The Sleek and Sturdy S88: A Phone Ahead of Its Time
BenQ-Siemens made a powerful statement when they released the S88 in January 2006. This feature phone may seem like a blast from the past now, but during its time, it was at the forefront of technology. Let's take a look at the design, features, and specifications that made the S88 a must-have for many users.
The Brand and Release Date
The S88 was released by BenQ-Siemens, a joint venture between Taiwanese company BenQ and German company Siemens. The brand was known for creating cutting-edge devices that combined German engineering and Taiwanese design. With the S88, they continued to uphold this reputation as it hit the markets in January 2006.
The Device Itself
One of the standout features of the S88 was its slim and lightweight design. Weighing in at only 105g and with a thickness of 17mm, it was deemed one of the thinnest and lightest phones of its time. It also boasted a 2.0 inch AMOLED display with 256K colors, making it vibrant and visually appealing.
Storage and Network
The S88 may not have had the massive storage capacity we're used to now, but for its time, it was sufficient. It came with 20MB of internal storage and had a dedicated microSD slot, allowing users to expand the storage as needed. As for its network capabilities, it supported GSM technology and had 2G bands for use in multiple countries. It also had a Class 10 GPRS connection, but no EDGE.
The Camera and Sound
The S88 was ahead of its time in terms of camera quality, with a 2-megapixel single lens rear camera and an LED flash. While it may not seem like much now, during the time of its release, it was a high-end feature. The phone also came with a unique 3D surrounding sound feature, making it stand out in the audio department.
Other Features
The S88 may have been a feature phone, but it still had plenty of functions to cater to users' needs. It had a WAP browser, pre-installed games, and support for Java apps. It also had a mini-SIM slot and a removable Li-Ion battery with impressive standby and talk time.
The Legacy of the S88
The S88 was announced as discontinued soon after its release, leading some to believe that it was not as successful as BenQ-Siemens had hoped. However, the phone's sleek design, powerful features, and innovative technology paved the way for modern smartphones. It's safe to say that the S88 was ahead of its time and left a lasting impression on the mobile industry.
Conclusion
The S88 may be a relic now, but it will always remain a groundbreaking device that helped shape the phones we use today. BenQ-Siemens may no longer be in the mobile market, but their impressive phone, the S88, will always be remembered as a symbol of innovation and advancement.
BenQ-Siemens S88 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, January
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
99 x 47 x 17 mm (3.90 x 1.85 x 0.67 in)
Weight
105 g (3.70 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
AMOLED, 256K colors
Size
2.0 inches, 31 x 39 mm, 12.6 cm2 (~27.1% screen-to-body ratio)