Ericsson T39 vs Ericsson T29s: A Blast from the Past

The late 90s and early 2000s were a golden age for mobile phones, and Ericsson was a major player. Today, we're diving into a comparison of two of their devices: the T39 and the T29s. While detailed specs are scarce, we'll leverage general knowledge and design cues to determine which phone holds up best.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Given the T29s' generally more refined design and slightly more advanced features (likely including better antenna performance), it likely edges out the T39. However, both offer a unique glimpse into a bygone era of mobile technology and are primarily collector's items.

PHONES
Phone Names	Ericsson T39	Ericsson T29s

Network
2G bands	GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 900 / 1800
EDGE	No	No
GPRS	Yes	No
Technology	GSM	GSM

Launch
Announced	2001	2001, February
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	96 x 50 x 18 mm (3.78 x 1.97 x 0.71 in)	101 x 49 x 20 mm (3.98 x 1.93 x 0.79 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	86 g (3.03 oz)	95 g (3.35 oz)

Display
Resolution	101 x 54 pixels, 4 lines, 17:9 ratio	101 x 33 pixels, 3 x 12 chars
Type	Grayscale graphic	Grayscale graphic

Memory
Call records	10 received, dialed and missed calls	10 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slot	No	No
Phonebook	510	200

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Alert types	Vibration; Downloadable monophonic ringtones, composer	Vibration; Downloadable monophonic ringtones, composer
Loudspeaker	No	No

Comms
Bluetooth	1.0b	No
Infrared port	Yes	-
Positioning	No	No
Radio	No	No
WLAN	No	No

Features
Alarm	Yes	Yes
Browser	WAP 1.2.1	WAP 1.1
Clock	Yes	Yes
Games	Yes	5
Java	No	No
Languages	37	English + many Asian
Messaging	SMS, Email	SMS, EMS
	Predictive text input Organizer Voice dialing Voice answering Profiles Helptexts and shortcuts Active flip	Predictive text input Voice dialing Voice answering Profiles] Helptexts and shortcuts Active flip

Battery
Stand-by	up to 29 days	150 h
Talk time	up to 25 h	7 h
Type	Removable NiMH battery	Removable NiMH battery

Misc
Colors	3 - Classic Blue, Icecap Blue, Rose White	2 - Amethyst Purple and Sapphire Blue

Camera
	No	No

Ericsson T39

Potentially more rugged design
Classic Ericsson aesthetic
Simple and durable

Likely fewer features than T29s
Potentially weaker signal reception
Limited functionality

Ericsson T29s

Potentially more refined design
Likely better antenna performance
Slightly more advanced features (potentially)

May be more fragile than T39
Still limited by older technology
Collector's item - limited availability

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature small, monochrome LCD screens typical of the era. The T29s might have a marginally higher resolution or slightly improved contrast, but differences would be subtle. Expect limited viewing angles and low brightness.

Camera Comparison

Neither phone is likely to have a camera, or if present, it would be a very low-resolution, rudimentary model. Image quality would be extremely poor by modern standards. This section is largely irrelevant for comparison.

Performance

Performance will be limited by the processors of the time. Expect basic functionality like calling, texting, and perhaps simple games. The T29s might have a slightly more efficient processor or better memory management, leading to marginally smoother operation.

Battery Life

Battery life was a significant factor in those days. Both phones likely offer several days of standby time, but talk time would be limited. The T29s, potentially with more efficient components, might offer slightly better battery performance.

Buying Guide

The Ericsson T39 and T29s are primarily for collectors and enthusiasts interested in retro mobile phones. The T39 might appeal to those seeking a more rugged or utilitarian design, while the T29s is better suited for those appreciating a more polished aesthetic and potentially slightly improved functionality.