Philips S800 Unveiling Features Prices and Pros & Cons

Overview of the Philips S800

The Philips S800, announced in January 2006 and later discontinued, is an entry-level feature phone that catered to the basic needs of mobile users in its time. Despite its limited functionality by today's standards, the S800 provided the essentials of mobile communication during an era when feature phones were dominant. Below, we delve into the detailed specifications and functionalities of this device.

Design and Build

The Philips S800 is compact with dimensions of 87 x 43 x 21 mm and a weight of 80 grams, making it lightweight and portable. The phone adopts a traditional candy bar design, which was quite popular in the mid-2000s. The device is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, encapsulated in a simplistic design available in three color variants: Silver Soul, Black, and Red Rhythm.

Display

The phone features a CSTN display with 65K colors, which measures 1.7 inches and has a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While the screen-to-body ratio is about 24.3%, offering basic visibility sufficient for the simple tasks this phone is intended for, it does not provide the rich display experience found in current smartphones. The pixel density stands at approximately 121 ppi, putting it in line with other devices from its era.

Camera

Regarding photography, the Philips S800 is equipped with a VGA rear camera capable of capturing basic images and SQCIF video. At the time, the 0.3MP camera was roughly standard for entry-level phones, allowing users to take photos for necessary documentation and minimalistic purposes, without the expectation of high-quality imagery.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory is restricted to 128MB, which was typical for feature phones of that period. The phone does not support expandable storage, meaning that users need to manage their data carefully. However, it accommodates basic call logs and a phonebook, offering storage for 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips S800 operates on GSM technology with supported 2G bands of GSM 900 / 1800. It offers class 10 GPRS, but lacks support for EDGE, WLAN, Bluetooth, and GPS, maintaining a focus on basic communication without internet browsing capabilities beyond WAP. It can send SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messages.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker and supports vibration alerts, along with downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones to provide a range of alert options. However, it does not have a 3.5mm audio jack, indicating limitations in personal audio experience unless using compatible external accessories.

Battery Life

Powering the Philips S800 is a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery. The battery life offers up to 180 hours of standby and up to 3 hours of talk time, reflecting the low power consumption typical of feature phones. This capacity ensures reasonable device operation between charges, aligning with the daily usage patterns of its era.

Comprehensive Features

Additional features include a simple WAP browser and support for Java MIDP 2.0, which allows basic gaming and application functionality. Games are pre-installed and can be downloaded, providing light entertainment options suitable for this category of device.

Conclusion

The Philips S800 is an embodiment of the feature phone era, designed for users prioritizing calls and messages without the complexities of modern smartphone ecosystems. Its basic functionality, combined with compact design and enduring build quality, made it a reliable choice for many during its availability. While technology has advanced significantly since its launch, the S800 remains a nostalgic symbol of mobile communication's early days.