Philips 759 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Introduction to Philips 759

The Philips 759 was introduced in the first quarter of 2004, marking a significant period in the evolution of feature phones. Renowned for its durability and user-friendly interface, this device was one of the many competing in a rapidly growing market segment. Although it has been discontinued, the Philips 759 remains a notable piece of technology due to its unique blend of functionality and simplicity.

Design and Build

The Philips 759 features a compact design, measuring 98 x 44 x 18 mm and weighing just 89 grams. Its lightweight build made it highly portable, fitting comfortably in hand or pocket. The choice of materials and construction ensured durability, which was a key selling point at the time. The phone was available in three attractive colors: Aero Silver, Orange Spray, and Red Touch, catering to a variety of user preferences.

Display

The TFT resistive touchscreen was one of the distinctive features of the Philips 759, supporting 65,000 colors. The screen resolution of 128 x 160 pixels allowed for decent clarity, given the size of the device. Despite being a feature phone, the resistive touchscreen was a forward-looking addition, paving the way for more advanced touch interfaces in future mobile phones.

Camera Capabilities

In terms of photography, the Philips 759 was equipped with a VGA camera, which was quite standard for feature phones of that era. With a resolution of 0.3 MP, the camera served basic photography needs, albeit without video recording capabilities. It allowed users to capture images on the fly, offering the novelty of a camera phone which was still gaining traction in the early 2000s.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips 759 supported GSM technology with bands of 900, 1800, and 1900. While it did not support EDGE, it included GPRS, enabling users to access basic mobile internet services. Connectivity options were limited with the absence of Bluetooth and WLAN, but it did feature an infrared port, a useful tool for data transfer during that period. The omission of a 3.5mm audio jack was notable, restricting audio playback capabilities to downloadable polyphonic ringtones.

Battery Life

Battery performance was a strong suit for the Philips 759. It housed a removable Li-Ion battery that offered up to 250 hours of standby time and roughly 5 hours of talk time. These figures highlighted the efficiency of feature phones, providing prolonged usage without frequent recharging—a significant advantage over many of today’s smartphones.

Memory and Storage

Storage was limited to an internal memory of 7MB, which was common for phones in this category at the time. The device did not feature a card slot, thus confining users to the internal capacity for storing contacts, images, and other essential data. The phonebook capacity included 500 entries with multiple fields per contact, and photo call feature was integrated, a practical solution for the target market.

Operating System and User Interface

Operating as a feature phone, the Philips 759 was straightforward in terms of its user interface, which prioritized essential communication functions. It supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, providing comprehensive messaging solutions. Browsing capabilities were facilitated by the WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, offering a basic yet functional way to access the internet.

Entertainment and Extras

The entertainment package of the Philips 759 included the game "Bricks," which was a popular pastime for users. The phone also supported downloadable polyphonic ringtones, enabling customization. Additionally, Java support with MIDP 1.0 allowed limited application use beyond the pre-installed features.

Conclusion

The Philips 759 stands as a testament to the early 2000s era of mobile phones, where the transition from basic cell phones to more sophisticated feature phones was underway. It combined essential mobile functionalities with a few added conveniences, catering to users seeking reliability and simplicity. Although advanced smartphones have overshadowed such devices, the Philips 759 remains memorable for its unique contribution to mobile technology's evolution.