Fascinating Look Back at the T-Mobile G1, the Smartphone That Launched Android

Few pieces of technology capture attention quite like a device that launched an era. In September 2008 T-Mobile teamed up with Google to reveal the G1, a phone built from the ground up to run Android software. Available starting that October for customers on a two-year plan, it arrived at stores priced at $179 ($277 today) and immediately drew crowds eager to try something different.

When users opened the body, they discovered a full QWERTY keyboard stashed away beneath, which was a lifesaver for hammering out emails or scribbling down quick notes without having to look for those tiny on-screen buttons. The 3.2″ capacitive touchscreen sat above the keyboard, displaying some wonderful 320 x 480 pixel pictures and menus that would come to life with a tap or sweep of the finger.

A little trackball tucked itself away just below the screen, making it easy to scroll through large lists or zoom into maps, which was difficult to perform on the glass without it. Nearby buttons handled the typical navigation, while a dedicated search key quickly returned Google results. Power came from a Qualcomm MSM7201A processor running at 528MHz and supported by 192MB of memory. In the box, they’d discover a 1GB microSD card already installed and ready to start, with room to add an 8GB one if necessary.

The 3.15MP rear camera took clear and detailed shots, and the autofocus quickly locked onto whatever you were trying to photograph. Despite the lack of a flash, daily photographs typically looked far better than you’d expect for a phone of this period. The detachable 1150 milliamp-hour battery pack provided around five hours of conversation time and more than five days on standby. It only took a few seconds to swap it out for a spare, and you were back up and running without having to find a charger.

The G1 launched with new software, the first version of Android, and did an excellent job of connecting with Google services from the start. Your Gmail would send new messages instantly, and Maps would show streets in sharp clarity and even spin to mirror the real world using a built-in compass. YouTube videos would play smoothly over Wi-Fi or a carrier data connection, and the new Android Market allowed you to download additional apps directly to your smartphone.

Connectivity-wise, the phone had all the bases covered, as it functioned on GSM networks, could do 3G speeds when available, easily snagged Wi-Fi networks, quickly paired with Bluetooth headsets, and provided accurate turn-by-turn directions via GPS. It weighed 158 grams and was just over half an inch thick, so it fit comfortably inside a pocket even with the sliding mechanism. You might choose between black, white, or brown to match your unique taste.