Philips E100 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Philips E100

The Philips E100, released in June 2009 after being announced in October 2008, is a basic feature phone that aimed to serve users looking for straightforward communication tools. It embraced simplicity and efficiency over more elaborate smartphone functionalities, catering primarily to users who needed a reliable device for calls and messaging.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips E100 was designed to operate on GSM networks, utilizing 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800. It supported GPRS with Class 12 technology, although it did not offer EDGE. Connectivity in this device was quite limited compared to modern standards, reflecting its primary function as a voice and basic messaging device.

Launch and Availability

Upon its launch, the Philips E100 was aimed at markets that demanded budget-friendly mobile solutions. Despite being discontinued, it captured a niche audience during its active years. The phone's lifecycle mirrored the technological trends of the late 2000s, where feature phones were still in demand in various parts of the world.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 104 x 44 x 13.7 mm, the Philips E100 was compact and lightweight, weighing only 75 grams. It featured a classic candy bar form factor made for easy handling and portability. Equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, it catered to the basic needs of mobile communication.

Display Characteristics

The device was equipped with a 1.8-inch CSTN screen capable of displaying 65K colors. The screen resolution of 128 x 160 pixels provided a pixel density of approximately 114 ppi. This display was fairly standard for feature phones of that era, offering basic visualization suitable for simple tasks like reading text or navigating menus.

Storage and Memory

The Philips E100 offered 2MB of internal storage, enough to hold essential data such as contacts and messages. Additionally, the phone featured a microSD card slot for expanded storage. The capability to save 30 call records (received, dialed, and missed) indicates a focus on its communication function.

Audio and Sound

For audio, the Philips E100 integrated a loudspeaker, enhancing the call experience and allowing for FM radio listening. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting connectivity with standard headphones—FM radio was an appealing feature for users wanting entertainment without data usage.

Communication Features

The device did not support modern communication features like WLAN, Bluetooth, or GPS. Its primary focus was on cellular communication, offering SMS and MMS messaging capabilities. The inclusion of a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser meant users could access basic internet services, offering a taste of web access to users who preferred a simpler interface.

Additional Features

The Philips E100 supported Java (MIDP 2.0), which allowed the installation of basic applications and games. With three pre-installed games and options to download more, the phone offered some entertainment value. However, such features were limited by the hardware capabilities and small screen size.

Battery Life

The Philips E100 was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, emphasizing convenience for users who preferred or needed to replace batteries periodically. The phone's basic functionalities ensured that battery life was generally extended compared to feature-rich smartphones.

Pricing and Market Position

At about 60 EUR, the Philips E100 was positioned as an affordable device in the market. Its price point appealed strongly to budget-conscious consumers and users in developing regions needing affordable communication tools. Despite technological limitations by today’s standards, it offered great value for its price at the time of release.

Conclusion

In essence, the Philips E100 was designed as an essential communication tool, focusing on functionality over form. It served its purpose well in an era where feature phones were still highly relevant. Its affordability and straightforward operation made it a practical choice for many users who prioritized voice and text communication.