Philips 960 All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Philips 960

The Philips 960 was a feature phone announced in July 2005 and it quickly attracted attention due to its capabilities during that era. The phone was distinctive for its compact design, offering a set of features that appealed to users who needed basic functionalities rather than high-end smartphone capabilities.

Design and Build

The Philips 960 sported a compact and relatively lightweight design. Its dimensions were 95 x 47.5 x 23 mm, which made it easy to handle and store in a pocket. Weighing only 95 grams, the phone was convenient for users who prioritized portability. It utilized a Mini-SIM slot, typical of devices from that generation, and came in three color variations: Silver Sound, Titanium Tune, and White Wide.

Display

Featuring a TFT display with 256K colors, the Philips 960 had a screen resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. Although the size of the display was modest compared to modern standards, it was quite standard for feature phones of that period. The screen provided adequate clarity for viewing text messages and basic graphical content.

Camera Capabilities

The Philips 960 was equipped with a 2 MP main camera, a commendable feature back in its release time. The camera included an LED flash which aided photography in low-light conditions. It supported video recording at CIF resolution, allowing users to capture basic video content. While there was no front-facing camera, the primary camera sufficed for casual photography purposes.

Network and Connectivity

This device supported GSM networks on the frequencies of 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, which ensured decent connectivity across various regions. For data transfer, it utilized GPRS Class 10. However, the device did not feature EDGE connectivity. Its connectivity options included Bluetooth 1.2 for wireless data exchange and an infrared port, but it lacked WLAN, positioning services, and radio. The USB connection was proprietary.

Memory and Storage

The Philips 960 came with 32 MB of internal storage which was substantial for storing contacts, messages, and basic apps of that era. The device also supported an SD/MMC card slot, allowing users to expand storage for more multimedia content. The phonebook supported personalization, and the call records feature could store details of 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the Philips 960 offered decent battery life. It could last up to 270 hours on standby and provided up to 4 hours of talk time. These specifications highlighted its efficiency in power consumption, making it a reliable device for everyday use without frequent recharging.

Sound and Multimedia

While lacking a loudspeaker, the phone supported vibration, along with downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. It did not possess a 3.5mm audio jack, which limited its audio functionality to the built-in speakers or Bluetooth devices. The device supported basic multimedia functionalities suitable for playing simple audio files that were common at the time.

Messaging and Applications

Messaging features on the Philips 960 included SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, providing users with various options to communicate. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allowed for limited internet browsing, a typical option for feature phones. It also supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling the installation of Java-based applications and games, enhancing its utility for entertainment purposes.

Conclusion

The Philips 960 was an emblematic device of its time, combining functionality and simplicity. Despite lacking the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, it served as a reliable communication tool for users who valued long battery life, basic camera features, and compact design. Although discontinued, it remains a nostalgic piece of technology for those who experienced the mobile phone revolution during the early 2000s.