A basic entry-level mobile phone, the Nokia 1209 is one of the sparsest phones around. If a simple, compact and easy-to-use handset is what you’re looking for, you'll like this phone.

The Nokia 1209 is quite thick for an entry-level handset, coming in at 17.5mm from front to back. This width is made up for by the fact that it is very light (79g) and not particularly wide. The Nokia 1209's keypad is large and easy to use, even though the 1, 2 and, 3 keys are pretty close to the answer and call keys. If you have been blessed with stubby digits, it can take a bit to get used to the 1209's keypad. Another thing that might take a bit of getting used to is the four way navigational pad, rather than the regular five way design. This is only an issue if you are very familiar with another mobile. The case is mostly built of plastic, but feels reliable and solid to hold.

A straightforward user interface makes the Nokia 1209 easy to use. While the screen may be small, it provides good viewing in all but the brightest of lighting situations. As the screen is on the little side, you can only read a few lines of text at a time, and see only two contacts in your phonebook in one go. The interface allows for very speedy and simple movement between the contacts and text, however some people might find this frustrating.

Features of the Nokia 1209 are slim but solid. Nokia have thoughtfully included an LED flashlight on the top of the handset, which you can activate by holding down the navigational pad.  The 1209 also stocks a suite of PIM features including an alarm clock, a converter, a calculator, a calendar and a stopwatch. You can also make your own polyphonic ringtones.