Ericsson T28s – The Complete Guide: Features, Common Problems, and Today's Value
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The Ericsson T28s was a revolutionary phone. Released in 1999, it was the slimmest phone in the world at just 15 mm thick. It was the first phone to use a lithium-polymer battery and featured a thin, integrated external antenna.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the Ericsson T28s: technical specifications, common problems, solutions, interesting facts, and its current value on the used market.
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## Ericsson T28s Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|:---|:---|
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Dimensions | 105 x 49 x 15 mm |
| Weight | 84 grams |
| Battery | Li-Pol (500 mAh) - world first |
| Standby Time | Up to 100 hours |
| Talk Time | Up to 4 hours |
| Display | Monochrome, 101 x 33 pixels |
| Memory | 100 contacts |
| Connectivity | Infrared |
| Ringtones | Polyphonic (4 voices) |
**Why was it so special?**
- First phone with a lithium-polymer battery
- Extremely slim design for its time (15 mm)
- Integrated thin antenna
- Removable (interchangeable) front cover
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## Ericsson T28s vs. Other Models of the Era
| Model | Year | Thickness | Weight | Current Value |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Ericsson T28s | 1999 | 15 mm | 84 g | 80-150 euros |
| Ericsson T18 | 1998 | 23 mm | 110 g | 40-70 euros |
| Nokia 8210 | 1999 | 17 mm | 79 g | 50-100 euros |
| Motorola V3688 | 1999 | 19 mm | 83 g | 60-120 euros |
If you want to learn more about other iconic phones, read our guide on [Nokia 3310 – The Complete Guide](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/nokia-3310-la-guida-completa-caratteristiche-giochi-problemi-comuni-e-quanto-vale-oggi).
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## Common Ericsson T28s Problems and How to Solve Them
### 1. Battery Not Holding a Charge
This is the most common problem with the T28s. First-generation lithium-polymer batteries deteriorate quickly.
**Solution:** Buy a modern replacement battery. Compatible ones can be found on eBay for 15-25 euros. Original batteries are impossible to find.
If you're having power-on issues with other models, read the guide on [Nokia N95 won't turn on: how to fix it](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/nokia-n95-non-si-accende-come-risolvere).
### 2. Phone Shuts Down Suddenly
**Cause:** Oxidized or loose battery contacts.
**Solution:** Clean the contacts with a rubber eraser. Gently bend the battery contacts upwards.
### 3. Screen Flickers
**Cause:** Damaged display ribbon cable.
**Solution:** Requires repair by a specialized technician.
### 4. Front Cover Detaches
**Cause:** Plastic clips break with age.
**Solution:** Look for a replacement cover on eBay (cost: 10-20 euros). Some are still available.
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## What is an Ericsson T28s Worth Today? (2025 prices)
| Condition | Estimated Price |
|:---|:---|
| Used, working (without box) | 60-90 euros |
| Used, with original box | 100-150 euros |
| New in box (unopened) | 200-300 euros |
| Special editions (rare colors) | Up to 400 euros |
**Where to sell it for the best price:**
- **eBay** – reach international collectors
- **Subito.it** – quick sale in Italy
- **Facebook Groups** (e.g., "Vintage phones in Italy")
**What influences the price:**
- The original box (increases the price by 50-100%)
- Original manuals, charger, and earphones
- A working original battery (very rare)
- Absence of scratches and signs of wear
For other collectible phones, find out how much a [Motorola StarTAC is worth today](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/motorola-startac-come-funziona-e-quanto-vale-oggi).
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## Interesting Facts about the Ericsson T28s
1. **The slimmest phone of 1999.** At 15 mm thick, it set a record that held for years.
2. **First lithium-polymer battery.** Cutting-edge technology that allowed for the reduced thickness.
3. **Used in the movie "The Matrix"** (in a scene with Keanu Reeves).
4. **The front cover was interchangeable.** You could change its color by buying aftermarket covers.
5. **Still highly sought after today.** Collectors look for it for its innovative design.
For other problems with similar models, see the guide on [how to unlock Nokia N73 without a code](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/come-sbloccare-nokia-n73-senza-codice).
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## Frequently Asked Questions about the Ericsson T28s
### Does the Ericsson T28s work with today's SIM cards?
Yes, but only with SIM cards that support 2G networks. In Italy, TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad still have active 2G networks (at least until 2026-2027).
### How do I reset the Ericsson T28s?
Dial `*#8877#` to reset the phone. ⚠️ Warning: This will erase all data.
### Where can I find a new battery?
On eBay, search for "battery Ericsson T28s". It costs 15-25 euros. Compatible ones work well.
### Does the T28s have Bluetooth?
No. Only infrared.
### How much does the Ericsson T28s weigh?
84 grams. It was very light for its time.
🔧 **Problems with other phones?** Here's how to [factory reset a Samsung GT-E1150](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/come-resettare-samsung-gt-e1150-ai-dati-di-fabbrica).
📸 **How to transfer photos from other phones?** Read the guide on [how to transfer photos from Nokia 7100 Supernova to PC](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/come-trasferire-foto-da-nokia-7100-supernova-al-pc).
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## Conclusion
The Ericsson T28s is a piece of telephony history. The first phone with a lithium-polymer battery and the slimmest of its time. If you have an original T28s in good condition, it can be worth up to 150 euros.
Do you own an Ericsson T28s? Tell us your story in the comments!
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- [Nokia 6310i – The Complete Guide: features, problems, and value](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/nokia-6310i-guida-completa-caratteristiche-problemi-valore)