Philips W727 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network

The Philips W727 was built to support GSM and HSPA technology, which were prevalent in the early 2010s. Featuring dual SIM capabilities, it allowed users to operate two Mini-SIM cards simultaneously. The available 2G bands included GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, ensuring a wide coverage for basic connectivity, while the single 3G band HSDPA 2100 facilitated faster data transfer where available. The device offered HSPA speeds of 3.6/0.384 Mbps, sufficient for light browsing and email communication.

Launch

Announced and released in January 2012, the Philips W727 quickly became a choice for users seeking a feature phone with some advanced capabilities. Despite its potential, the phone was eventually discontinued, reflecting the fast-paced evolution of mobile technology and consumer preferences leaning towards smartphones.

Body

The device was designed with practicality in mind, featuring dimensions of 109.8 x 56.5 x 20.5 mm and a weight of 189 g. While its bulkiness was notable, the dual-SIM feature and durable build were valued by users who needed reliability over style. The gray color option offered a modest yet professional appearance.

Display

The Philips W727 came with a 3.2-inch TFT display supporting 256K colors. With a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, it delivered basic visuals that sufficed for its expected uses, like viewing contacts or browsing simple media. Although not impressive by modern standards, the display capabilities were considered adequate for a feature phone at the time.

Memory

With an internal memory of 100MB, the phone catered to basic storage needs, primarily for contacts, call logs, and text messages. The inclusion of a microSDHC slot allowed memory expansion, making it flexible for users wanting to store more media files or additional applications.

Main Camera

The device was equipped with a single 5 MP main camera, capable of capturing photos and basic video recording. This camera provided a practical solution for occasional photography, albeit limited in quality compared to more contemporary smartphones.

Sound

Sound features included a built-in loudspeaker. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack was a drawback, limiting users to the speaker or any connected Bluetooth devices for audio playback. This limitation reflected the transitional technology of the time.

Communication Features

The Philips W727 supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and hotspot functionality, offering basic wireless connectivity options. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR was available for those who wanted to connect wirelessly to peripherals. However, the absence of GPS positioning limited its capabilities as a navigation tool. The presence of an FM radio provided entertainment on-the-go, while the miniUSB 2.0 port facilitated device charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Some notable features included a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, while various messaging options (SMS, MMS, Email, IM) ensured that users stayed connected. Java MIDP 2.0 support enabled the installation of compatible applications, including games, enhancing user experience beyond basic phone functions.

Battery

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery, the W727 offered the convenience of battery replacement, extending the device’s lifespan beyond the internal wear of the battery. The capacity was modest, providing sufficient standby and talk time for typical daily usage.

Conclusion

Overall, the Philips W727 was a device designed with practicality and basic functionality in mind, catering to users who prioritized durability and cost-effectiveness. Although discontinued, it remains a testament to the progression of mobile technology throughout the early 2010s.