The GH 388, also known as the Ericsson GH 388, was a feature phone released by Ericsson in 1995. It may seem like a lifetime ago, but this device holds a special place in the history of mobile technology.
Design and Dimensions
Weighing in at 170g and measuring 23mm in thickness, the GH 388 was not the most compact or lightweight device. Its dimensions of 130 x 49 x 23 mm (5.12 x 1.93 x 0.91 in) made it chunky by today's standards, but back then, it was considered relatively sleek and modern.
Display and Memory
The GH 388 featured a simple alphanumeric display with fixed icons. Its resolution was only 3 x 12 characters, but that was enough for text-based features like SMS messaging and the calculator. Unfortunately, there was no card slot for expandable storage, but the phonebook could hold up to 100 contacts.
Network and Communication
As a feature phone, the GH 388 operated on the GSM network with 2G bands dedicated to GSM 900. It did not have any advanced communication features like GPRS or EDGE. The phone also did not have any wireless connectivity options like WLAN or Bluetooth. However, it did support the basic functions of making and receiving calls and sending SMS messages.
Battery Life and Features
The GH 388 was powered by a removable NiMH 915 mAh battery, which provided a standby time of 37 hours and a talk time of 125 minutes. Along with its basic communication features, the phone also had a built-in clock and alarm. There were no games or Java capabilities, but the calculator was a handy feature to have on hand.
Discontinued but Not Forgotten
The GH 388 may have been discontinued, but its impact on the mobile technology industry is undeniable. It marked the beginning of mobile phones becoming more than just basic tools for communication. Its release also paved the way for the development of more advanced features and capabilities in future mobile devices.
Although the GH 388 may seem like a relic now, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of nostalgic tech enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder of how far we've come in terms of mobile technology and where we can go from here.