Philips 630 Comprehensive Review Specs and Pricing

Introduction

The Philips 630 was a mobile phone model released by Philips in the early 2000s. As a feature phone, it provided basic functionalities that catered to the essential communication needs of users at the time. Despite its limited feature set compared to modern smartphones, the Philips 630 was an embodiment of the technology available during that era and offered users a reliable mobile communication experience.

Design and Build

The Philips 630 boasted a compact design with dimensions of 83 x 43 x 22 mm, making it easy to hold and carry. Weighing just 78 grams, it was lightweight and could easily fit into pockets without causing any discomfort. The phone featured a traditional candy bar format with a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard at the time.

Display

The phone was equipped with an STN display capable of showcasing 4096 colors. The screen resolution stood at 128 x 128 pixels, allowing for decent visibility of text and basic graphics. Although the display might seem rudimentary compared to today's high-definition screens, it provided adequate functionality for the mobile applications of its time.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips 630 supported GSM technology, working on 2G bands GSM 900 / 1800. The device included GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity, but it did not support EDGE. Despite the absence of high-speed data access, users could still perform basic tasks such as sending and receiving SMS and EMS messages.

Memory and Storage

The phone lacked expandable storage options, as it did not have a card slot. Internally, it could store up to 300 contacts and provided space for storing details for each contact in three fields. Users could keep a record of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. Though basic by today's standards, these features offered ample functionality for managing contacts and call logs.

Sound and Alerts

The Philips 630 came with a built-in loudspeaker and offered vibration alerts along with polyphonic ringtones. However, it did not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limited its use as a music device. The sound capabilities were adequate enough for audible call alerts and simple ringtones.

Communication Features

The Philips 630 was geared towards basic communication needs. It supported SMS and EMS messaging formats but did not provide internet browsing capabilities beyond a simple WAP 1.2.1 browser. With no Bluetooth or WLAN support, the device's connectivity options were limited.

Battery Life

The phone originally came with a removable Li-Ion 560 mAh battery, which could deliver a stand-by time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes. An extended battery option of 900 mAh provided increased stand-by time of up to 400 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours, offering flexibility for users needing more battery life.

Additional Features

The Philips 630 included some additional features that enriched the user experience. It offered alarms, a clock, and a selection of three games: Smart Move, Reflexes, and Lucky Star. The device supported multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Chinese, accommodating a wide range of users.

Colors and Variants

The phone was available in three color variants, namely Red, Silver, and Pacific Blue. This variety allowed users to choose the model that best suited their personal style preferences.

Conclusion

In hindsight, the Philips 630 might appear limited given today's technological advancements, but it served as a crucial communication tool in its prime. By providing the essential features needed for communication, Philips 630 was able to meet the demands of users during a time when mobile technology was rapidly evolving. It holds a place in the history of mobile devices, reminding us of the humble beginnings from which today's smartphones evolved.