Motorola M3788

  • Released 1999
    170g, 25mm thickness
    Feature phone
    No card slot
  • N/A 137,487 hits
  • 17 Become a fan
  •  
    96x32 pixels, 4 lines
  • NO
    No video recorder
  •  
  • 700mAh
    NiMH

Motorola M3788 - Specs

Network Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS No
EDGE No
Launch Announced 1999
Status Discontinued
Body Dimensions 140 x 50 x 25 mm, 150 cc (5.51 x 1.97 x 0.98 in)
Weight 170 g (6.00 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display Type Monochrome graphic, Optimax
Size
Resolution 96 x 32 pixels, 4 lines
 Fixed icons
Memory Card slot No
Phonebook SIM only
Call records 10 dialed, 5 received, 5 missed calls
Camera   No
Sound Loudspeaker No
Alert types Monophonic ringtones
3.5mm jack No
Comms WLAN No
Bluetooth No
GPS No
Radio No
USB
Features Sensors
Messaging SMS
Browser
Clock No
Alarm No
Games No
Java No
Battery   Removable NiMH 700 mAh battery
Stand-by 110 h
Talk time 230 min
Misc Colors

Motorola M3788 - User Reviews

  • I have tried submitting the IMEI but the special .code 8 digits ... it requires to unlock it is not available.

  • you need the imei number. either on the box, on a label under the battery or by dialling *#06# on the device. It is 15 digits long.

  • I have a 3788e which needs a code putting in to unlock it and apparently the serial number is one where if I ask an unlock shop to do it they cant get the code..any ideas?? I use the phone as it was the first type I bought my daughters when they were teens....and although I have an android phone I prefer the simplicity of the old motorola.

  • Hello Arthur I realise its a while since you posted with reference to Motorola 3788 phones, howeverI am taking a chance, hoping perhaps a friendly dialoge response may happen, after reading my plight, I have at present 6 of these520Motorola phones, all in Super Pristine condition, in the Blue Plastic cases, I bought a pair of them Brand New old stock, still boxed, on E.Bay, for the princely sum of £ 3.50 that was including the postage cost. They are locked on the One to One network, I charged the batteries which are fully functional, after a week still full charged on a test meter. My only problem is, unlocking them.. I have tried with 3 different SIM network cards incerted, but the screen asks for the Special Code... which I dont have. Mean while I bought 2 more such phones, on E.bay for a gift price of 99pence and £ 2 .0 post.. another bargain... these are motorola 3788, models identical in every way, but made for Orange network.. I stripped them down to a million pieces, and that was theraputic, to my way of thinking, and also a learning process combined, all for the price of a couple of evening newspapers... is my interpration..... subsequently rebuilding them, and Buffing up the Plastic cases with Metal Polish.. ideal for removing scratches on plastic display screens and casings .. there now pristine too the Battery power of this second set is with 4 AA batteries taped into two doubles upright, and they sit in the battery bay perfect, but the original rear cover has to beheld on with in this case by an Elastic band Top and Bottom.. however they all work, but the screen display asks for the eight digit special code. My other Two Motorola phones are my own original purchase, M.3788 models, I still have the reciept when I bought them, January 6th 2000, they have hardly been used, at a guess I would say under 50 calls were made with them... there on the Orange network too, and locked , I payed £ 10 each for them all those years ago.. with £ 5. worth of calls on them. On December 21. 2015, I visited an EE. Phone shop, locally, and the assistant was bewildered at first site of my vintage collection, but he assured me that he would conquer the un-locking business for me, if I topped them up .. so I payed £ 5. on one and £ 10 on the other, he then incerted 2 new SIMS and assured me they would activate in twelve hours, its now January 11th and still no network signal has transpired.. I wrote to the EE. Head quarters, and thats the Story up to date....

  • Useful phones these-you can take out the battery pack and stick in standard alkaline AA cells in an emergency -although the back does not quite fit. The best solution though if you cannot find a new battery pack is to take the battery apart, snip out the old cells and stick in standard AAA nimh rechargeable batteries,you will need to fit some battery springs on the non contact end (top)so that they fit tightly, and a bit of solder the other end so that they make good contact...result a long lasting rechargeable phone.

