Philips 298 Unveiling Features Pricing & Performance

Introduction to Philips 298

Released in 2008, the Philips 298 is a feature phone that catered to the needs of users looking for a basic mobile device. It was designed for simplicity and functionality, prioritizing communication over the advanced features found in modern smartphones. This article explores the Philips 298's features, specifications, and its role in the mobile device market of its time.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips 298 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands at GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies. It offers GPRS class 10 data connectivity, which, at the time, allowed basic internet browsing and data usage. However, the device did not support EDGE, WLAN, Bluetooth, or any advanced positioning services, reflecting its status as a basic feature phone. The absence of high-speed internet and wireless connectivity features marked it strictly for basic communication purposes.

Device Launch and Status

First announced and released in May 2008, the Philips 298 was eventually discontinued as the appeal of feature phones waned in the light of the smartphone revolution. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a piece of nostalgia for some users who favored its simplicity.

Design and Build

The design of the Philips 298 was straightforward and functional. With dimensions of 97 x 47.5 x 13.9 mm and weighing 82 grams, the phone was compact and portable. It used a Mini-SIM card, fitting into the traditional slot found in feature phones. The build quality, while not luxurious, was solid enough for daily use, focusing on practicality and durability.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256K colors, the screen provided basic visual feedback with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi). The display was adequate for reading messages and navigating the phone’s menu, though it was far from the high-definition screens we are accustomed to today. The screen-to-body ratio of ~22.1% showcases the large bezels typical of feature phones of that era.

Memory and Storage

The phone featured an internal memory of 400 KB, which is incredibly limited by modern standards. For expanded storage, the Philips 298 offered a dedicated microSD slot, allowing users to add more space as needed. This feature was crucial for users wanting to store more contact entries or enjoy downloaded ringtones and basic media. The phonebook, though basic, was functional, as were the call records which could retain logs of 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Camera Specifications

Regarding photography, the Philips 298 included a single VGA camera for basic image capturing. While it offered video recording capabilities, the quality was quite limited, suitable only for capturing quick and informal moments.

Sound and Alerts

Sound options on the Philips 298 included a loudspeaker and support for polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, but it did not include a 3.5mm jack for headphones. The absence of a headphone jack limited private listening experiences unless using external speakers compatible with its proprietary USB connector.

Communication and Messaging

The Philips 298 supported SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging formats, providing a variety of ways to communicate even with its limitations. Although it offered a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for minimal web access, the browser experience was constrained by the phone’s connectivity features.

Power and Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, the Philips 298 could last up to 220 hours on standby and provided up to 3 hours of talk time. Its battery life was suitable for everyday use, especially compared to today’s smartphones, though it required regular charging for active users.

Miscellaneous Features

The phone came in a simple gray color with a SAR value of 0.88 W/kg (head), indicating low radiation levels. Additionally, it featured downloadable games for entertainment, although it did not support Java-based applications.

Conclusion

In summary, the Philips 298 was a decent option for consumers looking for a straightforward mobile phone primarily focused on communication. It offered fundamental features necessary for calls and messages while keeping the user interface simple and accessible. Although it has been outshined by the rise of smartphones, Philips 298 remains a reminiscent figure of a decade where mobile devices were transitioning into more complex technological marvels.