Panasonic P55 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Panasonic P55

The Panasonic P55 is a smartphone that was announced in November 2014 and swiftly released in the same month. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a subject of interest due to its affordability and features packed into a budget-friendly device. It serves as a classic example of early Android smartphones that catered to the needs of users looking for essential features without breaking the bank.

Design and Build

The design of the Panasonic P55 reflects a typical mid-2010s smartphone aesthetic, featuring dimensions of 149.7 x 77 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 148 g. It sports a sleek profile with a thickness of just 7.9 mm, which makes it comfortable to hold and use. The device is constructed to support dual SIM cards, making it convenient for users who need to manage two numbers simultaneously.

Display

The P55 is equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, which was quite sizable for its release period. It offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. This display configuration provides decent clarity and color reproduction, suitable for browsing, media consumption, and daily use applications.

Performance

Under the hood, the Panasonic P55 is powered by a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor, complemented by 1GB of RAM. While this hardware combination is modest by today's standards, it provided an adequate performance level for the time, capable of handling basic tasks such as web browsing, communication apps, and light multitasking. It comes with 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded through a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to store more media and applications as needed.

Operating System

The smartphone runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, an operating system that was popular for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface. Despite its age, KitKat offered a host of features aimed at enhancing the user experience, like support for cloud storage, advanced location control, and more personalized options.

Camera Capabilities

The Panasonic P55 houses an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30 frames per second. For selfie enthusiasts, it has a 2 MP front camera. These camera specifications were in line with typical mid-range smartphones of the era, providing users with the ability to capture quality images and videos under various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

A significant feature of the P55 is its removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery. This battery capacity was enough to power the device through a day's worth of moderate usage, such as calling, texting, browsing, and low to mid-level app engagement. The removable aspect allows users to replace the battery if needed, a convenience that many modern phones forego.

Connectivity and Network

The connectivity options in the Panasonic P55 include Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless file transfers and audio, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, and support for standard 3.5mm headphones with its audio jack. It also features GPS for location services and includes an FM radio, a feature seldom found in present-day smartphones. The device supports GSM and HSPA technologies, providing a satisfactory level of network connectivity for calls and data use during its time.

Audio and Multi-Media

The Panasonic P55 comes equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, enabling users to listen to music and media content with or without headphones. The audio quality is adequate, catering well to casual listening experiences.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which allow the device to perform tasks like screen auto-rotation and call management (screen turn-off during calls). Such features are fundamental yet effective for improving the user interface and experience.

Pricing and Availability

At the time of its release, the Panasonic P55 was priced around 120 EUR, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a capable smartphone. The availability of the device in two colors, Pearl White and Deep Blue, provided some personalization options for potential buyers.

Conclusion

The Panasonic P55 serves as a classic representation of a time when smartphone technology was steadily advancing, yet devices remained accessible to the wider public. It offers a window into the design and functionality priorities of the mid-2010s, with its balanced approach to performance, features, and pricing. Despite being discontinued, it is a noteworthy example of Panasonic's efforts in the mobile market.