Philips 568 Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing & More

Design and Build

The Philips 568, in terms of design, exemplifies the classic early-2000s mobile aesthetic. With dimensions of 98 x 44 x 18 mm and weighing 87 grams, it offers compactness that was standard at the time. The device's exterior comes in two sophisticated color options: Deep Black and Arrow Silver, enhancing its elegance and appeal. The phone accommodates a Mini-SIM card and features a simple but effective layout that caters to its foundational purpose of mobile communication.

Display

The display of the Philips 568 is characterized by an STN screen capable of showcasing 65K colors, offering good clarity for its time. The 128 x 160 pixel resolution across five lines provides sufficient room for messages and alerts, though it may not compare with today's screens in terms of sharpness and color vivacity. Nevertheless, for tasks like text messaging and simple navigation, the display serves its purpose well.

Camera

Equipped with a VGA camera, the Philips 568 does not stand out in terms of photographic capabilities, especially compared to modern standards. The camera holds a resolution of 0.3MP, which is minimal by today’s comparisons but was fairly standard in early cameraphones. While the camera includes video functionality, users should maintain modest expectations regarding quality, using this feature primarily for simple captures rather than high-definition recording.

Performance and Software

Operating as a feature phone, the Philips 568 is geared more towards basic telecommunication needs rather than modern multitasking and app usage. Its limited 8MB internal storage is devoid of expandable options, such as memory card slots, which underscores the phone's focus on essentials rather than media storage. The absence of detailed specifications regarding the processor and RAM suggests performance aimed at sustaining speed for fundamental tasks rather than complex operations.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips 568 is designed to operate on GSM technology with support for GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. While GPRS is available for data connectivity, EDGE is not supported, reflecting the slower mobile internet speeds common in its era. Users cannot expect advanced connectivity options like WLAN or Bluetooth, and there is no provision for radio or USB functionalities.

Battery Life

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, the Philips 568 boasts a reasonable longevity for a feature phone. The battery life provides up to 4 hours of talk time and up to 300 hours of standby. Such endurance ensures that users can rely on the phone for prolonged periods without frequent recharges, particularly beneficial for those with limited access to power sources.

Messaging and Browser

Communication on the Philips 568 is supported through SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, offering users a spectrum of text-based options for staying connected. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser meets the modest web browsing expectations typical of feature phones, allowing users to access basic internet services despite the lack of advanced multimedia handling.

Sound and Alert Types

While the Philips 568 does not include a loudspeaker or 3.5mm audio jack, it supports vibration alerts and polyphonic ringtones, which users can customize through downloadable options or a composer feature. These attributes cater to personalized auditory alerts within the device's basic design framework.

Conclusion

In summary, the Philips 568 caters to users seeking a straightforward, reliable mobile phone for essential communication tasks. While it lacks the sophisticated features and technologies of contemporary smartphones, its robust design, simple interface, and adequate battery life make it a suitable choice for those prioritizing functionality over multimedia capabilities. As a relic of the mid-2000s, it reflects the technological landscape of its time and the evolution of mobile communications.