The Revolutionary e338: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
The NEC e338, released in 2004, Q3, was a game changer in the world of mobile phones. With its sleek design and advanced features, it quickly became a must-have device for tech enthusiasts all over the world. Let's take a closer look at what made this device stand out from the rest.
Design and Dimensions
Weighing just 114g and with a thickness of 23.3mm, the e338 was designed for convenience and comfort. Its compact size made it easy to carry around, and its sleek appearance made it a stylish accessory. Despite its small size, the phone packed a punch with its impressive features.
The Operating System
The NEC e338 was considered a feature phone, as it was not classified as a smartphone. However, its operating system was a step ahead of other feature phones at the time. It had a user-friendly interface and allowed for smooth navigation between applications.
Storage and Network
The e338 unfortunately did not have a card slot, meaning users could not expand its memory capacity. However, it made up for it with its impressive 18 MB internal memory. This was divided into the following categories: 4 MB for MMS, 960 KB for JAVA applications, and 5 MB for personal files. On the network front, the device had GSM and UMTS technology, allowing for fast and reliable connectivity. It supported 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (UMTS 2100) with a speed of 384 kbps.
The Display and Camera
The e338 featured a 2.0 inch TFT display with 65K colors. This may seem small compared to today's standards, but it was a big deal back in 2004. The screen-to-body ratio of 28.5% was also considered impressive for its time. As for the camera, the device had a single CIF camera with a rotating lens. While it did not have video capabilities, it still allowed users to capture special moments with ease.
Other Features and Functions
The e338 also offered a range of other features that made it one of the most advanced devices of its time. It had a loudspeaker, customizable ringtones, and audio and video streaming capabilities. It also came with an impressive list of supported audio and picture formats, making it a versatile device for media consumption. Additionally, it had messaging and browsing capabilities, as well as built-in games and Java support.
Battery Life and Color Options
The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery, which provided up to 180 hours of standby time and 2 and a half hours of talk time. As for color options, it was available in different variations, allowing users to choose a phone that suited their personal style.
The Legacy of the NEC e338
Although the e338 was discontinued, its legacy continues to live on. This device revolutionized the feature phone market and paved the way for more advanced models in the future. Its design and features were ahead of its time, making it a highly sought-after device among collectors today.
If you were lucky enough to own an e338, you were definitely ahead of the game. It was a device that truly embodied NEC's commitment to innovation and quality. Today, we can look back at this device and appreciate its role in the development of mobile phone technology.
NEC e338 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM / UMTS
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands
UMTS 2100
Speed
Yes, 384 kbps
Launch
Announced
2004, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
93.8 x 47.1 x 23.3 mm, 89 cc (3.69 x 1.85 x 0.92 in)
Weight
114 g (4.02 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
2.0 inches, 31 x 39 mm, 12.6 cm2 (~28.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
500 entries
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Other
In 18 MB internal memory:
- 4 MB maximum for MMS
- 960 KB maximum for JAVA appl.
- 5 MB for personal files