Nokia 6303 Classic review

The Nokia 6303 does manage to do the basics well, however. Keeping it simple, it's easy to select contacts from the phonebook for calling, or to bring up your recent conversation history by pressing the call button.

Voice calling quality is excellent; sound quality and reception were consistently of a high standard, and we had no problems, having made numerous calls in a variety of locations.

Messaging

Similarly, we had no trouble with the Nokia 6303 Classic's messaging software.

You can also add media (photos, video, sounds, calendar notes, streaming links and suchlike) by simply selecting one of the icons on the bottom of the screen and choosing an item stored in the phone or on your memory card – the phone automatically converts a text to MMS when appropriate, with a note alerting you to this.

The numberpad is pretty responsive for tapping in quick texts; the click distance for keys is quite shallow, so those with nails should find it ideal. The decent key separation means its accuracy is fine for the large stub-fingered among us, although, as mentioned above, finger action can feel a touch cramped considering the phone's size.

Email is, of course, supported to on the 6303 Classic, so you can use your regular web-based email or internet service provider accounts on the phone (POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP are supported).

The handset has an email wizard that takes you through the dead simple email set-up procedure; you will only need your account email address and password, as the software will automatically search for and install the appropriate email server settings for your account and mobile network provider.

You can set up and be ready to download and send emails in a matter of seconds, with no hassle.

The phone supports email attachments up to 600KB, although there isn't document viewer software pre-installed. You can, of course, attach your own files from the phone or memory card to send in emails.

The email experience is typical for this type of Series 40 device; options are list based, so it's not as intuitive or easy to navigate as desktop-style email or more advanced smartphones.

Instant messaging is supported too, with the Windows Live Messenger application easy to use and operate. Once activated, you get audible notifications when someone sends you a message.