Unveiling Motorola M3688 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola M3688

The Motorola M3688 was a popular feature phone that was released in 1999. As part of the M series by Motorola, it stood out for its robust design and basic functionality during a time when mobile technology was still in its nascent stage. The phone was aimed at users who needed a simple communication device without the complexities that would come with later generations of mobile phones.

Design and Build

The Motorola M3688 had a sturdy build and a simple design. Its dimensions were 140 x 50 x 25 mm, offering a comfortable grip with its slightly bulky form factor. With a weight of 170 grams, it felt substantial and solid in the hand, providing reassurance against drops and daily wear. The phone was equipped with a traditional numeric keypad, making it easy to dial numbers and compose text messages.

Display Features

This device featured a monochrome graphic, Optimax display with a resolution of 96 x 32 pixels. Although limited by contemporary standards, the display was more than sufficient for basic tasks it was intended for, such as viewing contact information and reading text messages. The screen supported four lines of text, providing users with a straightforward and no-frills viewing experience.

Network Capabilities

In terms of connectivity, the M3688 was designed to operate on GSM networks. It supported 2G bands, specifically GSM 900 and 1800, which were standard at that time. Despite lacking GPRS and EDGE support, which later became essential for mobile internet, the phone served its primary function as a mobile communication device effectively.

Battery Performance

Powering the M3688 was a removable NiMH 700 mAh battery. This compact battery allowed for an impressive standby time of up to 110 hours and a talk time of approximately 230 minutes. Such longevity was adequate for users who needed a reliable phone throughout their day, emphasizing its practicality over battery-hungry functionalities.

Memory and Storage

The Motorola M3688 was a basic feature phone and lacked expandable memory options, with no card slot available. The device used a SIM-only phonebook, which meant contacts were stored directly on the SIM card. Call logs were limited, storing records of up to 10 dialed, 5 received, and 5 missed calls, reflecting the utilitarian design focused on essential phone functions.

Sound and Alert Features

Sound on the M3688 was straightforward, offering monophonic ringtones for alerts. There was no loudspeaker or 3.5mm headphone jack available, highlighting its simple nature. The alert types catered to basic user needs, with a focus on simplicity rather than multimedia features, which were not a priority at the time of release.

Communication and Connectivity

The phone lacked modern connectivity features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and USB ports, as it was primarily designed for voice communication. There was no built-in positioning system or radio, focusing the device purely on making calls and sending SMS. This simplicity was appealing to users looking for a dependable, no-nonsense mobile phone.

Additional Features

With no support for modern sensors, web browsing, or games, the M3688 emphasized basic functionalities. The device supported messaging through SMS only, and it did not have a clock or alarm functions built-in. The absence of Java meant it could not run additional applications, but it supported 26 languages, making it versatile for international users.

Legacy and Impact

The Motorola M3688, like many phones of its time, played a significant role in the evolution of mobile technology. It provided essential communication tools in a manageable format, laying the groundwork for more advanced devices in the future. The model was eventually discontinued, but it remains a noteworthy example of early mobile communication devices.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Motorola M3688 exemplified the early mobile phone era's focus on simplicity and reliability. While it may not measure up to the feature-rich smartphones of today, it fulfilled the needs of its users by delivering dependable voice services and basic messaging capabilities. The M3688 is a testament to Motorola's influence in the initial stages of mobile telecommunications, marking it as a memorable piece of technological history.