Chea 188: A Feature Phone From 2003 That Left a Lasting Impression
In 2003, Chea released its feature phone, the 188. While it may not have been as popular as other devices at that time, it left a lasting impression in the minds of many who owned it.
The Basics: Design and Operating System
The Chea 188 was a lightweight device, weighing only 80g with a thickness of 20mm. Its compact size made it easy to carry around, and its sleek design was eye-catching. The phone had no card slot, so storage capacity was limited, but it did have a reliable operating system for a feature phone.
Network and Connectivity
The Chea 188 used GSM technology and had two bands, GSM 900 and 1800. It did not have GPRS or EDGE, but this did not affect its overall performance. However, it did not have WLAN, Bluetooth, or any other forms of connectivity either.
Launch and Discontinuation
The Chea 188 was announced and released in the second quarter of 2003. Unfortunately, it was short-lived and discontinued shortly after its release. Despite this, it managed to leave a lasting impact on its users.
The Body and Display
The phone's measurements were 106 x 45 x 20 mm, making it a compact and easy-to-hold device. It featured a monochrome FSTN display with a resolution of 112 x 64 pixels and a 16:9 ratio. One of its most unique features was the ability to set screensavers, which was rare for a feature phone.
Memory and Storage
The Chea 188 had no card slot for external storage, so users had to make do with the phone’s built-in memory. It had a phonebook capacity of 100, which was considered decent at that time. Sadly, it did not have a feature to keep track of call records.
Camera and Sound
The device did not have a camera, which may have been disappointing for users, but it did have a loudspeaker and could play polyphonic ringtones. It also had a vibration feature for incoming calls and could support custom ringtone compositions.
Other Noteworthy Features
The Chea 188 did not have any advanced features such as sensors, Internet connectivity, or radio. However, it did have predictive text input, which made typing messages easier. The phone also offered three thrilling games and supported major European languages.
Battery Life and Durability
The phone’s removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery could last up to 160 hours on standby mode and up to 3 hours of talk time. Additionally, the phone was known for its durability, as many users reported owning it for years without facing any major issues.
Final Thoughts
The Chea 188 may not have been the most advanced device of its time, but it surely had its charm. With its compact design, reliable features, and decent battery life, it managed to leave a lasting impression on its users. While it may no longer be available, it will always be remembered as a noteworthy feature phone from the early 2000s.
