Ericsson GH688 Review

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Ericsson GH688
3.9 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.9 out of 5

From 3 ratings and 5 reviews

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Hoppy.'s Review of Ericsson GH688

29th Dec 2001

Overall Rating

3.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Reception
    4.5 stars
  • Features
    3 stars
  • Style
    3.5 stars
Good Points

Ruggedness, reliability, moderate size, nice keys, decent sized display


Bad Points

Weight, antenna easily damaged, short standby time with standard battery, battery contact screws and circuitboard screws may vibrate loose with vibrate attachment, a bit bulky for a small handbag, no inbuilt vibrator.


General Comments

My first mobile 'phone was an Ericsson GH388 and I bought a second-hand Ericsson GH688 from a friend who was upgrading. This was over two years ago and I still have, and use, the GH688. I have had two other model Ericsson mobile 'phones since purchasing the GH688 and the GH688 always comes to the fore as my trusty backup 'phone. As mentioned in the Bad Points section, the screws came loose probably from my using the vibrate accessory attachment. I (wisely) had an Ericsson technician tighten them as any over-torqueing could pull the screws out of the motherboard. There is a modification to the length of the two screws that contact the battery. At the time of service I received an automatic software upgrade and that was the most disappointing part of the service. I didn't mind paying for the screw tightening and the two new screws but the software upgrade knocked out the flashing green LED feature when a call is missed or an SMS arrives. The LED flashes rapidly but now times-out after about one minute and reverts back to the slow LED pulse. I complained to Ericsson about this and stated that this one feature makes Ericsson attractive. I was informed that I cannot downgrade my software. The upgrade was to save battery power. Ericsson claim that the rapidly blinking LED drains the battery on this model 'phone. Later model Ericsson 'phones, with their superior batteries, now have the LED feature the way I used to have it. Still, the GH688 is so reliable I hang onto it. At the moment it is my major 'phone. I run three SIM cards and use a GH688, S868, and GF388. My wife has my T20.
An Ericsson technician told me that the GH688 is probably the best 'phone they ever made. It certainly will not be leaving my possession willingly. It is too reliable to part with.
With regards to the antenna problem, I purchased a novelty antenna that illuminates blue when a connection is made to the cell network and it is shorter in length than the standard Ericsson antenna that comes with the 'phone. Any loss of signal strength is insignificant as I am with a good carrier (Telstra Australia).

In conclusion, if you have got a GH688 or you are getting one, hang onto it.

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Members' Comments onHoppy.'s Review

  • Chris. on 30th Apr 2003

    I owned a Ericsson 688 for about 5 years, in that time it has been faultless. I ended up upgrading to the R600 ericsson due to its smaller size. But i've had lots of software problems. I just wish Ericsson made them like they used to.

    BTW the 688 is still being used by my dad, I just wish I could have it back :)

  • Tony002 on 15th Apr 2004

    Where please can I get a charger for the GH688?

    (hs_131@hotmail.com)