly look at their main features.
Calendar
The calendar is as simple as possible - viewing is done by month or week; for each day you can create tasks (reminders, meetings or courses).
When creating a new reminder, you are prompted to set the start and end dates and times, turn on/off the sound signal, add a note, as well as set the repeat order and specify the location of the event.
Notes
You can create text notes with notifications. Options are preset as templates Date, Call And Anniversary.
Alarm
You can set up to five alarms simultaneously, and for each you can specify the frequency and type of alarm.
Calculator
The simplest calculator with memory for one number.
World time
By moving around the world map, you can view the time in different parts of the globe.
Stopwatch
There is no currency converter on the phone, but there is a stopwatch.
There are two options: Regular stopwatch And Multi-stopwatch. The capabilities of each are intuitive: the first has one time scale, while the other is convenient for recording several results. The stopwatch can work in the background.
Additional applications. Games and WAP browser
Additional applications include Photo album And Dictaphone. The corresponding items can be found in the Multimedia menu.
Photo Album is a simple application designed for viewing photos. Its capabilities are standard, but very often it becomes useless due to its inability to work with files larger than 100 - 150 KB.
Unfortunately, Fly DS100 does not support J2ME. This is an insignificant drawback for such a phone, but given that the Fly DS100 only has one game preinstalled, this fact may upset some potential buyers.
In your phone settings you can find the function Auto on/power off. This useful option, which for some reason is undeservedly ignored by all leading manufacturers, allows you to set up a schedule for turning your phone on/off. It is a pleasant addition to the standard functionality of the Fly DS100 and will save battery power for those who do not expect night calls.
Built-in WAP browser (WAP 2.0) is in the menu Services. Without the ability to install Java applications, this is the only way to access the Internet.
The browser's capabilities are similar to those for phones 6-7 years ago, so its only use may be periodic viewing of mail through PDA versions of provider sites.
Working hours
The phone has a 1000 mAh battery, which, according to the manufacturer, should provide up to 6 hours of talk time and 240 hours of standby time.
With a daily rate of 20-30 minutes of calls, an hour of listening to music or FM radio and occasional use of other functions (including GPRS), the Fly DS100 can withstand about four days of use. Using the power control feature to turn off your phone at night increases the survivability of your phone by 15-20%.
Competitors
Today Fly DS100 is available from the largest Russian retailers at a price of 1990 rubles. Below is a summary table of characteristics for several phones of the same class.
| Manufacturer | Fly | LG | Motorola |
| Model | DS100 | KP110 | W230i |
| GSM band | 2 SIM, 900/1800 | 900/1800/1900 | 900/1800 |
| 3G (UMTS)/EDGE support | no no | no no | no no |
| Screen Options | 1.44", CSTN, 128x128, 65k | 1.6", CSTN, 128x128, 65k | 1.6", CSTN, 128x128, 65k |
| Dimensions | 46 x 106 x 14 mm | 46 x 103 x 13 mm | 111 x 45 x 15mm |
| Weight | 66 grams | 65 grams | 80 grams |
| Battery capacity and type | 1000 mAh, Li-Ion | 900 mAh, Li-ion | 900 mAh, Li-ion |
| Camera | No | No | No |
| Memory | microSD | microSD | microSD |
| FM radio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Communications | USB | USB | USB |
| Estimated cost | RUB 1990 | 2000 rub. | 2100rub |
conclusions
The phone's single speaker ensures good audibility of the interlocutor in any conditions. The maximum ringtone playback volume is also at high level, but the vibration alert is quite weak.
Fly DS100 does not have a clear positioning and a specific target audience. As a "grandma's" phone, it has a too small display and is quite small itself. For children, it has redundant functionality, since a flashlight and two SIM cards are unlikely to interest schoolchildren primary classes. The phone cannot be used as a GPRS modem due to the inability to connect to a PC.
Surprisingly, it turns out that support for two SIM cards is more of a bonus than a real necessity for a potential Fly DS100 buyer. In regions where cheap phones are traditionally in high demand, there is also no need to support two SIM cards at once. Residents of the outback would be more interested in the built-in flashlight than in the ability to insert another SIM.
The design of the Fly DS100 is primitive, so demand for it will be ensured by functionality, which have no equal for the same money. At the same time, it is difficult to imagine a buyer who will need all the functions of the DS100 (flashlight, MP3 player, two SIMs) at once, so with a balanced approach, many will opt for another phone model. On the other hand, an alternative to the Fly DS100 as the cheapest “dual SIM” phone will not appear on the market very soon.
© Mikhail Kalinin, Test laboratory
Article publication date: December 15, 2009
Having a mobile phone has long ceased to be a luxury; now it is a necessary means of communication. You can purchase such a gadget at any electronics store. There are a lot of companies involved in the production of this type of product, and each of them has a large number of various models.
The Fly company is relatively new to the electronics market; it was founded in 2003 and immediately launched several models of mobile phones. At the same time, the assembly of these devices was carried out by other companies, but the design solution belonged entirely to Fly. The product of this manufacturer is better known in Russia and other CIS countries; this is where the main sales market is located.
You can buy a Fly phone inexpensively in Moscow not only by visiting brick-and-mortar stores, but also on our website. We have a wide range of all models of this gadget, both monolithic and touch-sensitive. Almost all support two SIM cards and, depending on the model, include many other useful features.
Our online store is currently on sale from stock, which is why we were able to set a reasonable price for them. The promotion will last quite a long time, so everyone will be able to take advantage of this offer. Also, very often we have discounts on all types of goods.
