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NEC e338 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2004, Q3
Camera
0.1MP
Battery
1300mAh
Screen
2.0"
Storage
No card slot
Operating System
Feature phone

Overview of NEC e338

The NEC e338 was launched in the third quarter of 2004 and represented a classic example of early 3G-enabled feature phones. Designed to cater to basic communication needs, this mobile phone provided essential functionalities without the distractions of modern-day smartphones. It was a suitable device for users who needed a straightforward, reliable mobile experience.

Design and Build

The e338 was compactly designed with dimensions of 93.8 x 47.1 x 23.3 mm and a weight of 114 grams. This made it easy to hold and carry around, a common advantage of early mobile phones. The phone featured a mini-SIM slot and a TFT display capable of showing 65K colors, providing a basic yet effective visual experience. Its screen measured 2.0 inches, giving users just enough space to navigate.

Display Features

The phone’s display was one of its modest highlights. The resolution of 176 x 220 pixels meant that the display was clear enough to read messages and navigate through menus. With approximately 141 pixels per inch, the quality sufficed for everyday use, such as checking emails or browsing the simple WAP 2.0/xHTML browser.

Camera Capabilities

Positioned with a rotating lens, the single CIF camera on the e338 was a basic inclusion for casual photography. While modern standards might scoff at a 0.1 Megapixel camera, during its time, it provided users the novelty of capturing moments directly from their phones. However, it lacked video recording functionality, highlighting its minimalistic approach to multimedia.

Network and Connectivity

As a GSM/UMTS device, the NEC e338 supported 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (UMTS 2100), allowing it to operate on several network frequencies. Its maximum data speed was 384 kbps, which was adequate during its time for basic internet tasks, such as checking emails or visiting WAP sites. The absence of modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS underscored its focus on fundamental communication abilities over advanced functionalities.

Memory and Storage

Storage capabilities on the NEC e338 were limited by today’s standards. The phone did not support additional storage through card slots, which was typical for many phones of that era. However, it had an internal phonebook capacity that could store up to 500 entries. Additionally, it kept a record of the last 20 dialed, received, and missed calls, which was quite useful for users looking for basic call management features.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery, which provided sufficient longevity for an average day’s use. The standby time was rated at up to 180 hours, while talk time reached up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. This battery life was respectable for a device designed primarily for voice and text communication.

Sound and Entertainment

In terms of sound, the NEC e338 featured a built-in loudspeaker for hands-free use and supported vibration alerts along with downloadable polyphonic ringtones. Though it did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, users could still enjoy basic gaming features, with support for downloadable games thanks to its Java MIDP 2.0 framework.

Additional Features

Other additional features of the e338 included SMS, MMS, and email messaging support, providing users with varied communication methods. The presence of a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allowed for light internet browsing, albeit at much slower speeds than today's standards. Despite its limited range of sensors and connectivity options, these functionalities expressed the versatility of feature phones during the early 2000s.

Conclusion

The NEC e338 was a product of its time, built with the necessary features to serve the needs of early mobile phone users without the immersive technology present in current smartphones. Its straightforward, efficient design, and essential functionality offer a glimpse into the evolutionary journey of mobile phones. For anyone familiar with gadgets from the early 2000s, the NEC e338 represents a crucial step in mobile technology, underpinning the transition from basic telecommunications devices to the sophisticated, multifunctional smartphones we know today.

Key Features of NEC e338

  • Supports both GSM and UMTS networks for better connectivity.
  • Compact design with dimensions of 93.8 x 47.1 x 23.3 mm and a weight of 114 g.
  • 2.0 inch TFT display with 65K colors and a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels.
  • Rotating CIF camera for capturing images.
  • Phonebook with a capacity of 500 entries and records of 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each.
  • Support for SMS, MMS, and Email messaging services.
  • WAP 2.0/xHTML browser capability.
  • Java MIDP 2.0 support for applications and downloadable games.
  • Loudspeaker and downloadable polyphonic ringtones with a composer function.
  • Removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery providing up to 180 hours on standby and 2 hours and 30 minutes talk time.

NEC e338 Main Disadvantages

  • No memory card slot for additional storage.
  • Low screen-to-body ratio (~28.5%).
  • Low display resolution, resulting in less sharp images (~141 ppi density).
  • No video recording capability on the main camera.
  • Lacks a front-facing selfie camera.
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Does not support WLAN, limiting internet access options.
  • No Bluetooth functionality for wireless connections.
  • ABSENCE of GPS for location services.
  • Lack of FM radio support.
  • Uses a proprietary USB connection instead of standard types.
  • Short talk time duration (up to 2 hours and 30 minutes).
Network
Technology GSM / UMTS
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands UMTS 2100
Speed Yes, 384 kbps
Launch
Announced 2004, Q3
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 93.8 x 47.1 x 23.3 mm, 89 cc (3.69 x 1.85 x 0.92 in)
Weight 114 g (4.02 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT, 65K colors
Size 2.0 inches, 31 x 39 mm, 12.6 cm2 (~28.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot No
Phonebook 500 entries
Call records 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Main Camera
Single CIF, rotating lens
Video No
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth No
Positioning No
Radio No
USB Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, MMS, Email
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games Yes + downloadable
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 180 h
Talk time Up to 2 h 30 min
Misc
Colors

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