The Classic A3618: A Feature Phone That Stands the Test of Time
The Ericsson A3618, released in 2001 during the third quarter, has been a classic in the mobile phone industry. This feature phone may not be as advanced as the smartphones we have today, but its simple yet functional design has captured the hearts of many.
A Blast from the Past
The A3618 may be a device from the past, but its release date does not reflect its quality and durability. Weighing only 86g and with a thickness of 22mm, this phone was easy to carry around and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Its dimensions of 111 x 47 x 22 mm (4.37 x 1.85 x 0.87 in) made it compact and convenient to use.
Features that Matter
The A3618 may be a simple feature phone, but it still packed some impressive features. It operates on a GSM technology and has 2G bands for calls and texts. The monochrome graphic display may not be as vibrant as the ones we have now, but it still gets the job done with its four-line resolution. What makes this phone unique is its four background color options - red, green, blue, and yellow. It also has two screensavers that show up during start-up and shut-down.
Storage and Memory
One downside of the A3618 is its lack of a card slot for external storage. But back then, this wasn't a common feature yet. However, it makes up for it by providing a phonebook that can store up to 99 contacts. It also keeps track of the last 20 received, dialed, and missed calls. You could even save 10 SMS templates for quick responses.
Not Just About Making Calls
Although the A3618 may not have a camera, loudspeaker, or any modern connectivity features like Bluetooth and WLAN, it still offered some entertainment options. It came with three simple games - Tetris, Erix, and Pulldown. You could also personalize your phone by choosing from four available languages and using the predictive text input feature for faster typing. It also has a clock, alarm, profiles, and an organizer to help you manage your time efficiently.
Battery Life
The A3618 may not have had the most advanced technology, but it had a decent battery life. The removable NiMH battery provided a standby time of 90-155 hours and a talk time of 2.5-4 hours.
Colors to Choose From
For a feature phone, the A3618 had two color options - icy silver and graphite silver. Both colors were sleek and complemented the phone's overall design.
The End of an Era
The A3618 may have been discontinued, but its impact in the world of feature phones is still evident today. It has paved the way for other simple yet functional devices, making it a timeless classic.
In conclusion, the Ericsson A3618 may not be the flashiest or most advanced device, but it remains a beloved feature phone among many people. Its simplicity, durability, and functional features make it stand out even in today's fast-paced world of smartphones. So if you happen to come across an A3618, don't be surprised if it brings back some nostalgia and memories of a simpler time in the mobile phone industry.
Ericsson A3618 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2001, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
111 x 47 x 22 mm (4.37 x 1.85 x 0.87 in)
Weight
86 g (3.03 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
4 lines
Other
4 background colors (red, green, blue and yellow)
2 screensavers
Start-up/Shut-down shows
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
99
Call records
20 received, dialed and missed calls
Other
10 SMS templates
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Monophonic ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
3 - Tetris, Erix, Pulldown
Languages
4
Java
No
Other
Predictive text input
Stopwatch
Profiles
Organizer