Discover the Philips F718 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Philips F718

The Philips F718 is a unique device representing a transitional phase in the mobile phone market. Launched in November 2010, the F718 was designed as a feature phone, catering to users who needed basic functionalities without the complexities of a smartphone. Despite being discontinued, the F718 holds a significant place in the history of mobile phones because of its straightforward design and practicality.

Network Capabilities

The Philips F718 operates on GSM technology, providing connectivity over 2G bands, specifically GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. The device supports GPRS Class 12, allowing users to access basic internet services. However, it does not support EDGE, which limits its internet speed to slower 2G connections. This aligns with its classification as a feature phone, catering to basic communication needs rather than advanced internet usage.

Design and Display

The F718 measures 99.9 x 50 x 11.9 mm, making it compact and easy to carry. Weighing 138 grams, it has a solid feel that assures durability. The device features a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard for phones during its time. The display is a 2.6-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 256K colors, offering a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels at approximately 154 pixels per inch. This modest resolution and resistive touch technology reflect the era's typical feature phone market.

Memory and Storage

The F718 comes with 45MB of internal storage, which, by today's standards, is quite limited. However, it includes a microSDHC card slot that allows users to expand the storage to accommodate more contacts, messages, and multimedia files. This expansion feature significantly enhances the phone's usability, allowing users to store photos and other data without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Specifications

Equipped with a 5 MP main camera with autofocus, the Philips F718 was quite competitive in its class. It features an LED flash to assist in low-light conditions and can record video at 480p@30fps. While this may not compare to the smartphone cameras available today, it was sufficient for capturing everyday moments at the time. The F718 does not have a front-facing camera, which was typical for feature phones of its era.

Audio and Connectivity

The F718 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, making it versatile for listening to music and other audio content. The absence of WLAN is notable, but it supports Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, enabling wireless audio streaming and file sharing. The device also includes a stereo FM radio with RDS, offering the option to listen to live broadcasts on the go. Connectivity options are rounded out with a miniUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Software and Features

The Philips F718 runs on a feature phone OS, designed to be straightforward for basic use. Its messaging capabilities include SMS, MMS, and Email, providing various communication avenues. The browser supports WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, which allows for basic web browsing. With Java support (MIDP 2.0), users can enjoy a range of downloadable games and applications, adding a layer of entertainment that enhances the phone's value proposition.

Battery Life

Powering the F718 is a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which aligns with the device's overall simplicity and moderate power demands. Given the lower power consumption associated with feature phones, this battery capacity is adequate for a full day of casual use, including calling, texting, and light media playback.

Conclusion

In summary, the Philips F718 is a nostalgic nod to the days when mobile phones were simpler yet functional enough to meet basic communication needs. While it lacks the sophisticated features found in modern smartphones, it serves as a reminder of the evolution of mobile technology, emphasizing practicality and ease of use. Its compact design, reasonable camera capabilities, and fundamental connectivity features made it a sensible choice for those not yet ready to fully embrace the smartphone revolution.