Philips C700 Comprehensive Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Philips C700: An In-depth Examination

Background and Release

Announced in September 2009 and released in the fourth quarter of the same year, the Philips C700 was a significant entry in the world of feature phones. At a time when the mobile phone landscape was rapidly evolving with the burgeoning popularity of smartphones, the Philips C700 aimed to cater to users seeking a more straightforward, utilitarian approach to mobile communication.

Design and Build

The Philips C700 measures 115 x 54.2 x 16.9 mm, making it a compact device that's easy to handle and portable. It weighs 118 grams, which ensures it is light enough for daily use without feeling cumbersome. The phone was available in a classic black color, offering a professional and sleek aesthetic appeal.

The device employs a Mini-SIM, standard for many phones during its release period. Although it doesn't feature the slim profiles of many modern-day phones, its build is robust, catering to those who prioritize durability.

Display Features

Equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the Philips C700 displays 256K colors. The screen resolution stands at 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a density of approximately 143 pixels per inch. While not groundbreaking, the screen was sufficient for the typical functionalities of a feature phone, such as dialing numbers, texting, and basic browsing.

Performance and Memory

While specific details about the processor and RAM were not prominent, the Philips C700 functioned adequately for its classification as a feature phone. It was built to handle basic tasks without the need for high processing power.

The internal memory was limited to 2.5 MB, but the device included a dedicated microSDHC slot, with a 2 GB card included, allowing users to extend their storage capabilities for photos and other data. The phonebook facilitated storage for contact numbers and photocall functionality, while call logs could record the latest 30 calls.

Camera Capabilities

The Philips C700 came with a single rear 2 MP camera. This initial basic camera could capture photos and record videos with a resolution of 176 x 144 pixels at 15 frames per second. Although rudimentary by today's standards, it provided the essential capability for quick snaps and video capture.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM and CDMA2000 technologies, with 2G bands compatible with GSM 900/1800/1900 and 3G bands supporting CDMA2000 1x, providing basic internet and call connectivity. The device could achieve speeds up to 384 kbps, facilitating basic web browsing through WAP 2.0/xHTML.

Connectivity was further supported by Bluetooth 1.2, allowing for wireless transfer of files and media between devices. Although lacking in advanced features like Wi-Fi, the Philips C700 provided a miniUSB 2.0 for wired connectivity options.

Battery Life

The device ran on a removable Li-Ion 1030 mAh battery, a reasonable power capacity for a feature phone of its era. It offered up to 100 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours of talk time, demonstrating satisfactory performance for light to moderate users who depended on their phones for calls and occasional browsing.

Audio and Entertainment

The C700 came with a loudspeaker option, although it lacked a 3.5 mm audio jack, which was a common inconvenience of the era. It supported downloadable games and standard features like SMS and MMS messaging. Java support with MIDP 2.0 allowed for simple applications and games to be used on the phone.

Conclusion

The Philips C700, while discontinued, represents a snapshot of a transitional period in mobile technology. Designed with simplicity and essential features in mind, it served its target audience well. In an era that was beginning to see the rise of smartphones, the C700 held its own by focusing on reliability and basic mobile functionalities.