The Ultimate Maxon MX3204 Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Maxon MX-3204

The Maxon MX-3204 is one of the vintage mobile phones introduced at the tail end of the 20th century. Announced in 1999, it represents an era when mobile communication was transitioning from the early bulky models to more compact and user-friendly devices.

Network Capabilities

The Maxon MX-3204 is equipped with basic network technology of its time. It supports GSM technology and operates exclusively on the GSM 900 frequency band. The device does not support GPRS or EDGE technologies, underscoring its basic capabilities as a feature phone intended primarily for calls and basic SMS messaging.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 131 x 45 x 21 mm and a weight of 170 g, the Maxon MX-3204 was a manageable device for its time. It supports a Mini-SIM card, which was the standard SIM size at that era. The design is typical of late 1990s phones with a straightforward monoblock form factor, prioritizing functionality over aesthetic innovation.

Display Features

The display is monochrome, featuring a graphic resolution capable of displaying 4 x 12 characters. While this may seem limited by today’s standards, it was adequate for text-based communication and simple phone navigation.

Memory Specifications

The phone does not support additional memory via card slots and has a simple phonebook feature suitable for storing essential contacts. It can keep records of 20 dialed calls, highlighting its basic utility oriented toward calling rather than extensive data storage.

Sound and Alert Features

The Maxon MX-3204 does not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack. It supports monophonic ringtones, which were the norm at the time, providing a straightforward alert system for incoming calls and messages.

Communication and Connectivity

There are no advanced connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or USB, which reflects the technological limitations of mobile phones during the late 1990s. The device also lacks positioning services like GPS, and it does not include a built-in radio.

Battery Specifications

The Maxon MX-3204 uses a removable NiMH 600 mAh battery. It offers up to 50 hours of standby time and approximately 2 hours of talk time. This was a reasonable battery performance for feature phones of that period.

Additional Features

In terms of additional features, the phone does not support a web browser, clock, or alarm, which might seem surprising today but was more common back then. Similarly, it does not offer any game functionality or Java support, emphasizing its creation as a straightforward communication tool.

Discontinuation and Historical Context

The Maxon MX-3204, like many devices of its time, was eventually discontinued as mobile phone technology rapidly advanced towards more sophisticated models that incorporated emails, browsing capabilities, and multimedia functions. Nevertheless, the MX-3204 remains a nostalgic reminder of the simpler days of mobile telephony when phones were primarily about voice communication and the novelty of SMS.

Conclusion

The Maxon MX-3204 stands as a testament to early mobile technology. It encapsulates the features and limitations of a bygone era emphasizing voice communication and portability. For those interested in the evolution of telecommunication technology, the MX-3204 is a fascinating piece of history, reflecting both the progress and the limitations of its time.