Overview of Motorola E398
The Motorola E398 was introduced in the first quarter of 2004 and quickly gained attention for its focus on multimedia capabilities during a time when such features were becoming increasingly sought after. The phone's design and specifications made it a popular choice among users looking for more than just basic calling and texting functionalities.
Design and Build
The Motorola E398 measures 108 x 46 x 21 mm and weighs 108 grams, making it a compact device that fits comfortably in the hand. Its solid build, paired with a unique aesthetic appeal, set it apart from many devices available during its release. The phone uses a Mini-SIM and is constructed with durable materials that lend to its slightly rugged feel.
Display
The E398 features a 1.9-inch TFT display that supports 65K colors. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, the screen offers clear visuals that are quite sufficient for its time. While the screen-to-body ratio is around 22.9%, it's important to note that the emphasis back then was less on screen size and more on functionality.
Camera Capabilities
While the Motorola E398's camera may seem rudimentary today, its VGA camera with an LED flash was quite respectable for the early 2000s. Though it lacked video capabilities, it was more than capable of taking decent photos in good light conditions, enriched by options like photocal and limited editing functionalities.
Audio and Sound
The audio capabilities of the Motorola E398 were one of its standout features. The phone included stereo speakers, which provided superior sound quality for playing polyphonic ringtones and MP3 files. This focus on audio signaled a shift towards multimedia use in mobile phones, giving users an entry-point into music experiences on-the-go.
Storage and Memory
In terms of storage, the E398 came with an internal memory capacity of 5MB. To address the need for additional space, it provided a dedicated microSD slot with a 64MB card included. It supported around 1000 phonebook entries, which was excellent for users who needed extensive contact management.
Network and Connectivity
The Motorola E398 supported GSM technology compatible with 900/1800/1900 bands, facilitating decent connectivity across various regions. Additionally, it featured GPRS Class 10 for data transmission but did not support EDGE. Bluetooth 1.1 was included for limited wireless connectivity, and the phone had a proprietary USB port for data transfer and charging.
Operating System and Software
Operating on a feature phone platform, the E398 included basic functionalities such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. It also had Java support (MIDP 2.0), which allowed users to install compatible games and applications, further expanding its functionality.
Battery Life
Battery performance was a significant aspect of the E398, as the device came with a removable 830mAh Li-Ion battery. Offering a stand-by time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, the battery life was more than adequate for regular use without frequent charging interruptions, which was a notable point in its favor.
User Interface and Features
The phone featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser enabling basic web access, something of a novelty at the time. Users could enjoy pre-installed games and had the option to download more, taking advantage of its Java capabilities. Alerts and notifications could be tailored with downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, enhancing the customizability of the user experience.
Market Reception and Discontinuation
Upon its announcement and subsequent release, the Motorola E398 was well-received for its innovative features, specifically in sound and media capabilities. However, as technology progressed rapidly, demand for more advanced functionalities grew. The device was eventually discontinued, leaving a unique mark as a precursor to future multimedia-focused phones.
Legacy and Impact
The impact of the Motorola E398 on the mobile industry was notable as it pioneered the integration of multimedia capabilities in mobile devices. The phone appealed not just to standard mobile phone users but particularly to music enthusiasts, thereby sparking the next wave of development focused on creating rich media experiences on mobile phones.
Key Features of Motorola E398
- Supports GSM 900/1800/1900 networks with GPRS Class 10
- Compact dimensions: 108 x 46 x 21 mm and lightweight at 108 g
- TFT display with 65K colors and a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels
- Expandable memory with microSD card slot, 5 MB internal memory
- VGA main camera with LED flash
- Stereo speakers capable of 22 Khz sound with vibration
- Bluetooth 1.1 connectivity
- Supports SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email messaging
- Java support with MIDP 2.0 for app compatibility
- Removable Li-Ion 830 mAh battery with up to 240 h standby and 7 h talk time
Disadvantages of the Motorola E398
- No EDGE support, which limits internet speed and connectivity options.
- Very limited internal storage of only 5MB, requiring reliance on external microSD cards.
- Basic VGA main camera without video capabilities, leading to poor-quality photos and no video recording.
- Lack of a front (selfie) camera.
- No Wi-Fi support, reducing the ability for wireless internet access.
- Bluetooth version 1.1, which is outdated and may have compatibility and performance issues with newer devices.
- No GPS or positioning services available.
- No built-in radio feature.
- Proprietary USB, which limits convenience and compatibility with standard USB peripherals.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack, necessitating the use of specific adapters or accessories for audio output.
- Very small display size with low resolution, affecting the multimedia and browsing experience.
- Discontinued status, which means no longer being manufactured or directly supported.
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