Philips W635 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Philips W635

The Philips W635, launched in April 2012 and since discontinued, stands as a notable entry in the mobile phone market of its time. It brought together functionality and essential smartphone features, providing users a reliable communication device. This article delves into the specifications, features, and what made the Philips W635 a choice for users during its era.

Network and Connectivity

Equipped with GSM and HSPA technology, the Philips W635 was designed for basic mobile connectivity. It supported dual SIM cards, making it convenient for users who needed separate lines for personal and professional use. The device offered 2G bands covering GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, as well as 3G bands on HSDPA 850 and 2100 frequencies. With a maximum speed of HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps, it provided modest browsing capabilities suitable for its time.

Design and Build

Philips W635 had a compact and sturdy design, with dimensions of 124 x 64.5 x 11.5 mm and a weight of 157 grams, which made it reasonably portable. The phone featured a practical dual SIM (Mini-SIM) slot, catering to the needs of users who required multiple numbers. Its robust build ensured durability, which was a key aspect considering the wear and tear typical of mobile phones.

Display

The display on the Philips W635 was a 4.0-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. This provided clear and vibrant visuals within its 5:3 aspect ratio. Though not equipped with advanced display technology, it was sufficient for daily tasks and media consumption.

Platform and Performance

The device ran on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227A Snapdragon S1 chipset. With a single-core Cortex-A5 CPU and Adreno 200 GPU, the Philips W635 was tailored for basic performance needs. It struggled with demanding applications but handled essential tasks like calling, texting, and basic app usage efficiently.

Memory and Storage

With 512MB of internal storage, the space available was quite limited. Nevertheless, the presence of a microSDHC card slot allowed users to expand storage, making it possible to add more apps and media files. Although the RAM specifications are not detailed, the device was positioned for entry-level multitasking experiences.

Camera Features

The primary camera on Philips W635 was a 5 MP autofocus shooter, which was standard for smartphones during its release period. It was capable of recording videos at 480p, though it lacked a front camera, which limited its appeal to those who needed video call capabilities or frequently used selfies.

Audio and Sound

Audio features on the Philips W635 included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, enhancing its usability for media playback and hands-free usage. The provision of a 3.5mm jack was a critical feature as it allowed users to use standard headphones for media listening.

Communication and Connectivity

Connectivity features included support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with a hotspot function, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and USB 2.0. GPS and A-GPS capabilities also ensured reliable location tracking and navigation. However, the absence of a radio was a minor downside for users who retained an affinity for listening to traditional AM/FM broadcasts.

Sensors

The Philips W635 came equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and a proximity sensor. These features, while minimal, enhanced user interactivity and offered some level of functional automation, such as auto-rotation and call management.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1630 mAh battery, which was in line with the standard for smartphones in its category at the time. It offered a standby time of up to 200 hours on both 2G and 3G, and a talk time of up to 5 hours on 2G and 4.5 hours on 3G networks, making it reliable for daily usage without frequent charging.

Price and Market Position

Upon its release, the Philips W635 was priced at approximately 460 EUR, positioning it in a competitive segment for mid-range smartphones of its time. Its features were appealing to consumers seeking functional dual SIM capabilities and modest smartphone conveniences without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The Philips W635, with its dual SIM functionality and basic smartphone features, served as an entry-level option for users in 2012 looking to transition from feature phones to smartphones. While its specifications are modest by modern standards, it met the needs of its target audience effectively, providing a reliable communication tool during its tenure in the market.