BenQ P50 InDepth Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to BenQ P50

The BenQ P50 is a classic example of a device from the early 2000s, a time when smartphone technology was rapidly evolving. Launched in the first quarter of 2004, the P50 offered a glimpse into the future of mobile communication with its innovative features for its time, even though it now stands discontinued. This article delves into the detailed specifications and functionalities of the BenQ P50, providing keen insight into its design, technical specifications, and overall impact during its active years.

Design and Build

The BenQ P50 features a solid design, characterized by its dimensions of 122 x 60 x 20 mm and a weight of 170 grams. While the device might feel bulky by modern standards, it was perfectly normal for its era. This weight offered a substantial feel, indicative of a robust build. The keyboard is a QWERTY type, a popular feature for smartphones at that time, catering to users who preferred physical keys for typing. The phone is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, a standard component in early mobile phones.

Display Features

The smartphone is equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen that displays 65K colors. The screen resolution stands at 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. This was quite standard for smartphones in the early 2000s, providing sufficient clarity for basic applications and navigation.

Performance and System

At the heart of the BenQ P50 is the Intel PXA272 416 MHz processor, which for its time, delivered adequate performance for general tasks and applications. The device runs on Microsoft Windows PocketPC 2003 Phone edition, enabling users to experience a mobile version of Windows, which was a significant draw for professionals familiar with the Windows ecosystem.

Memory and Storage

The BenQ P50 comes with 64MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM. While this may seem limited compared to today's standards, during its launch, it was considered adequate for running basic applications and storing essential data. The inclusion of a card slot supporting MMC/SDIO cards up to 2 GB allowed users to expand storage, offering some level of flexibility in managing files and applications.

Camera Specifications

The main camera of the BenQ P50 is a 1.3 MP sensor, capable of capturing basic images and videos. While the quality doesn’t compare to today’s smartphones, it provided users the ability to take photos on-the-go, a novel feature for many users transitioning from standard mobile phones to smartphones. The absence of a front camera was typical during this era, as video calls and selfies were not yet mainstream.

Network and Connectivity

The BenQ P50 supports GSM technology with 2G bands of GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. GPRS Class 10 is available for internet connectivity, though EDGE support is lacking. For other connectivity options, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11b, Bluetooth 1.1, and an infrared port, although it does not feature GPS or radio capabilities. Connectivity via USB is possible through a proprietary port.

Audio and Sound

The device includes a loudspeaker and supports vibration along with downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means audio listening options were somewhat restricted unless through other accessories or external speakers.

Battery Life

The BenQ P50 houses a removable Li-Ion 1240 mAh battery. Users could expect a stand-by time of up to 120 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours, which were typical performance metrics for devices from that period, demanding regular charging for heavy users.

Conclusion

The BenQ P50 embodies the spirit of the early 2000s, where manufacturers were experimenting with integrating more computer-like features into mobile devices. While technology has significantly advanced since its release, the P50’s status as a pioneering device in smartphone evolution remains notable. Its feature set, from the Microsoft operating system to the physical keyboard and compact design, provided a foundation that future smartphones would continue to build upon.