Panasonic Z800 Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview of the Panasonic Z800

The Panasonic Z800 was a mobile device that, although announced in the fourth quarter of 2004, was eventually cancelled. The device represented an era of mobile phones where feature-rich phones were paving the way for the smartphone revolution. The Z800 was meant to capture the market with its then-modern features and specifications, particularly in connectivity and multimedia.

Design and Build

The Panasonic Z800 boasted dimensions of 96.5 x 49 x 26 mm, offering a compact and chunky build owing to its weight of 115 grams. Its design was typical for feature phones of that period: an ergonomic bar shape with a mini-SIM slot. The physical layout was an embodiment of style and portability, making it easily fit into pockets or small purses.

Display

Equipped with a TFT display that supported 65K colors, the Z800’s screen was designed to deliver dynamic visuals of its time. Though the exact size of the display is not specified, the resolution stood at 176 x 220 pixels. This resolution ensured that images and text were adequately clear, providing a satisfactory viewing experience for users navigating menus or viewing images.

Camera Capabilities

On the photography front, the Panasonic Z800 included a single 1.3 MP camera with auto-focus capability. This was quite adequate for capturing basic images, a feature that was gaining momentum in mobile phones of that era. Additionally, the phone supported video recording, allowing users to capture short clips. A front-facing camera was also present, but its specifications were minimal and likely suited for video calls.

Storage and Memory

In terms of storage, the Z800 featured a miniSD card slot, allowing users to expand the memory to accommodate more files and multimedia content. The onboard memory supported storing contacts in a phonebook, and the call log functionality could preserve records of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls.

Network and Connectivity

The Panasonic Z800 was designed for GSM and UMTS networks, supporting 2G bands at 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz, and a 3G band at 2100 MHz. The data speeds reached up to 384 kbps, which was standard for early 3G devices. Bluetooth was integrated for wireless connectivity, and an infrared port was included for data transfer, although these methods pale in comparison to modern standards. Noticeably, the phone lacked WLAN and GPS capabilities.

Communication Features

For communications, the Z800 supported various messaging formats including SMS, MMS, and Email, ensuring users remained connected through text-based communications. A WAP 2.0/xHTML browser was available for internet browsing, though limited by the era’s technology capabilities.

Audio and Multimedia

While built-in loudspeakers were absent, the phone could output vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. The Z800 did not feature a common headphone jack, a characteristic of later feature phones. Multimedia functionalities were supplemented by basic gaming support and Java applications via MIDP 2.0, affording users entertainment options beyond basic phone use.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery of 730mAh. Given the feature phone’s energy demands, this capacity was moderate and typically exemplified extended battery life, allowing for a full day of standard use on a single charge.

Conclusion and Cancellation

Despite its promising capabilities for the market of the time, the Panasonic Z800 was eventually cancelled before it could reach consumers. It's an ode to the rapidly shifting mobile phone landscape, reflecting the transitional phase towards more integrated, multi-functional smartphones. The Z800 remains a valued study subject for enthusiasts interested in the evolution of mobile phone technology, showcasing how quickly technological advancements can yield new consumer needs and market directions.