NEC N938 Review Specs Pricing Features and Flaws

Introduction to NEC N938

The NEC N938 is an iconic feature phone that was introduced in the second quarter of 2005. During this period, feature phones were at the height of their popularity, and NEC aimed to stand out with the N938 by offering a blend of basic functionality and emerging technologies.

Design and Build

The NEC N938 boasts a compact design, with dimensions measuring 87 x 56 x 14 mm, making it easy to handle and carry. Weighing just 79 grams, it was a highly portable device suitable for users who valued convenience. The phone's white exterior was minimalistic, appealing to users seeking a clean and simple aesthetic.

Display

This device features a TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 65,000 colors with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. While the exact size of the screen was not specified in the detailed specifications, its resolution indicates that it provided a reasonably clear display for its time, suitable for basic phone functionalities and simple multimedia content.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with an internal storage capacity of 2MB, the NEC N938 could store up to 500 phonebook entries, which was typical for phones of this era. Although it did not support external storage options such as a card slot, the available internal memory sufficed for essential functions such as contact storage and call records (20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls).

Camera

The NEC N938 comes with a VGA camera that supports 0.3MP imaging and features an LED flash, a modest setup by today's standards. The camera did not support video recording, positioning the device strictly in the realm of basic photography.

Sound and Alert Types

Sound capabilities on the NEC N938 include downloadable polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts. However, it lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting audio output options. Despite these limitations, the phone managed to deliver adequate alert functionalities for day-to-day use.

Connectivity and Communication

The phone supports GSM 900/1800 bands and includes basic data connectivity through GPRS. However, it does not offer EDGE support. Additional connectivity features include Bluetooth 1.1 for short-range wireless communication with other devices. The absence of WLAN and USB connectivity, along with no GPS capabilities, marks it strictly as a basic communication tool.

Operating System and Applications

The NEC N938 runs on a feature phone operating system. It is equipped to handle SMS and MMS for communication, whereas the web browsing capabilities are limited to WAP 2.0/xHTML browsers, primarily designed for accessing mobile-optimized websites. The phone supports Java, allowing for the installation of simple Java-based applications and games.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 550 mAh battery, the NEC N938 offered a standby time of up to 130 hours and a talk time of up to 2 hours. While modest, given the limited functionalities of feature phones at the time, this battery life was considered adequate for users with moderate usage habits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NEC N938 represents a fascinating chapter in the history of mobile phones. Offering essential communication tools with a minimalist design, it catered to users seeking straightforward functionalities. Today, while its technological capabilities are outpaced by modern smartphones, the N938 serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler era in mobile communication.