Philips W626 The Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Philips W626

The Philips W626, announced and released in December 2011, represents an important phase in the evolution of smartphones, offering features that catered to the emerging market demand for smart devices. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a point of reference for technology enthusiasts interested in the development of Android phones.

Design and Build

The Philips W626 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 116 x 62 x 14.3 mm and a lightweight build, weighing in at just 102 grams. This device is crafted from durable materials, providing a comfortable grip for everyday use. The design is practical with a focus on utility, featuring a Dual SIM slot compatible with Mini-SIM cards. This dual-SIM capability was particularly appealing for users who needed to manage two phone lines simultaneously.

Display

The Philips W626 is equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT screen. Despite being 36.5 cm² in size and having a moderate screen-to-body ratio of approximately 50.7%, the display offers a comfortable viewing experience. With a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 165 ppi, the screen produces decent clarity for basic tasks and multimedia consumption.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Philips W626 is powered by the Mediatek MT6573 chipset, crafted using a 65 nm process. It is paired with an 800 MHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531 GPU, which was modest by later standards but adequate for the time it was released. This hardware configuration allowed the device to handle day-to-day tasks and operate applications designed for Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) smoothly.

Memory and Storage

The device offers 256MB of internal storage, which is quite limited by modern standards. However, it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot for expanding storage, which was essential for users who needed more space for multimedia files and applications.

Camera Specifications

Main Camera

The W626 comes with a 3.15 MP main camera featuring an LED flash, supporting basic photography needs of users at that time. It offers video recording capabilities at 480p resolution, allowing for capturing moments with moderate clarity.

Front Camera

The phone is equipped with a front camera, whose specifications were not particularly detailed, offering users a means for video calls and self-portraits, a feature gaining popularity during the device’s time.

Operating System

Running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the Philips W626 was part of a pivotal moment in Android’s evolution. Android 2.3 brought substantial improvements in terms of user interface, performance, and efficiency, providing users with a dependable operating system that catered to the needs of both casual and business users.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips W626 supports GSM and HSPA networks, providing 2G and 3G connectivity. With speeds up to HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps, users had access to relatively swift internet browsing and data transfer capabilities for the era. The inclusion of dual SIM functionality further enhanced communication versatility.

Connectivity Features

• WLAN: The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and can act as a hotspot, enhancing internet sharing and connectivity.
• Bluetooth: Version 2.0 with A2DP allows for wireless file transfers and connecting accessories.
• Positioning: GPS and A-GPS improve navigation and mapping services.
• Radio: FM radio support for entertainment and news on the go.
• USB: Version 2.0 for data syncing and charging.

Battery Performance

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery, the Philips W626 offers solid battery life. It provides up to 437 hours of standby time and talk time up to 10 hours and 10 minutes on 2G networks, and 8 hours and 30 minutes on 3G, ensuring all-day performance for most users.

Additional Features

The phone includes an array of sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which contribute to diverse functionalities and enhance user experience. These sensors support features like auto-rotation and geolocation services.

Conclusion

The Philips W626, though now discontinued, was a representation of the transitional period in smartphone technology. With capabilities that included dual SIM functionality, a compact design, and Android 2.3, it catered well to the needs of its time. Its modest hardware was balanced by practical features that facilitated everyday mobile activities, making it a valuable piece of tech history for Philips.