Philips W3568 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Philips W3568

The Philips W3568 was announced and released in October 2013. Although it's now discontinued, this smartphone provided a range of basic features catered to entry-level consumers back in its day. Available in a black/gray color scheme, the W3568's design was well-suited for those looking for a dual SIM phone with functional Android capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips W3568 supported GSM and HSPA network technologies. Its 2G capabilities included GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands for both SIM 1 and SIM 2, while its 3G network supported HSDPA 900 and 2100 bands. The phone offered connectivity speeds with HSPA at 7.2/5.76 Mbps, which was considered adequate for basic browsing and connectivity needs of the time.

Launch and Availability

The Philips W3568 was launched in October 2013, with its sales starting and ending the same month. As it has been discontinued, obtaining this device now would be limited to second-hand markets and may appeal to collectors or those with nostalgic interests in early smartphone technology.

Design and Build

In terms of its physical attributes, the W3568 measured 126.8 x 68 x 12 mm and weighed 137 grams. While not the most compact or lightest phone available at the time, its design catered to a sturdy build with a simple touch interface, making it practical for everyday users. The device facilitated dual SIM capabilities using Mini-SIM cards, specifically designed for users needing to maintain two separate mobile lines.

Display Features

The phone's display was a 4.0-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 52.8%, the W3568 had a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, delivering a pixel density of around 233 ppi. These specifications offered satisfactory visual performance for basic multimedia consumption and daily smartphone use.

Platform and Performance

Running on the Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system, the Philips W3568 was powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. Although not geared towards power-intensive applications, this configuration provided an adequate performance baseline for routine applications such as messaging, email, and light browsing.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 4GB of internal storage and 512MB RAM. It included a dedicated microSDHC card slot for expandable storage, empowering users to increase their available memory for photos, music, and apps. Given the period of its release, these memory specs aimed to balance cost-effectiveness with sufficient functionality for casual users.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera on the Philips W3568 was a single 3.15 MP shooter, accompanied by an LED flash to aid in low-light conditions. Basic video recording was supported, though it lacked the advanced features more common in contemporary smartphones. Its front-facing camera existed primarily for video calls, offering a rudimentary option for selfies.

Audio and Sound

The device included a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, maintaining compatibility with various audio accessories. This was typical for mobile devices during the time and suited users interested in listening to audio content without relying solely on built-in speakers.

Communication and Interface Options

The Philips W3568 supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless communication. It also featured GPS capabilities, aiding navigation tasks. However, it lacked NFC and radio functionalities. The phone supported USB connections through a microUSB 2.0 port, enabling data transfer and charging functions.

Sensors and Additional Features

The W3568 was equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensor, providing fundamental app interactions and motion detection. While these features were basic, they remaining useful for applications requiring screen orientation adjustments and automatic screen-off functions during voice calls.

Battery Life

Powering the device was a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. Standby time was estimated up to 500 hours, with talk time lasting close to 13 hours. These battery specifications were competitive at the time and supported sufficient daily use without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

The Philips W3568 represents an early era of Android smartphones, designed for practical and budget-conscious users focused on essential mobile functionality. Its combination of dual SIM capabilities, expandable storage, and straightforward interface made it a viable option during its release period. Despite its discontinuation, the W3568 remains a point of interest for technology enthusiasts and collectors recognizing the ingenuity of past mobile technology milestones.