In the early 2000s, feature phones were all the rage. Among them was the 308, a device manufactured by the brand Chea. Despite its promising specifications, this device was unexpectedly cancelled. Let's take a look at what could have been with the Chea 308.
Release Date and Operating System
The Chea 308 was first announced in the third quarter of 2003. However, it never got the chance to hit the shelves as it was cancelled before its official release. It was meant to be a feature phone, meaning it did not have the advanced capabilities of a smartphone.
Design and Build
Clocking in at only 77g and 18mm thickness, the Chea 308 was a lightweight device that easily fit into pockets or bags. Its body dimensions were measured at 109 x 45 x 18 mm, making it a compact and easy-to-hold device. It also came with a mini-SIM card slot.
Display and Memory
The 308 featured a small STN display screen with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. With a limited color range of only 4096 colors, it may not have been the most visually stunning device, but it did come with screensaver options. As for memory, the device did not have a card slot, but it offered space for up to 150 contacts in the phonebook.
Camera and Sound
Unfortunately, the Chea 308 did not come equipped with a camera. On the bright side, it did offer some customizable sound options. Users could set vibration alerts and choose from a library of polyphonic ringtones or even create their own.
Connectivity and Features
The 308 was not equipped with any modern connectivity options such as WiFi or Bluetooth. It also did not have any sensors, and features were quite basic, including SMS and MMS messaging, a WAP 1.2 browser, and three pre-installed games. The device only offered English language support, but it did have the bonus of a voice dial feature.
Battery Life and Other Details
Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, the 308 promised up to 150 hours of standby time and 5 hours of talk time. Unfortunately, there is no record of what colors this device would have been available in.
Conclusion
Although quite limited in its capabilities, the Chea 308 could have been a reliable and compact feature phone for users in 2003. Its cancellation may have been a disappointment for some, but it serves as a reminder of how far mobile technology has come in the last few decades.