Bosch World 718 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Bosch World 718

The Bosch World 718 was introduced in 1996 and has since been discontinued. As a feature phone, it was designed during a time when mobile technology was vastly different than today. The phone serves as an interesting piece of technological history, representing an era where basic functionality was prized over the advanced features present in current smartphones.

Network Capabilities

The device supported GSM communication networks, a standard which was widespread during its time of release. Specifically, it operated on GSM 900 and 1900 bands. Notably, the Bosch World 718 did not include GPRS or EDGE technologies, which were later developments in mobile connectivity that allowed for faster data transmission.

Launch and Status

Announced in 1996, the Bosch World 718 had a brief lifecycle typical for feature phones of its time and was eventually discontinued as technology advanced. Despite its discontinuation, it remains an interesting example of early mobile communication devices.

Body and Design

Featuring dimensions of 142 x 53 x 18 mm, the Bosch World 718 was relatively compact for its time, although quite larger compared to today’s standards. It weighed 189 grams, which might seem heavy now but was typical back then. The device used a Mini-SIM card, another characteristic detail from its era.

Display

The Bosch World 718 came with a monochrome graphic display, which was common in feature phones during the mid-1990s. The resolution supported 4 lines of 16 characters each, emphasizing text over graphics and providing users with basic information and messaging capabilities without the need for complex media interactions.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the phone did not support external card slots, reflecting the typical configuration of mobile devices at that time. It featured a phone book capacity for up to 100 entries and could track call records for the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. This functionality was adequate for user needs at the time, focusing on fundamental communication functions.

Sound Features

Sound features on the Bosch World 718 included monophonic ringtones, a standard feature before polyphonic and MP3 ringtones became popular. The device did not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, indicating its primary focus on voice communication and basic alert functionalities.

Communication Features

The Bosch World 718 did not feature advanced modern communication technologies such as WLAN or Bluetooth, as these were not yet standard in mobile phones of this era. Likewise, it lacked GPS, radio, and USB connectivity, emphasizing its role as a straightforward communication device.

Additional Features

Although limited by today's standards, the Bosch World 718 included several utility features such as SMS messaging, a clock, and an alarm. It did not support web browsing or Java applications, both of which were emerging technologies in later years. Additionally, there were no built-in games, reflecting its utilitarian focus.

Battery Life

The phone used a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery, providing a standby time of up to 70 hours and a talk time of approximately 200 minutes. Battery technology in the 1990s centered on achieving maximum efficiency and longevity, a tradition that continues in modern mobile device design, albeit with far more advanced technologies.

Conclusion

The Bosch World 718 represents a fascinating snapshot of mobile technology during its time. With its basic functionality, it served users who required reliable communication without the additional functionalities that modern smartphones offer. It remains a nostalgic icon for those interested in the development of mobile technology, showcasing how far the industry has come since the mid-1990s.