About the A2618: Ericsson's First Feature Phone Released in 2000
For many people, the A2618 might just be a long forgotten phone from the past. However, this humble mobile device holds a special place in history as it was the first ever feature phone released by the renowned brand, Ericsson. The A2618 was launched back in the year 2000, a time when the world was experiencing a major shift in the telecommunications industry.
Let's delve deeper into the features and specifications of this iconic device.
Design and Launch
Compared to today's smartphones, the A2618 may seem extremely basic and chunky. It weighed 140g and had a thickness of 25mm, making it quite heavy and bulky for its time. However, back then, it was considered a sleek and modern device.
The A2618 had a simple rectangular body with a monochrome graphic display and four lines of resolution. It also sported a miniature SIM card slot, which was a new feature at the time. This mobile phone was available in customizable colors, thanks to its exchangeable covers. The device was announced in 2000 and was discontinued soon after.
Operating System and Storage
The A2618 ran on a simple feature phone operating system, which was the norm during that era. It did not have a card slot, so users were limited to the internal storage of the phone. However, considering that it was primarily used for calls and texts, the lack of storage wasn't a major issue.
Network and Connectivity
The A2618 only supported 2G GSM technology, specifically GSM 900/1800 bands. This meant that users could only make and receive calls and texts, unlike smartphones today with high-speed internet capabilities. It did not have GPRS or EDGE features, which were slowly being introduced in the market at the time.
Camera and Sound
One of the notable aspects of the A2618 was its lack of a camera. This was quite common for feature phones back then as cameras on phones were still a new concept. The device also did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack. It only had monophonic ringtones available for customization.
Features and Battery Life
The A2618 may have seemed limited compared to today's smartphones, but it did have some interesting features. Users could enjoy playing 3 pre-installed games - Tetris, Erix, and Labirinth. It also had SMS messaging and a basic WAP browser. Other notable features included a clock, alarm, and the ability to use custom pictures for wallpapers.
The A2618 was powered by a removable NiMH battery, which could last up to 7 hours of talk time and 195 hours on standby. This was considered impressive for its time, especially for a mobile phone with such limited features.
The Legacy of the A2618
Looking back, the A2618 may seem like a primitive device compared to our current smartphones. However, it was a major stepping stone in the evolution of mobile phones. It set the foundation for future feature phones and paved the way for more advanced technology, eventually leading to the smartphones we rely heavily on today.
In conclusion, the A2618 may just be a distant memory for some, but its impact on the mobile industry cannot be forgotten. It will always hold a special place in the history of Ericsson and the ever-evolving world of telecommunications.
