Ericsson GH 388 A Comprehensive Look into Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Ericsson GH 388

The Ericsson GH 388 is a classic mobile phone that was announced in 1995 and has since been discontinued. It is part of the early generation of mobile phones that helped lay the foundation for today’s smartphones. The phone was designed primarily for voice calls and SMS messaging, reflecting the limited technology available during the mid-1990s. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Ericsson GH 388, exploring its specifications, design, and historical significance.

Design and Build

The Ericsson GH 388 has a distinct design typical of mobile phones from the mid-1990s. It measures 130 x 49 x 23 mm and weighs 170 grams. The dimensions and weight reflect the technology of the era, prioritizing functionality over portability. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card, which was a standard at the time. Its alphanumeric display can show up to 3 x 12 characters, suffice for displaying phone numbers and limited text content. The robust build of the GH 388 signifies its durability and resilience.

Display Features

The display of the Ericsson GH 388 is alphanumeric, offering a simple user interface designed for displaying text and numeric data. While primitive by today's standards, the display was adequate for its primary functions of making calls and sending text messages. The limitation of a 3 x 12 character resolution was common for mobiles during that era, offering just enough functionality for basic text communication.

Battery and Power

The device is powered by a removable NiMH 915 mAh battery, which offers a stand-by time of up to 37 hours and a talk time of approximately 125 minutes. The battery was designed to be easily replaced, enhancing the device’s longevity as users could switch batteries once the original reached its end of life. The power management and battery capabilities of the GH 388 are reflective of the technology available during its time of release.

Communication and Network Capabilities

The Ericsson GH 388 operates on GSM technology with support for 2G GSM 900 bands, providing the standard communication network needed to make and receive calls. However, it lacks GPRS and EDGE support, as mobile data capabilities were not a standard feature in the mid-1990s. The phone does not feature modern wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, WLAN, or GPS.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with a basic phonebook capable of storing up to 100 contacts, a noteworthy feature for essential contact management. The lack of additional storage options, such as a card slot, means that users were limited to storing contacts directly on the device’s internal memory.

Sound and Multimedia

The GH 388 provides monophonic ringtones, which were standard during its release. The phone does not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, reflecting the limited multimedia capabilities inherent to mobile devices of this period. The lack of camera or advanced features aligns with its primary purpose focused on voice and SMS communication.

Messaging and Organizer Features

Messaging capabilities on the Ericsson GH 388 are limited to SMS. Despite its simplicity, the ability to send text messages represented a significant technological advancement during its time. It includes basic organizer features such as a clock and alarm function, which were beneficial for everyday use but lacks additional apps or games.

Historical Significance

The Ericsson GH 388 represents a crucial step in the evolution of mobile phones. Released in 1995, it was part of a generation of phones that made mobile communication more widely accessible. While elementary by today's standards, devices like the GH 388 paved the way for future advancements in mobile technology. Its design and functionality provide insight into the mobile communication capabilities and consumer expectations of its era.

Conclusion

The Ericsson GH 388 is a noteworthy device from the mid-1990s, offering essential communication functionality with its GSM technology. Despite its limitations in features by current standards, it served its purpose for voice calls and SMS messaging effectively. Its design, features, and performance reflect the technology of the era, providing a contrast to the sophisticated smartphones of today. Understanding the Ericsson GH 388 and its contemporaries sheds light on the technological evolution that has led to current mobile communication capabilities.