HTC P3400 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Explored

Introduction to HTC P3400

The HTC P3400, launched in February 2007, marks an era when smartphones began evolving with new features and capabilities. As part of HTC's successful range of Pocket PCs, the P3400 was particularly known for its touch screen capabilities and the Windows Mobile operating system. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy piece of technology for enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate early smartphone innovations.

Network and Connectivity

The HTC P3400 is equipped with GSM technology supporting quad-band frequencies including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. This ensured the device could connect to various networks globally, making it a suitable choice for travelers at the time. The device featured GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10, providing decent internet connectivity options for basic browsing needs.

Design and Build

Measuring 109 x 58 x 17.6 mm and weighing 126 grams, the HTC P3400 was compact and relatively lightweight for its time. The Mini-SIM design catered to the prevalent SIM card standards of the day. The device's design boasted simplicity and functionality, aligning with the professional aesthetic that HTC targeted.

Display

The P3400 features a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 65K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the screen provided a satisfactory viewing experience for basic tasks and interactions. However, by modern standards, the 38.4% screen-to-body ratio may seem limiting but was typical of the market at the time.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the HTC P3400 is powered by the TI OMAP 850 chipset and a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S CPU. These specifications were modest but capable of handling the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC operating system effectively. The OS offered a suite of productivity tools and applications suitable for business users and tech-savvy individuals.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 64MB of RAM and 128MB of internal ROM, offering basic operational and storage capabilities. An SD card slot allows for expanded storage, an essential feature for users looking to store media and applications beyond the built-in memory. This expandability was crucial during a time when smartphones were starting to become central to digital lives.

Camera

The main camera on the P3400 is a single 2 MP sensor, capable of capturing images and videos, which was a commendable addition for its time. Although basic compared to modern cameras, it enabled users to document moments conveniently without the need for a separate digital camera.

Sound and Audio

Equipped with a loudspeaker, the HTC P3400 supported various alert types such as vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may have been a limitation for users who preferred wired audio accessories.

Communication and Ports

The absence of WLAN and a positioning system may limit the device's connectivity, but it features Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and device connectivity. The miniUSB port enabled charging and direct data transfer, maintaining industry standards at the time of its release.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1250 mAh battery, the HTC P3400 offered a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. These figures made it a reliable companion for day-to-day use, although heavy users may find themselves recharging frequently.

Market Position and Pricing

Priced at about 210 EUR during its launch, the HTC P3400 was positioned as an accessible yet feature-rich device catering primarily to professionals and early tech adopters. It offered a balance of functionality and innovation, aligning with HTC's brand strategy during the period.

Legacy and Impact

Although the HTC P3400 is now discontinued, its contribution to the evolution of smartphones is undoubted. It represented a step towards more integrated mobile computing solutions and helped cement HTC's reputation as a significant player in the smartphone market. As technology rapidly advanced, the P3400 provided insights into the preferences and necessities of mobile users during the late 2000s.

Conclusion

The HTC P3400 remains a fascinating device for enthusiasts and technology historians, showcasing the transition from basic mobile phones to feature-packed smartphones. Its set of features, design, and functionality offer a snapshot of mobile technology just before the smartphone revolution fully took over, making it a noteworthy page in the history of mobile devices.