Philips W820 Comprehensive Review Specs and Pricing

Overview of the Philips W820

The Philips W820, released in 2012, represents a smartphone attempt by Philips to capture a share of the Android market. The device, operating on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), offers unique features packaged in a relatively compact form factor. Despite being discontinued, the Philips W820 remains an interesting point of reference in the evolution of smartphone technology during the early 2010s.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 114.6 x 57.7 x 14.8 mm and a weight of 143 grams, the Philips W820 is designed to be both robust and easy to handle. It supports a Mini-SIM and executes its tasks within a body housing a 3.2-inch TFT display. The resolution of 320 x 480 pixels ensures moderate clarity with a pixel density of approximately 180 ppi. The choice of a thicker body likely facilitates the removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, which remains one of the device's notable features for extended use without frequent charging.

Display

Equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display, the Philips W820 offers a screen-to-body ratio of roughly 46.1%. The modest resolution of 320 x 480 pixels allows for basic visual tasks. While it may not compare to the sharpness of modern displays, it still provides adequate visual clarity for standard use like calling, texting, and basic app functionality inherent at the time of its release.

Performance and Operating System

Running on the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) platform, the Philips W820 facilitates basic smartphone operations of its time. The operating system supports essential features and access to early versions of the Android Market. Despite having a limited RAM and processing capability, it managed to perform essential functionalities expected from devices of its era, such as browsing and using lightweight applications.

Camera Capabilities

The device is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera, accompanied by an LED flash for better illumination in low-light conditions. It can record video at a resolution of 176x144 pixels at 15fps. While it lacks the capabilities of modern smartphones, the main camera provides adequate performance for casual photography. For selfie options, the device features a basic front-facing camera.

Battery Life

The Philips W820 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery. The manufacturer's specifications promised up to 600 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours of talk time. These figures offer perspective on the battery efficiency and longevity, indicative of a period when battery life was considered a key selling feature.

Connectivity and Network

Network capabilities included GSM and HSPA with support for 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 2100). The device allows potential speeds of HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps. Connectivity features also include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 for personal area network needs. Furthermore, GPS support and FM radio functionality add to the communication and entertainment capabilities of the device.

Storage and Memory Expansion

The internal memory of the Philips W820 stands at 512MB, which is relatively limited by today's standards. However, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC card slot allows users to expand storage capacity to accommodate various media and application needs, thereby overcoming some of the built-in storage limitations.

Sound and Additional Features

The Philips W820 provides a standard loudspeaker and includes a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals. It also comes with essential sensors like accelerometer, proximity, and compass, which are part of the phone's functionality in detecting motion and orientation.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Philips W820 is an intriguing entry into the early smartphone market. While it doesn't boast cutting-edge features by today's technological standards, its comprehensive approach to combining critical functionalities in a compact package underscores early trends in smartphone design. For those interested in the evolution of smart devices, the Philips W820 remains a testament to the transitions and innovations that have come to define modern smartphones.