Philips 868 Unveiling Features Pricing & Performance Insights

Overview of the Philips 868

The Philips 868 is a feature phone that was announced in the second quarter of 2005, however, it was later cancelled and never reached the market. Despite its cancellation, this device offers a glimpse into the mobile technology of its time, showcasing typical features found in mid-2000s cell phones. This article will delve into the specifications and features that were planned for the Philips 868.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips 868 was designed to operate on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands namely GSM 900/1800/1900. It was equipped with GPRS class 10 for data services, but did not support EDGE technology, which was becoming more common at that time. Notably, the phone lacked modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Infrared was the primary wireless communication feature, allowing for basic data exchange with supported devices.

Launch and Availability

Initially announced in 2005's Q2, the Philips 868 was never released to consumers. Without a commercial launch, the device never took its place among the varied landscape of mobile phones during the mid-2000s, a period where competition was fierce and technology rapidly evolving.

Design and Build

The dimensions of the Philips 868 were compact, measuring 92 x 45 x 26 mm (3.62 x 1.77 x 1.02 inches), and it weighed approximately 110 grams (3.88 ounces), making it relatively lightweight. It was designed to use a mini-SIM card, which was the standard at the time.

Display Characteristics

This phone featured a TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 256K colors, a specification quite advanced for phones during its conception. The screen resolution was 128 x 160 pixels, offering a clear display in the context of early 2000s phones but limited by today's standards.

Memory and Storage

The Philips 868 was intended to come with 8MB of internal storage, which was typical for phones of that era. However, it included a miniSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to augment the phone's capacity as needed. The phone maintained a record of 30 calls (received, dialled, and missed), showcasing the efficiency and limits of its memory management.

Camera Functionality

For photography, the Philips 868 was equipped with a 2 MP main camera, which was augmented with an LED flash for better performance in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities were included, albeit limited compared to modern smartphones. A selfie camera was not part of the package, as front-facing cameras were not yet a standard feature at this time.

Audio and Sound Features

Audio on the Philips 868 consisted mainly of vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. It did not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might limit its appeal to users seeking full multimedia features.

Communication Features

Communication features on the Philips 868 supported various messaging formats including SMS, EMS, MMS, and email. Its browser was a WAP 2.0/xHTML, enabling basic web browsing capabilities. Java MIDP 2.0 support allowed for downloadable games and applications, providing some level of customization and entertainment options.

Battery and Power Management

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery. It offered a standby time of up to 150 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours, which were respectable figures for feature phones at that time. This battery management would suffice basic usage without requiring frequent recharges.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Philips 868 remains an interesting piece of mobile technology history. Despite its cancellation, the features and specifications it promised were reflective of the technology trends during the mid-2000s. While it may not have reached the consumer's hands, it serves as a snapshot of the evolving functionality and design thinking that characterized the mobile phone industry at that time.