The Nokia 6288 is basically a firmware upgrade of its predecessor, the Nokia 6280. Place the two handset side by side and there are meager chances that you could actually find any differences between the two. The only difference that you would realise (when looked closely) is some minor design changes, like the changed keypad spacing and a glossy touch in its finishing. Also, the Nokia 6288 comes with a larger miniSDcards.

In terms of design, there is nothing flamboyant about Nokia 6288. It is a squarish slider phone, that comes in black colour- to reflect a refined and dignified look. Like all slider, when closed, even the Nokia 6288 comes with a large screen with 320 x 240 pixels. Through this competent screen, pictures and graphics come out brilliant and makes viewing a real pleasurable activity. On opening the Nokia 6288, a grid-like keypad is exposed. This also extends a feeling of a serious business phone. The keys are well-etched, rectangular in shape and have silver highlights, surrounding at the corners. The brilliant design scheme compliments the make of the phone in the most complimentary manner.

In terms of imaging, the Nokia 6288 comes with a 2MP camera, with a flash and tiny self portrait mirror. And the handset also features a dedicated camera button to make the imaging experience more convenient. To ensure that you are also able to work when travelling in roads, the Nokia 6288 offers the 3G data speed, tri-band network and support for email such as IMAP, POP3 and SMTP. It also helps the user experience the benefit of video calling and video sharing. Further, the upgraded Nokia 6288 supports A2DP Bluetooth profile, for streaming music wirelessly to a stereo headset.

The Nokia 6288 comes somewhere in between the Nokia 'E series' and the multimedia enriched 'N series'.