  • Hi ! just dug ours from box: plug is 'yellow tip', approx 2.4mm OD shaft, tip positive. Can't measure ID, but very small. *May* be 0.7mm, which is naughty of Motorola as that size is only supposed to be used for ~ 3V. Charger delivers seven (7) volts, 300 mA 2.1 VA Model FE 4116 do show up on ebay etc...

  • Amazon UK sell this battery. The charger adapter is more of a problem - I can't find the specification for one

  • This was my first phone !

  • i just got my first one off ebay ive wanted one for years now i got one for $50 mines blue love it

  • It was my 1st mobile. . Nd it was special for me. .becuz

  • It is a class phone but where can I purchace another one

  • Like previous query. I too have had my Motorola M3788E (note the E on the end) for a similar period of time. I have managed to obtain a new battery some years ago but now I required a further battery replacement. Unfortunately I am having difficulty in acquiring one. Any suggestions how I get a replacement. I only use it to make and receive calls. Don't want a new one. This suits me fine. I would really appreciate anyones sensible help. Cheers. Bill.

  • Sorry about the repeat

  • I've had my 3788 now for 10 years. I like its simplicity and reliability. I don't want to take pictures or access the internet etc, so the 3788 suits me very well. But I did find the small reduction in battery voltage from 5.4 volts to 5.00 volts to be too small. The phone cuts out at 5.00 volts. I arranged to run my one from 5 external nicads, 6.75 volts at max and it runs well, since now I can let the battery fall all the way from 6.75 volts to 5.00 volts before it cuts out.

  • You would have to replace the diode which the phone battery has inside and solder it inside the case in the right place, the right way round, or the phone wouldn't work.

  • My 3788 tolerates battery voltages between 6.75 and 5.00 volts. But an aging battery quickly drops to 5.0 volts so I replaced my one with 5 D cells outside the case. I removed the diode from the old battery and soldered it back inside the phone. Result...superb! The battery runs and runs the phone without recharge for weeks.

  • I removed the battery and soldered its diode into the phone case , then added a socket so I could connect the phone to 5 external D size Nicads. The capacity of these id 5,000 mAHrs so they last a long time when running. The phone seems to tolerate any voltage from 6.75V, to 5.00V which is where it cuts out. The original battery, as supplied, quickly falls to 5.0V as it ages, so my modification allows a voltage fall of up to 1.75V and this is a big improvement on the original battery's figures. The D cells are bulky so I carry them in my shopping bag. Being made of Nickle on the outside, they solder OK to take the necessary wires.

  • The 8 digit unlock number is set on the IMEI ( type *#06# for the IMEI NUMBER ) and is held by Motorola data banks so to get this number costs from £4 to £10 give your IMEI number to a site that unlocks your m3788 PAY THE MONEY THEN YOU WILL GET YOUR SPECIAL CODE ( unlock code )

  • I think the digit code is factory set to 00000000 The 4 digit unlock code is factory set to 1234

  • That was my first phone, and it was awesome. I also wrk in a phone shop and agree that it would be pretty cool to see someone walk in with one of these.

  • do you know the 8 digit code number for motorola m3788?

  • I work in a phone shop and i had a customer come in with one of these today!!! it was awesome

  • MY FIRST FONE EVER....great experience back these days... unfirgettable!

  • I know the tone you're meaning. I loved it!

  • i remeber this phone, i love the teaxture and material it was made out of, made me really love mobile phomes, i was only 13 when i got my mums... The power and status of carrying a mobile gave me. Those were the days.

  • My 1st phone.. resly awesome i still have memories.... NOW using xperia x1.... i still use its model no as my atm password

  • same here, I got mine and everyone was showing off with their Nokias and playing Snake! Remember that awful ringtone on this that went doo doo dodododo do dooooo, like really bad classical music!

  • my first and memorable phone... now am using htc touch 3g

  • same same! My first phone, still have it, but lost my charger.

