HTC P3600i Ultimate Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to the HTC P3600i

The HTC P3600i, released in August 2007, stands as a significant milestone in the history of smartphones. With its robust features and innovative functionality, it captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and professional users alike. Though it has been discontinued, understanding the specifications and features of the HTC P3600i offers insights into the evolution of smartphone technology during that era.

Design and Build

The HTC P3600i was designed with practicality and durability in mind. With dimensions of 108 x 58.2 x 18.4 mm and a weight of 150 g, this device was relatively compact and lightweight for its time. It featured a Mini-SIM slot within a sturdy body crafted for daily use. Available in sleek silver and black finishes, it was appealing to users seeking both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Display

The device sported a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, which was considered advanced technology in 2007. Although the screen was capable of displaying 65K colors, the resistive touchscreen required the use of a stylus for maximum precision. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, the display offered users a satisfactory experience for navigating the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional operating system and viewing multimedia content.

Performance

Equipped with a 500 MHz Samsung processor, the HTC P3600i delivered reliable performance for running mobile applications and multitasking. Although the 64MB RAM and 256MB ROM might seem modest by today’s standards, they provided adequate performance for the device's intended usage during its time. The presence of a miniSD card slot also allowed users to expand storage, which was essential for those requiring additional space for applications and media.

Camera Capabilities

The P3600i featured a 2 MP primary camera, which was capable of capturing decent photos and video clips. For video calls, the device included a VGA front camera, a feature that was beginning to gain traction in the mid-2000s. Although the camera capabilities did not rival those of modern smartphones, they were competitive for devices released in 2007.

Connectivity

The HTC P3600i supported GSM and HSPA technology, with 2G bands covering GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 and 3G bands supporting HSDPA 2100. It offered HSPA speeds of 3.6/0.384 Mbps, providing faster mobile internet access compared to previous generation phones. Additionally, the device offered Wi-Fi 802.11b/g for wireless internet connections, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, and a GPS module for positioning. Notably, it featured a miniUSB port and supported USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, enhancing its connectivity options.

Battery and Power

This smartphone housed a removable Li-Ion battery, a common feature at the time that allowed users to replace the battery easily if needed. While detailed battery metrics are not specified, removable batteries were typically user-accessible, providing a practical solution for extending device lifespan without needing a full hardware replacement.

Sound and Audio

The sound system in the HTC P3600i included a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback. Although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, users could enjoy polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack was typical of the era, requiring users to use adapters or Bluetooth devices for a private listening experience.

Software and User Interface

Operating on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional, the HTC P3600i offered a suite of productivity applications, including mobile versions of Microsoft Office programs. The interface was designed for use with a stylus, providing users with precise control over their device. Pocket Internet Explorer (PocketIE) allowed for basic web browsing with support for WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML protocols.

Pricing and Market Impact

Priced at approximately 230 EUR at launch, the HTC P3600i targeted professionals and tech enthusiasts looking for a robust, feature-rich smartphone. Its competition included other early smartphones and PDAs available at the time. Despite strong competition, the HTC P3600i carved a niche for itself due to its comprehensive feature set and reliable performance.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the HTC P3600i represented a notable advancement in smartphone technology. Its balanced design, productivity-oriented features, and connectivity options made it a preferred choice for business professionals and tech-savvy users. While technology has significantly advanced since its release, the HTC P3600i remains a testament to the innovation and ambition of early smartphone designers.