Motorola M3788 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Motorola M3788

The Motorola M3788 is a mobile phone model that was announced in 1999 and quickly became part of the mobile communications scene of the late 90s and early 2000s. Known for its robust design and simplicity, the M3788 catered to an audience that valued basic mobile connectivity without the frills of modern smartphones. This article delves into the specific features and specifications of the Motorola M3788, providing a comprehensive view of its capabilities and limitations.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola M3788 operates on GSM technology, specifically supporting the 900/1800 MHz frequency bands. At the time of its release, these bands were standard for mobile communication in many parts of the world. However, it lacks support for GPRS and EDGE technologies, meaning that it does not support data transmission beyond basic voice and SMS services. This reflects the pre-smartphone era where phones were largely used for calling and text messaging.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Motorola M3788 is characteristic of its time. It features dimensions of 140 x 50 x 25 mm and weighs approximately 170 grams. The device feels solid in hand, thanks to its build quality and somewhat bulky design by today's standards. It uses a Mini-SIM, which was the standard before micro and nano SIMs became prevalent.

Display

The M3788 is equipped with a monochrome graphic display, known as "Optimax." The screen resolution is 96 x 32 pixels, which accommodates up to 4 lines of text. This kind of display is typical of feature phones of the era, delivering just enough clarity for reading text messages and navigating basic menus.

Memory and Storage

Being a feature phone, the Motorola M3788 does not offer a memory card slot and relies on SIM for storage. The phone can store a limited number of call records: 10 dialed, 5 received, and 5 missed calls. These specifications highlight the simple functionality expected from mobile devices during that period, focusing primarily on voice and text communication.

Sound and Alerts

The sound capabilities of the M3788 are quite basic. It does not have a loudspeaker, and users are limited to monophonic ringtones for alerts. Additionally, it lacks a 3.5mm jack, which means connecting external audio devices is not possible without proprietary accessories.

Communication Features

In terms of communication, the Motorola M3788 lacks modern connectivity features such as WLAN and Bluetooth. There is also no built-in positioning, radio, or USB connectivity. The phone's primary means of communication is through traditional SMS text messaging, which was an essential feature at the time.

Battery Life

One of the strong points of the M3788 is its battery life. It uses a removable NiMH battery with a capacity of 700 mAh. The phone can last up to 110 hours on standby and provides up to 230 minutes of talk time. This battery performance was relatively good for the technology available during that period and is a testament to the device's efficiency in managing power consumption.

Additional Features

The Motorola M3788 does not have any advanced sensors or browsing capabilities. It similarly lacks modern features such as a clock, alarm, games, or Java support. This minimalistic approach is indicative of the feature phone category, where the emphasis was on basic voice communication over additional functionalities.

Conclusion

The Motorola M3788 stands as a symbolic representation of the transitional phase of mobile phones in the late 1990s. As a basic feature phone, it fulfilled the needs of the time when voice calls and SMS were the cornerstone of mobile communication. Though it lacks modern features, its simplicity and reliable battery performance made it a popular choice among consumers. Today, while we have transitioned to highly sophisticated smartphones, the M3788 is a reminder of how far mobile technology has evolved.