Price and specifications of Motorola E390 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Motorola E390

The Motorola E390 was announced in the fourth quarter of 2003, a period where mobile technology was experiencing rapid transformation. Although it was ultimately cancelled and never released to the general market, the Motorola E390 was designed to fit snugly into the feature phone category, which dominated the mobile phone landscape before the advent of smartphones. This device was expected to provide a compact and functional communication tool for everyday users.

Design and Build

The Motorola E390's body was compact and easy to carry, measuring 107 x 46 x 22 mm and weighing 100 grams. Its dimensions and weight made it a portable communication device, ideal for users who preferred practicality and simplicity. It featured a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard at the time, supporting GSM networks.

Display Features

The phone sported a TFT display capable of showing 65K colors, with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. While the specific size of the screen is not specified, the resolution suggests it was adequate for basic phone functionalities and simple media usage. Given the technology constraints at the time, such a screen was fitting for its purpose of basic communications and limited multimedia usage.

Camera Specifications

The Motorola E390 featured a VGA camera, a 0.3MP sensor, which was relatively common in devices of that time. The inclusion of a camera was more about convenience than producing high-quality images, as it allowed users to capture simple moments on-the-go. Notably, the device did not support video recording capabilities.

Performance and Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 600mAh battery, the Motorola E390 could manage a stand-by time ranging between 160 to 210 hours, with a talk time of 5 to 10 hours. This battery life was quite sufficient for a feature phone, ensuring that users could depend on the device for call and messaging throughout the day.

Memory and Storage

The device did not support expandable storage, and while specifics on internal RAM are not provided, it did come with essential storage options catering for phonebook entries and a record of recent calls. Users could store numbers for easy access, with the device capable of storing 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls at any given time.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Motorola E390 operated on GSM technology, supporting GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. GPRS Class 10 was supported, but the device did not provide EDGE connectivity. Connectivity options included Bluetooth for short-range data exchange and an infrared port, which was a standard feature for that era for data transfers. The phone did not come equipped with USB or WLAN features.

Messaging and Applications

The Motorola E390 supported a variety of messaging options including SMS, EMS 5.0, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. For browsing, the phone included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, facilitating basic internet functions like checking emails or light browsing. The device offered a clock and alarm feature, and users could even download additional games, despite the absence of Java support.

Sound and Alerts

The sound capabilities were limited but functional; it did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, a factor that might have impacted its attraction to music lovers. However, it supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, as well as a composer for creating personalized alert tones. Vibrating alerts ensured that users would not miss important calls or messages.

User Interface and Operating System

The Motorola E390 ran on a proprietary operating system, categorized under feature phones. The interface was simplified, focusing mainly on essential phone operations and messaging. The lack of Java and other advanced features indicated a focus on usability rather than multifunctionality.

Conclusion

The Motorola E390 was set to be a reliable feature phone designed for users needing basic telecommunication functionalities. Despite its cancellation, it reflected the mobile technology trends of its time, emphasizing compactness, essential connectivity features, and basic multimedia support. Even though it never saw the light of day, the specifications and design choices of the Motorola E390 offer insight into the mobile device landscape of the early 2000s.