Philips V816 Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Review

Overview and Introduction

The Philips V816 is a device that was released during an era when smartphones were beginning to gain significant traction globally. Released in the second quarter of 2011, this phone showcased a range of features that were representative of its time. Featuring a classic design with practical functionalities, the V816 serves as an interesting case study on the evolution of smartphone technology.

Design and Build Quality

The Philips V816 has dimensions of 111 x 55 x 13.9 mm and weighs 141 grams. It features a sturdy build that is relatively compact compared to many modern smartphones. The device supports Dual SIM (Mini-SIM), which was a sought-after feature, allowing users to manage two networks simultaneously—a beneficial aspect for frequent travelers and business users.

Display

The V816 is equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display, offering 256K colors and a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 292 ppi, the display was fairly sharp for the standards of its time, providing an adequate level of clarity for reading text and viewing images. Despite its relatively small size compared to today’s standards, the display was a strong point for users who preferred compact phones.

Camera

This device houses a 5-megapixel main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, enabling decent photo quality during the day and in well-lit conditions. The video recording capability at 480p@30fps made it suitable for basic video capture. However, the absence of a front-facing camera was a limitation for users fond of selfies or video calls.

Performance and Hardware

On the hardware front, the Philips V816 features a Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system. Specific details about the processor and RAM are not documented, but the device’s capabilities were sufficient for running basic applications, browsing the web with the HTML browser, and handling standard productivity tasks. Internal storage is limited to 180 MB, but this can be expanded using the microSDHC slot, accommodating users' need for extra space for apps and media files.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery, which, according to official specifications, offers up to 720 hours of standby and 16 hours of talk time. This long battery life was advantageous for users who needed a reliable device for extended periods without frequent charging.

Connectivity

On the connectivity front, the V816 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for internet connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, and a miniUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The presence of GPS and A-GPS support meant users could utilize location-based services, which were becoming increasingly popular during that time.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio capabilities on the V816 include a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, accommodating a range of audio accessories. These features were standard for devices of that era, providing users with flexibility for media playback and hands-free audio solutions.

Additional Features and Sensors

The device comes equipped with basic sensors needed for standard operation. The HTML browser supports basic web browsing, catering to users who required internet access on the go. However, advanced features seen in newer smartphones today were lacking, which reflects the technological limitations and user expectations of the time.

Conclusion

In summary, the Philips V816 serves as a glimpse into the past of smartphone technology, showcasing features that were innovative at its time of release. While it might appear modest by today’s standards, the V816 provided a solid user experience for its demographic. Understanding devices like the V816 helps highlight how much smartphones have evolved in just over a decade, emphasizing advancements in display technology, camera quality, processing power, and overall usability.