Overview

The Bird S788, announced in the second quarter of 2004, is a feature phone that embodies the simplicity and basic functionality characteristic of mobile devices from its era. Although it has long been discontinued, the Bird S788 remains a notable example of early 2000s mobile technology, providing essential communication features without the complexities of today’s smartphones.

Network and Connectivity

The Bird S788 supports GSM technology and operates on GSM 900 / 1800 bands, which were standard for mobile communication during its time. It features Class 10 GPRS for data transmission, although EDGE technology is not supported. The device lacks modern connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, which aligns with its function as a basic communication device.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 115 x 45 x 14 mm and a weight of just 79 grams, the Bird S788 was compact and lightweight, making it convenient to carry. It used a Mini-SIM card, which was common during the era of its release. The phone's aesthetics were simple, available in grey and red colors, catering to users who preferred straightforward and functional design elements.

Display

The device features a CSTN display capable of showing 4096 colors, which was modest by today's standards but typical for its time. The screen resolution stands at 112 x 80 pixels, providing basic visual representation suitable for the limited graphical requirements of its interface and applications.

Memory and Storage

The Bird S788 offers no external card slot for memory expansion, which was a common limitation in many feature phones of its time. However, it includes a phonebook capable of storing up to 300 entries, enabling users to keep a substantial list of contacts. Additionally, the call log can record up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls.

Audio and Alerts

Audio capabilities on the Bird S788 include polyphonic (32 tones) ringtones with vibration alerts. However, it lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, indicating its focus on basic phone functionality rather than multimedia use.

Messaging and Applications

The Bird S788 supports SMS messaging, which was the primary mode of text communication at its time. It also features a selection of built-in games to provide casual entertainment. The phone does not support modern web browsing capabilities or Java applications, consistent with its classification as a feature phone.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 670mAh. Given the low power consumption of its limited features and monochrome screen, this capacity was sufficient to offer long standby and talk time, minimizing the need for frequent recharging.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Bird S788 represents a bygone era of mobile technology, where communication was the core function of handheld devices. While lacking the capabilities of modern smartphones, it was adequate for basic telephony and messaging, serving the needs of users prior to the smartphone revolution. Its design, while minimal by today's standards, was functional and accessible, ensuring ease of use for its customers.