BenQ S700 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the BenQ S700

The BenQ S700 was launched in the early 2000s as a feature phone. It was introduced to the market during the first quarter of 2004 and has since been discontinued. Despite the fact that technology has advanced considerably since then, the BenQ S700 remains a notable device from its era due to its distinct features and design.

Design and Build

The BenQ S700 boasted a compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 82 x 41 x 21 mm and a weight of 90 grams. Its sleek design featured a minimalist aesthetic without compromising on usability, fitting comfortably in the hand and pocket. It was available in three color options: Mysterious Black, Classic Silver, and Progressive Blue, catering to varying consumer tastes.

Display

The phone featured a 1.8-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, providing a decent visual experience for its time. With a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 114 ppi, the screen was suitable for viewing text messages, images, and basic graphical content.

Camera

The BenQ S700 came equipped with a single 1.3 MP rear camera, which was relatively standard for feature phones of that era. The camera was accompanied by an LED flash, enabling basic photography in low-light conditions. It also supported video recording, a feature that provided added value to users looking for multimedia functionality in a phone.

Network and Connectivity

The device was designed for GSM networks and supported frequencies GSM 900/1800/1900. It offered Class 10 GPRS for mobile data, although it did not have EDGE support. Standard for its time, the connectivity options were limited, but the phone came with an infrared port and a proprietary USB connection, allowing for basic data transfers and device synchronization.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the BenQ S700 provided 15MB of storage, which could be expanded using a miniSD card. This was particularly useful for storing photos, ringtones, and small mobile applications. The phonebook could hold up to 500 entries and supported features like photo call. Call history entries were stored for 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 760mAh battery, the BenQ S700 offered up to 100 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. While these numbers may seem modest today, they were quite acceptable for feature phones given their efficient power usage and minimal background processes.

Entertainment and Multimedia

The phone offered basic entertainment features, including 4 pre-loaded games with the ability to download additional games. Users could send and receive SMS, EMS, and MMS messages, enhancing social connectivity. The device was equipped with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for simple web access.

Additional Features

Despite its status as a feature phone, the BenQ S700 supported Java applications (MIDP 2.0), allowing for some expansion in terms of downloadable apps and utilities. Audio alerts involve vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, although the handset did not support a 3.5mm jack.

Conclusion

The BenQ S700, as a feature phone, was a well-rounded communications device for its time, offering a balance of essential features and a sleek, accessible design. While it lacks the advanced functionalities of modern smartphones, it remains a testament to the rapid evolution of mobile technology, capturing the essence of mobile communication in the early 2000s.