Unveiling the Chea 198 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Chea 198

The Chea 198 is a feature phone that was announced in the second quarter of 2003. It falls into the category of discontinued mobile devices, but during its time, it offered basic functionalities suitable for users who needed primary telecommunication tools rather than the complex, multifunctional smartphones seen today. The Chea 198 supported GSM technology and worked on 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800). Notably, this device does not support GPRS or EDGE networks, which align with the feature phones prevalent in the early 2000s.

Design and Build

The Chea 198 boasts a compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 106 x 45 x 20 mm (4.17 x 1.77 x 0.79 in) and a weight of only 80 grams (2.82 oz). Its portability made it an easy choice for users who preferred lightweight gadgets. The device utilized a Mini-SIM and was designed in an ergonomic structure to fit well in the user's hand, offering ease of use and practical comfort for daily telecommunication needs.

Display

The Chea 198 is equipped with an FSTN monochrome graphics display. Although the exact size is unspecified, it provides a resolution of 112 x 64 pixels with a 16:9 ratio. This type of display was common in devices from that period, providing basic visual outputs focused more on function than aesthetic visual performance.

Capacity and Memory

For storage, the Chea 198 does not feature a card slot, limiting additional memory expansion. However, it includes a phonebook that can hold up to 100 contacts, which was a reasonable number for its time. This limitation reflects the typical feature phone standards where basic memory functions sufficed for general user needs without complex data storage demands.

Sound and Alerts

The Chea 198 provides sound functionalities such as a loudspeaker and supports polyphonic ringtones. Users can choose from various alert types including vibration and can even compose their own ringtones. The device does not support a 3.5mm jack, aligning with its straightforward design where audio functionalities were confined to essential telecommunication alerts.

Communications

Communication technologies in the Chea 198 are quite basic. It does not support WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning features and lacks any form of built-in radio capabilities. The absence of these features indicates its role as a communication-centric device, strictly focusing on call and text functionalities.

Features and Utilities

In terms of additional features, the Chea 198 offers fundamental utilities such as SMS messaging, a clock, and an alarm. Gaming enthusiasts had access to three pre-installed games. Despite missing advanced features like a web browser or sensors, its language capabilities included major European languages, making it accessible to a broad user base.

Battery Life

The Chea 198 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery. This modest capacity is reasonable given its limited energy demands, ensuring up to 160 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. Such battery life is typical for feature phones, sufficient for standard daily usage without the need for frequent recharges.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Chea 198 is emblematic of early 2000s feature phones. Its utility-driven design, emphasis on core communication functions, and user-friendly operations reflect the era's technological milieu. Although lacking today’s smartphone capabilities, the Chea 198 remains a testament to the simplicity and practicality valued in mobile devices from its time.