Review: Nokia 6126
Screen
We do not use the term brilliant often, but few other words accurately describe the QVGA screen on this phone. The internal display is large crisp and easy to read under all lighting conditions. The external display is also quite large and bright. Unfortunately it is likely these bright screens are partly responsible for the 6126's mediocre battery life.
Signal
Considering it has an internal antenna, the 6126 performs significantly better than most phones, let alone those without an external aerial. The 6126 worked deeper into dead zones than most phones, and also re-acquired a signal quickly when coming back into range. It passed our bank vault test, but not completely. The 6126 was able to make a call and hold a signal from the vault when close to the door. These calls were remarkably clear as well. However it was unable to get a signal from deep within the vault.
Sound
The loudspeaker for ringtones and speakerphone, which is down by the mouthpiece, is actually quite loud. We never had a problem hearing the phone ring while in a pocket. This impact is enhanced by the strong vibrating alert as well. The internal speaker might be as loud as the speakerphone, but unfortunately it is so difficult to place the phone properly against the ear that there is no way to tell. Normally phone lids have some ridge to help you place the speaker by your ear or are shaped to help you fit the phone on your ear correctly. The 6126 lid is a large flat expanse that makes it difficult to hold properly against your ear.
Battery
Do not leave for the weekend without your charger. The 6126 gets between 1.5 and 2.5 days of use on a charge. Talk a little too much, and you'll start to hear the single beep warning you the battery is getting low. Considering the huge screen and other power drains on this small flip phone, the battery life is actually pretty decent, but it is not good enough for a long weekend.