Philips 160 Comprehensive Review with Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview and Design

The Philips 160 smartphone is a classic feature phone that was announced in September 2005 and has since been discontinued. It is designed with simplicity in mind, making it ideal for users who value basic functionality over advanced features. The phone's dimensions are 103 x 47.5 x 18.7 mm, with a weight of 84 grams, making it a lightweight and compact device. It fits comfortably in the hand and can easily be carried in a pocket or small bag.

The Philips 160 was available in two color variants: Smooth Blue and Soft Grey. Its design is straightforward and utilitarian, catering to users who need a practical phone for communication without the distractions of a smartphone.

Display

The phone features an STN monochrome graphics display with a resolution of 101 x 80 pixels, capable of displaying up to 5 lines of text. While it may not compare to the colorful or high-resolution displays of modern smartphones, it serves its purpose for reading messages and viewing the basic menu. The simplicity of the display is suitable for users who use the phone primarily for making calls and texting.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips 160 supports GSM technology with 2G bands specifically for GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies. There is no support for GPRS or EDGE, which reflects its basic nature and focus on voice communication. The phone does not include connectivity features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning services, highlighting its aim as a straightforward communication device.

Memory and Storage

The phone includes an internal memory of 4MB, with no slot available for expandable memory via an external card. This internal storage is sufficient for storing essential call records and entries in the phonebook. Users can store up to 20 received, dialed, and missed calls. These features emphasize the Philips 160’s role as a primarily communication-focused device.

Sound and Audio

Sound features on the Philips 160 include vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. The device does not support a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, aligning with its focus on simplicity and essential communication. Users can enjoy polyphonic ringtones that offer a variety of sound effects.

Messaging and Communication

The Philips 160 is equipped with basic messaging capabilities, allowing users to send SMS and EMS messages. It includes a WAP 1.2.1 browser, enabling limited internet access suitable for minimal browsing needs. The phone also comes with two built-in games for basic entertainment. Without support for Java applications, the phone does not cater to users seeking advanced mobile applications or games.

Battery Life

A notable feature of the Philips 160 is its removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery. It offers substantial longevity, with a standby time of up to 400 hours and talk time of up to 6 hours. This extended battery life is a significant advantage for users who require a reliable device that can go long periods without frequent recharging.

User Demographics and Usage

The Philips 160 appealed to individuals who preferred basic mobile functionality without the need for advanced smartphone features. It was a suitable choice for users seeking a backup phone, those who value simplicity, and individuals in regions where feature phones were still prevalent at the time.

Furthermore, its robustness, long battery life, and capacity for essential communication functions made it a practical option for business users and seniors who required reliability in a mobile device.

Conclusion

In summary, the Philips 160 is a straightforward, durable, and efficient feature phone focused on delivering essential mobile communication functionalities. Its design, reliability, and long-lasting battery catered to a wide audience looking for simplicity and functionality without the complexities and distractions of contemporary smartphones. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a testament to an era of minimalistic mobile phone design that prioritized core capabilities above all.