Motorola's legacy is filled with iconic devices, and the EM28 and ROKR W5 stand out as particularly memorable. Both represent different eras of mobile technology, but share a nostalgic appeal. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ROKR W5 likely edges out the EM28 due to its association with early music downloads and its slightly more advanced features for its time. However, the EM28 might offer a more refined user experience depending on its specific features, which are currently unknown. Both are relics of a bygone era.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - US version | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2008, August. Released 2009, February | 2007, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 94 x 49.5 x 17 mm (3.70 x 1.95 x 0.67 in) | 99 x 46 x 17.5 mm, 70 cc (3.90 x 1.81 x 0.69 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 90 g (3.17 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~21.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~24.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | External monochrome display, 96 x 80 pixels, 1.2 inches
Screensavers and wallpapers
Downloadable logos | Second external CSTN, 65K colors display (96 x 80 pixels)
Screensavers and wallpapers |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | 40 dialed, 40 received, 40 missed calls |
| Card slot | microSD (dedicated slot) | microSD (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 20MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 1.2, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | Proprietary | 1.1 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | SMS, EMS, MMS |
| | MP3/AAC player
Organizer
Voice dial
Voice memo | MP3/AAC+ player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 250 h | Up to 340 h |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h 30 min | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 940 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Dark Pearl Gray |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.35 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.76 W/kg (head) |
Motorola EM28
- Classic Motorola design
- Potentially simpler user interface
- Nostalgic appeal
- Likely limited features
- Poor performance by modern standards
- Low-resolution display
- Unknown specs
Motorola ROKR W5
- Early music download capabilities
- Slightly more advanced features for its time
- Iconic design
- Nostalgic appeal
- Poor performance by modern standards
- Low-resolution display
- Limited storage
- Battery degradation likely
Display Comparison
Given the era of these phones, both likely feature small, low-resolution LCD screens. The ROKR W5 might have a slightly larger display, but both will be significantly inferior to modern smartphone screens. Expect limited color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities on both phones will be extremely basic, likely limited to low-resolution VGA or similar. Image quality will be poor, and features will be minimal. Don't expect anything beyond simple snapshots.
Performance
Performance will be a significant limitation on both devices. Expect slow processing speeds and limited multitasking capabilities. The ROKR W5, being slightly newer, *might* have a marginal performance advantage, but it will still feel sluggish by today's standards. Both rely on older operating systems.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage and the condition of the battery. Both phones likely used older battery technologies, so expect shorter battery life compared to modern devices. The ROKR W5 might have a slightly larger battery capacity.
Buying Guide
The Motorola EM28 is for collectors seeking a classic Motorola experience with a focus on simplicity. The ROKR W5 is ideal for those interested in the early days of mobile music and a more feature-rich (for its time) experience. Both are best suited for enthusiasts and collectors, not primary daily drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones usable as daily drivers?
No, these phones are relics of the past and are not suitable for daily use. Their performance, features, and connectivity are severely limited compared to modern smartphones.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely need to search online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro phone retailers. Condition and price will vary greatly.
