HTC P3470 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to HTC P3470

The HTC P3470, released in March 2008, brought a unique convergence of functionality and style to the smartphone market. Although the device is now discontinued and considered a relic of early smartphone technology, it was notably ahead of its time. With a balance of features aimed at both personal and business users, the P3470 was a noteworthy device in HTC's lineup. Here, we'll delve into the detailed specifications and features that made the HTC P3470 a memorable part of mobile history.

Design and Build Quality

The HTC P3470 was designed with a sleek silver finish that portrayed an air of professionalism. The device measured 108 x 58.3 x 15.7 mm, making it compact enough for convenient single-handed use while ensuring the screen was large enough to access its features comfortably. Weighing 122 grams, it was light but solid, ensuring durability. The device used a Mini-SIM card, a standard during the time of its release, and featured a removable Lithium-Ion 1100 mAh battery which allowed users to carry extra batteries and extend usage time on the go.

Display Technology

The HTC P3470 featured a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While the display only supported 65,000 colors, which falls short by today's standards, it was nonetheless vibrant enough for the applications and functionalities of 2008. The touch interface, although resistive and requiring a stylus for optimal use, provided significant utility for navigating the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional operating system, particularly in business applications.

Platform and Performance

Equipped with a TI OMAP 850 chipset and a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S CPU, the HTC P3470 was engineered for efficiency rather than speed. This was suitable for basic smartphone functions, such as making calls, sending texts, and organizing calendars. Its modest 128MB of RAM was complemented by 256MB of ROM, providing sufficient capacity for the essential software of the time. Additionally, users had the advantage of expanding storage through a microSD card slot, supporting up to 4GB of extra storage.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC P3470 featured a 2 MP rear camera capable of capturing basic photos and videos. While it lacked advanced features such as autofocus or flash, it served the needs of casual photography and was a notable inclusion for business smartphones of that era. The absence of a front-facing camera reflected the device's orientation toward productivity over multimedia, a common trend in smartphones from 2008.

Network and Connectivity

The smartphone supported GSM technology across 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, making it suitable for global use. It included GPRS and EDGE Class 10 for data, although these technologies provided only basic internet speeds compared to modern standards. The device omitted WLAN support, which might be considered a drawback, but its inclusion of Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP allowed for wireless audio and easier file transfers. GPS was available out of the box, which was particularly advantageous for navigation purposes at the time.

Battery Life

The removable 1100 mAh Li-Ion battery provided up to 240 hours of standby time and around 5 hours and 50 minutes of talk time. While these times might seem limited by today's standards, they were adequate for day-to-day usage in the late 2000s. The benefit of a removable battery also meant users could easily swap batteries during longer outings, a feature that is rare in today's sealed-in battery designs.

Additional Features and Software

One of the key highlights of the HTC P3470 was its operating system. Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional provided a rich suite of applications for productivity. Users could access emails, manage their contact lists, and interact with data-friendly apps. Although it lacked an app marketplace akin to modern smartphones, its functionality could be expanded through third-party software installations and configuration.

Market Impact and Legacy

The HTC P3470 was priced around 170 EUR, placing it within reach of business users and tech enthusiasts seeking a balance between cost and capability. Its utility, especially in professional environments, cemented HTC's place as a viable competitor in the early smartphone industry. Although the P3470's hardware seems outdated compared to contemporary devices, it highlighted the evolution of mobile technology and laid groundwork that would lead to the advanced smartphones we rely upon today.

Conclusion

With its combination of practical features and capable performance, the HTC P3470 holds an essential place in smartphone history. As technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in mobile devices, reflecting on models like the P3470 provides a unique perspective on how far the industry has come. For those who used it, the HTC P3470 offered a blend of function and reliability—key elements which continue to guide the development of new mobile technologies.