Price and specifications of Motorola W380 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Motorola W380 is a feature phone that was announced in March 2007 and released in 2008. It is a basic mobile phone designed for users who require essential functions such as calling and texting without the complexities of a smartphone. Despite being discontinued, it served its purpose well for consumers looking for simplicity and ease of use.

Design and Build

The Motorola W380 has dimensions of 99 x 45 x 18.2 mm, making it compact and easy to hold or carry around. Weighing just 97 grams, it is lightweight and portable. The phone uses a mini-SIM and is available in a clamshell design, which was quite popular during its time. The build quality is robust, which is typical for Motorola devices, ensuring durability and longevity.

Display

Featuring a TFT display with 65K colors, the Motorola W380 offers basic visual quality suitable for text and simple graphics. The screen resolution is 128 x 160 pixels, which was standard for feature phones at the time. However, details about the screen size are not available, likely due to the focus on its fundamental usability rather than technical specifications.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a VGA main camera; while it may not provide high-resolution images, it is adequate for capturing simple photos and videos. Keep in mind that a front-facing camera is absent, reflecting its focus on basic mobile capabilities rather than multimedia functions.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola W380 supports GSM technology with 2G bands of GSM 900/1800/1900. Users can enjoy basic internet browsing features through GPRS, although EDGE support is unavailable. Other connectivity options are limited; it lacks Bluetooth and WLAN, though it includes a USB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound features include a loudspeaker and support for downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. However, the device does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limits audio connection options. It has an FM radio for entertainment, providing users with music and news streaming.

Memory and Storage

The device offers 7MB of internal storage without the option for external card slots. This necessitates efficient use of space, but it supports phonebook features with photocall options. Users can maintain records of 40 dialed, 40 received, and 40 missed calls. While limited by today's standards, it was on par with the expectations for feature phones at the time of its release.

Messaging and Extras

The Motorola W380 supports a variety of messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and instant messaging. Internet browsing is facilitated by a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Although simple, these features were sufficient for basic communication needs. The phone comes with pre-installed games and includes Java MIDP 2.0 support, offering some level of entertainment and application use.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery, which provides up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This battery life is exemplary for feature phones, ensuring users can go about their day without frequent recharges.

Pricing and Availability

At the time of its release, the Motorola W380 was priced at approximately 80 EUR. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a relic of an era when mobile phones prioritized essential communication features over advanced functionality.

Conclusion

In summary, the Motorola W380 offers a glimpse into the past, reflecting a period when feature phones dominated the market. By focusing on simplicity, robust design, and essential features, it catered to users who required reliable communication devices. While its capabilities may seem limited compared to modern smartphones, it remains an important milestone in mobile phone development.