Unveiling the Benefon TWIG Discovery Pro Specs Prices and More

Introduction to Benefon TWIG Discovery Pro

The Benefon TWIG Discovery Pro was an ambitious mobile device introduced in 2007. Despite its cancellation, it was notable at the time for its GPS functionality, which was not common among feature phones. The device was produced by Benefon, a Finnish company known for integrating location-based services into their phones. Although the phone was never released to the wider public, its features and intended purpose offer a fascinating look at the evolution of mobile technology during the mid-2000s.

Design and Build

The TWIG Discovery Pro had a compact design with dimensions of 116 x 51 x 24 mm and weighed 128 grams. It was constructed to be both portable and functional, essentially capturing the ergonomic design trends of its time. The phone supported a Mini-SIM and was built with a classic candybar form factor. The design was robust, aimed at users who needed durability combined with navigational capabilities in their mobile device.

Display

This device featured a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256,000 colors at a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. While this display size seems small by today’s standards, it was typical for feature phones during the era. The screen provided a pixel density of approximately 141 ppi, offering clear visuals for basic tasks such as navigating menus and viewing text messages.

Memory and Storage

With an internal storage of 10MB, the Benefon TWIG Discovery Pro included a miniSD slot for expandable storage, allowing users to store additional data as needed. This was significant at the time when extensive storage capabilities were not typical of most feature phones. The phone also supported storing a limited number of call records with a capacity for logging 40 dialed, 40 received, and 40 missed calls, along with a comprehensive phonebook.

Connectivity and Networking

The TWIG Discovery Pro supported GSM technology and operated across 2G networks (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz). The device offered GPRS Class 10, allowing for basic internet connectivity, which was essential for handling emails and browsing the web via the WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Bluetooth connectivity was available for data transfer between compatible devices, although Wi-Fi was not supported. Additionally, the phone featured a proprietary USB connection for syncing data with a computer.

Features and Functionality

One of the standout features of the TWIG Discovery Pro was its integrated GPS, which highlighted Benefon's dedication to location-based services. Although the display size and interface were rudimentary compared to modern smartphones, the GPS capability was a forward-thinking feature at the time, catering to users in need of navigation assistance.

The device supported SMS, MMS, and email features, making it suitable for basic communication tasks. Additionally, it offered several built-in games, namely Diamond, Bubble, Tic Tac, Poker, and Pushbox, providing entertainment options without requiring additional downloads or installations. The phone, however, did not support Java applications, which limited the extent of third-party software and game installations.

Audio and Sound

Benefon TWIG Discovery Pro did not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a common feature for feature phones, focusing rather on polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts. The absence of a loudspeaker means that users had to rely on vibration and ringtone alerts for notifications.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1350 mAh battery, offering up to 9 hours of talk time and up to 210 hours of standby. This battery life was quite impressive at the time, given the limited energy consumption due to the absence of power-intensive features such as high-resolution screens and energy-intensive applications.

Conclusion

Although the Benefon TWIG Discovery Pro was ultimately cancelled and never made it to the consumer market, its proposed features reflect a unique blend of traditional mobile phone design with emerging technologies like GPS. It serves as an example of how mobile technology has evolved, showcasing early efforts to incorporate multifunctionality into portable devices. It is interesting to reflect on such devices to appreciate how much the mobile phone industry has advanced over the past couple of decades.