  • this Was my frist phone..... I still have it.but its dead now i am using Xperia X1

  • Wow. This was my first ever Phone... I did get it very late however, when the nokia 3310 was kicking off... and by that time, i had to apologise to everyone if i ever pulled it out in public.

  • This was my first phone also. But mine had the little flip bit that covered the keypad anyone member what that one was called?

  • This phone is my father's first phone.Although it was a very basic phone,he never had a problem using it.Yeah,it is almost have no function at all(except call and messaging),but this phone is his sweet memories.Now,he using a Sony Ericsson K7001(with lots of function than his first phone)but he still keep his M3788 until now(2008).So,this phone is a memory for my father.I LOVE MY FATHER...so much!

  • this was my first phone, and will allways have a warm place in my heart. the basic design was perfect for use, and it was big enough to let you know it was still there in your pocket and if it did drop out you certainly would hear it hit the ground. a grat all rounder and made me feel like i was in the eighties a little with the areial on top. memorys like the ones we used to have...........

  • my first fone,,,old memories wid dat,,,back in 2001,,,unforgettable for me!!

  • it's very fantastic that i love the phone though it looks big big!most of my friends at school ask me to it to them cause it looks fun you know! I have a question.Please help.if you observe carefully at the top of the screen,some faint digits are seen like those of a watch. Is it that the phone has a watch but i have failed to use it or the digits are for something else?

  • This was my first phone, brings back memories.

  • It just died. After a long battery problem. No other will be like it.You could find it in your bag. It just rang as a phone. No problems till the end.! Not like the new ones!!!!. When will Motorola bring back a simple phone.That all can use?.

  • ahh my first phone i can still here to ringtones now, great

  • i think this was everyones first phone!! i loved it!! i used to txt my sister when we were in the same room cus we had mobile phones and we were o so cool!! lol

  • I have this phone and I looooooove it it may be big and old and rubish but it does the job.It sends texts it stores lots of numbers and its easy to use it's the best you could get in them days.Alex

  • ZOMG! My 2nd fone. Almost could play MP3 but only wav files. it pwned. bu Phillips had the market cornered with Up2U phone.

  • Now this brings back memories... My first phone. I'm sure it's still at home somewhere. I miss the feel of the buttons, though. Odd.

  • My first Moto phone. Back in the good ol' days. Sigh...

  • Was my 1st phone, too. Had to remember all phone numbers to send a message. Good for the brain. :-) The charger was not able to recharge it. Had to build my own construction. But anyway easy to handle. My Granny loves it. :-)

  • I just started using this again cos my other phone got smashed, i dropped it down the stairs at school and it was fine!!!!

  • my very 1st phone! brings back a lot of memories. My God this phone sucks! it doesn't have txt id. So i had to memorized the entire phonebook just to know who txt me. nway, im glad that my mom bought me a 5110.

  • =) My gran has this phone too! Man, this brings back memories! It was the first phone I ever bought, on the old one2one network. It's a really good wee phone actually if all you want is a phone, it's just very bulky, and therefore not very practical! Fits nicely in my gran's handbag though!

  • my grandmother has this phone.... it's great for her :D

  • it was time 2 move on i got myself an imate jasjar it was a good phone but im glad it finally decided to crack its screen ohh wait that was me

  • can i use this phone as a modem and does it have smartphone abilities? also can i use my tom tom with it?

  • This is my sister's first ever phone. She got it for her 13th and now she's 21! Quite a good phone, it's still working and it's been chucked down the stairs and everything.

  • hey this fone is great. it has bluetooth 4.5 megapixel camera 3g amazing colour screen and 60min video great buy!

  • Hi there, I have recently bought this phone for the bargain price of just �55, i'm really happy with this phone :-) and i think its great. The phone is not rich in features but it does ring and it does most things that phones can do today. I was comparing it with my friends nokia 6150 and mine definatly wins. My friend has let me keep his losing phone as he now has a sony ericsson w800i and we are going to compare them. Buy this phone

  • i do not recommend this phone the radiation is so bad using it gives me a headache

  • It's a stupid phone, like a home phone without a cord: no watch, no alarm, no nothing. A brick that rings! :) And the menu is to complicated for the few options. But else... it's ok.

