Asus P550 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Asus P550 is a device that harks back to an era when robustness was as crucial as aesthetics. With dimensions of 121 x 70 x 16.5 mm, the P550 was designed to be portable yet durable. Weighing 188 grams, it feels substantial in the hand, which adds a sense of reliability. The metallic silver finish gives it a professional look that appealed to business users of its time. The use of a Mini-SIM slot and removable Li-Ion battery were standard features that users expected, adding to the practicality of the device.

Display and Interface

The P550 features a 3.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 114 pixels per inch, which was sufficient at the time of its release. Although the color depth is limited to 65K colors, the screen on the P550 was capable of displaying clear and vibrant images under various lighting conditions. Alongside the Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional operating system, the device provided users with a navigable interface that offered both stylus and touch input flexibility, typical of devices from that era.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Asus P550 is powered by a Marvell PXA270M processor running at 520 MHz. This chip, combined with 64MB of RAM, allowed the device to handle basic productivity tasks, multimedia playback, and navigation effectively. The internal storage was 256MB, which was ample for storing essential applications and data. For additional storage, the P550 included a miniSD slot, supporting expansion options that were vital for users needing extra space for files and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The P550 is equipped with a single 2MP rear camera, which allows for basic photography needs. While not designed for high-resolution images or professional photography, the camera was adequate for casual snapshots. Video recording capabilities were included, making the device versatile for capturing moments on the go. As selfie cameras were not standard at the time, the lack of a front-facing camera is consistent with other models from that period.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable 1530 mAh Li-Ion battery. This capacity was sufficient to provide up to 350 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time, catering to the needs of professionals who needed reliable communication on the go. The ability to remove and replace the battery offered added convenience, enabling users to carry spare batteries for extended usage periods.

Connectivity Options

The Asus P550 supports both GSM and UMTS network bands, ensuring broad compatibility and reliable connectivity for voice and data transmission. Speeds of up to 384 kbps were supported, allowing users to browse the web and download data at reasonable speeds via a WAP 2.0/HTML (PocketIE) browser. Furthermore, connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless access, Bluetooth 2.0 for pairing with other devices, and GPS capabilities using the SiRF Star III chipset, which was a significant feature for navigation and mapping solutions.

Audio and Multimedia

Despite lacking a loudspeaker, the P550 supports downloadable polyphonic, MIDI, and MP3 ringtones, providing customizable alert options for users. The absence of a 3.5mm jack was common in devices from that time, typically requiring adapters or alternative solutions for audio output, focusing more on professional rather than entertainment purposes.

Additional Features

The P550 includes a suite of features designed to complement its business and productivity focus. While specific sensor data isn't detailed, its emphasis was on practical connectivity and usability. The browser capabilities, while basic by modern standards, allowed for essential internet browsing and access to web-based applications, pivotal for professionals needing information on the move.

Price and Market Position

At an approximate price of 220 EUR at launch, the Asus P550 was positioned as a mid-tier device, offering a balance of features and performance suited to both professionals and tech-savvy individuals. Given its robust build, practical features, and reasonable pricing, it stood out as a viable option amongst competitors during its market presence.

Conclusion

In summary, the Asus P550 was a device that catered well to its target market of professionals needing reliable communication, moderate computing power, and essential multimedia capabilities. While many features may seem dated today, the P550 embodied the innovative spirit of its time, providing a glimpse into the transition from basic mobile phones to the more versatile smartphones we use today. Despite being discontinued, the P550 remains a noteworthy example of Asus’s efforts in combining functionality with robustness, making it a memorable addition to the mobile landscape of its era.