Panasonic P55 Novo Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing

Panasonic P55 Novo Overview

The Panasonic P55 Novo was a notable entry in the mid-range smartphone market when it was announced in November 2016. Despite being discontinued, it remains of interest to those looking into the evolution of Android devices. Known for its balanced specifications, the P55 Novo offered solid features for everyday use. In this article, we will delve into the detailed aspects of this device and its contribution to the smartphone landscape during its time.

Network and Connectivity

The P55 Novo supports a range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, covering major frequency bands. This made it suitable for a global audience, providing connectivity options across diverse regions. With dual SIM capability, users could manage two phone numbers simultaneously, ideal for personal and professional use. The P55 Novo boasted HSPA and LTE speeds, ensuring efficient data transfer and communication.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 147.9 x 73.8 x 8.2 mm and a weight of 155 g, the P55 Novo was designed to be both sleek and lightweight. Its ergonomic build made it user-friendly, while the availability of colors such as Champagne Gold, Smoke Grey, and Midnight Blue offered a variety of aesthetic choices. The dual SIM slot was a practical feature for users needing multiple network connections in a single device.

Display

The smartphone featured a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, suitable for a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.4%. This screen specification delivered vibrant colors and clear visuals, making it a great choice for media consumption such as video viewing and gaming. Although the display resolution was not Full HD, for its time, it provided satisfactory performance for a mid-range device.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the P55 Novo provided a smooth user experience with access to a wide array of Android apps available at that time. Powering the device was an Octa-core 1.3 GHz processor, which, combined with 3GB of RAM, delivered adequate performance for multitasking and everyday app use. This setup was particularly appealing to users seeking efficient performance without the premium price tag associated with flagship models.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage capacity of the P55 Novo was 16GB, which was a standard offering for mid-range smartphones at the time. However, it also featured a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand storage further to accommodate more apps, photos, and videos. This expandability was crucial for users who did not rely solely on cloud storage solutions.

Camera Capabilities

The phone was equipped with a single 13 MP rear camera with autofocus and a triple-LED flash, capable of capturing detailed images in various lighting conditions. It supported video recording at 1080p@30fps, which was quite commendable for a mid-range device. The 5 MP front camera was paired with an LED flash, catering to selfie enthusiasts by supporting good-quality self-portraits even in low-light environments.

Audio and Multimedia

The P55 Novo offered a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to enjoy music and videos via headphones or external speakers easily. This was especially important at a time when many users relied heavily on wired audio solutions. The presence of an FM radio with RDS provided additional entertainment options, which was a popular feature among users who enjoyed live radio broadcasts.

Communication and Ports

The device included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and GPS for comprehensive connectivity. However, it did not feature NFC. The presence of an infrared port allowed the smartphone to act as a remote control for various electronic appliances. On the downside, it came with a microUSB 2.0 port, which was standard at the time, but has since been replaced by the more efficient USB-C in newer models.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery, the P55 Novo could comfortably last through a day of regular use, factoring in moderate browsing, calling, and media playback. The removable nature of the battery was a significant advantage, allowing users to replace it easily once its efficiency began to diminish over time.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device came with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which were essential for everyday smartphone functionality including automatic screen rotation and call handling. While it lacked more advanced sensors like a fingerprint scanner or gyroscope, its feature set was typical for its market segment in 2016.

Conclusion

In summary, the Panasonic P55 Novo offered a balanced mix of features suitable for the mid-range market. While it did not break any new ground in terms of innovation, it provided reliable performance, adequate camera quality, and essential connectivity at a price of approximately 100 EUR. Its design and build, while not revolutionary, were comfortable and appealing to a wide audience. The presence of dual SIM slots, expandable storage, and a removable battery added to its versatility, making it a practical choice for users seeking affordability without sacrificing core smartphone functionalities.