Motorola VE538 Unveil Features Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola VE538

The Motorola VE538 is a feature phone that was announced in September 2008 and released in January 2009. Known for its basic functionality and durability, the VE538 catered to users looking for a straightforward communication device with essential multimedia capabilities. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a significant example of mobile technology during its era.

Network Capabilities

The Motorola VE538 supported GSM and UMTS technology, allowing for reliable connectivity and voice communication. It operated on 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, and supported the 3G UMTS 2100 band. With a data speed of 384 kbps, users could enjoy basic internet functionality and mobile services that were standard at the time.

Design and Build

The VE538 featured a compact design measuring 107 x 46 x 16 mm and weighing only 83 grams. Its lightweight and compact structure made it easy to handle and carry, suitable for everyday use. The phone accommodated a mini-SIM and was designed with practicality in mind, focusing on providing core communication features.

Display Features

Equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT display, the VE538 offered a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, delivering clear and vibrant visuals despite its modest screen size. With support for 256K colors, it provided an adequate viewing experience for a feature phone of its time, offering satisfactory visibility for basic operations and media viewing.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the VE538 was limited to 10MB, which was typical for feature phones of its class. However, it offered the option of expanding storage via a dedicated microSDHC slot. Users could store up to 500 phonebook entries and keep track of call records such as dialed, received, and missed calls.

Camera Functionality

The Motorola VE538 featured a single 2 MP main camera capable of capturing basic photos and videos. It also included a front-facing VGA camera designed for video calls. While these camera features were basic compared to modern smartphones, they provided users with the ability to capture and share moments with relative ease.

Sound and Audio

The phone was equipped with a loudspeaker for hands-free communication or listening to media. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limited connectivity to external audio devices using standard audio cables.

Communication and Connectivity

While the VE538 did not support WLAN, it featured Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP, allowing users to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices for wireless audio streaming and file sharing. The lack of GPS and radio functionalities were indicative of its focus on core communication rather than extended media services. The USB 2.0 support facilitated data transfer and charging.

Software and Features

The VE538 ran on a proprietary feature phone operating system, emphasizing efficiency and user-friendliness. It supported SMS, MMS, Email, and Push Email services, catering to basic messaging needs. Additionally, it featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for rudimentary internet browsing and supported Java MIDP 2.0 for running compatible applications and games.

Battery and Power

Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, the VE538 offered standby time of up to 310 hours and talk time of up to 6 hours. Its efficient power management ensured that users could rely on it for prolonged periods without frequent recharging, aligning with the expectations from feature phones of its era.

MISC Features

The VE538 was available in black and featured an SAR rating of 1.23 W/kg for the head and 0.58 W/kg for the body. These ratings were compliant with safety standards to limit exposure to radiofrequency energy. The phone was priced around 70 EUR, making it an affordable option for users seeking essential mobile functions without the complexity of a smartphone.

Conclusion

The Motorola VE538 represented a reliable choice for users desiring a basic mobile device for communication and light multimedia use. Its straightforward design, coupled with essential features, made it popular among users who valued simplicity over extensive features. While it has been discontinued, the VE538 remains a testament to the evolution of mobile technology and the enduring appeal of feature phones in certain user segments.