Welcome to the World of Trium Astral: The Feature Phone Pioneer from Mitsubishi
The year was 1999 and the telecommunication industry was going through a major shift. The demand for mobile phones was skyrocketing and it was clear that the market would soon be dominated by feature phones. This is when Mitsubishi unveiled its latest offering, the Trium Astral, setting the bar high for what a feature phone should be like.
A Glimpse at the Trium Astral
The Trium Astral quickly gained attention for its sleek design and advanced features. It weighed 149g and had a thickness of 29mm, making it one of the most compact phones of its time. Its dimensions were 132 x 49 x 29 mm, with a volume of 140cc. The phone supported a mini-SIM card and came in three different colors - red, blue, and silver, giving users the option to choose according to their preferences.
Revolutionizing User Experience
The Trium Astral introduced various new features, including a monochrome graphic display with a picture menu. This was a major improvement from the traditional text-based menus offered by other feature phones at the time. The resolution of the display was 5 x 13 to 25 characters, providing a clear and easy-to-read interface. The phone also had softkeys, which were customizable and allowed users to quickly access their favorite functions.
Efficient and Detailed Call Management
In addition to its advanced display, the Trium Astral had other impressive capabilities. It had a phonebook capacity of 100 contacts, as well as the ability to keep track of 10 dialed, 5 received, and 5 missed calls. The phone also featured detailed call duration reports, making it easier for users to keep track of their phone usage.
Powerful Operating System and Memory
The Trium Astral ran on a feature phone operating system and packed a punch with its 900 mAh removable NiMH battery. It had a standby time of 150 hours and a talk time of 3 hours, making it a reliable companion for everyday use. However, one drawback of this device was the lack of a memory card slot, limiting its storage capacity. Nevertheless, the phone managed to make up for it with its impressive phonebook and call record capacities.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Trium Astral supported only GSM 2G bands - 900/1800, as well as SMS messaging. Unfortunately, it did not have GPRS, EDGE, or Bluetooth capabilities. However, it offered other features such as a scratchpad, currency converter, and 8 language options, making it a versatile device for users.
Saying Goodbye to an Icon
The Trium Astral was announced in 1999 and was discontinued shortly after. Its short-lived tenure in the market may have been due to its limited network capabilities and lack of advanced features compared to other phones that followed. However, it will always be remembered as a pioneer in the world of feature phones, setting the standards for what a pocket-sized communication device should be like.
In Conclusion
The Trium Astral was a revolutionary device that paved the way for the feature phone era. Its sleek design, advanced features, and powerful operating system set it apart from similar devices of its time. Although it may not have had a long shelf life, its impact on the telecommunication industry will never be forgotten. The Trium Astral will always hold a special place in the hearts of early mobile phone users and remain an iconic device for years to come.