  • Like apparently so many others i have locked myself out of my M3788 by using the automatic keylock setting. Can anybody advise me of the code to get back in please...asap!! thx paul

  • meant to say even lol

  • its so old now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! doesnt enen ava clock pmpl.

  • Nice phone but have been unable to purchase the 'BACK' which allows use of standard AA Batteries do you stock them ? Trev

  • i have this brand and now it's displayining 'enter securityy code'which i've 4gotten pls help me out it's also an 'orange type' thanks.

  • Please help me unlock my Motorola m3788e Orange!imei 449652440663984

  • i can akje a house with that fone BRIKK

  • I wasn't going to get a mobile cos of the health risk I believe will be apparent in the future, but my boyfriend got me this one a few years ago for texting and Ive used it ever since with no problems until now (the screen is starting to go blank and texts upside down etc!). Keypad is great for texting. Not bothered about additional features anyway. Didnt want something too small. Not bothered about fashion and all the latest gadgets just to look "cool". It does the job well and has been a good phone - thats what matters to me.

  • My motorola Orange m3788e locked how can I unlock that, is there any code if yes please help me.

  • it has nothing!!!!

  • This is my very first phone.I bought before two weeks. But I think it can not be dowanload RING tones.If anybody knows it please inform me at least site.

  • I like my M3788 Motorola mobile phone. I have had a mobile phone for 7.5 years and this is my second model. The first was Motorola 5200-model with the lid on the keyboard. It is cheap and working but a little sensible to moisture as probably almost all mobile phones are. Is it possible to get detailed technical information for the M3788-model, at least the pin configuration of the data port. I am professional/hobbyist in electronics and I have two copies of M3788 and the other one I am going to use as a data phone in my computer. Greetings from Finland Pasi Laurila

  • Please quote a price for this M3788 urgently

  • This was my very first phone. It was a brick! It was functional and easy to use. I didn't like the fact that to sent SMS you had to note the number mentally or on paper first because it couldn't be retrieved from the phonebook. Other than that, a good first phone.

  • Please how could i get user guide for motorola m3788 that is in english language. This is one of the main draw back for this hand set for most users in Africa Regards Chi-ukpai

  • lcd display of my set(m3788) have damaged i want to change it or any problem in this ,i dn't know.please help me.what i do?

  • crap phone

  • Hello, I want to have a secret codes for motorola m3788. Send me a message if u have somthing to me! Thank's. Collins

  • it sucks, b'cos i use one of it and i can tell

  • The 3788 was the last of a family of cheap, budget phone from Motorola. It featured a version of its ' personality ' menu system. This system was not 'user friendly' One had to keep trawling through it's menu to find things like call records. The phones 'short cut' buttons helped somewhat. Messaging was'nt too bad, with a nice clear screen, but no T9. This phone had a good battery life and sold in large numbers due to it's relatively low price. It is very much a basic phone.

  • I have got this mobile phone now for almost 2 years and i love it but unfortunetly i can't get a data cable for it in order to connect it to my 9 pin data com of my pc and connect it to internet. i'd be very greatfull if you could help. many thanks

  • I have had my mobile for nearly two years now and have had no problems at all. What would be nice is to find a car kit that would fit it. Any suggestions ?

  • Motorola M3788 is a very nice and sexy look. only thing upseting the client is, it does not have facility to download the new ringtones & musics etc. If any one knowes about it, please let me know on [email protected]

  • it sux 4 real m e i have a phone which is small enough 2 fit on your asss so this phone suxxx

  • i had a phone is motorola m3788 i was carelessly, locking my phone now when i start my phone it ask me to enter phone unlock code can somebody help me or i had to try all the numbers from 0-9999 it is too tired

  • can i have any ringtones for my m3788 (07949 751103) thank you

  • i fink it shood av games+logos+ringtones. it wod make more ppl buy it.luv Annie:)xx

  • Can you buy ringtones for this phone? (Motorola m3788)