Philips W8500 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network Specifications

The Philips W8500 features a GSM / HSPA network technology that allows for both voice and data communication. The device supports 2G bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 on both SIM 1 and SIM 2 slots. For 3G bands, it supports HSDPA 900 and 2100, enabling high-speed data transfer with speeds up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and 5.76 Mbps uplink. This ensures a decent internet browsing and download experience particularly for its time.

Launch and Status

Philips announced the W8500 in October 2013, and it was released shortly thereafter in the same month. The phone has since been discontinued, which is typical for technology of that era as newer models succeed older ones to offer the latest advancements in mobile technology.

Body and Design

The physical dimensions of the Philips W8500 are 132 x 71 x 12.3 mm, which translates to a compact form that fits comfortably in hand. Weighing 172 grams, the phone provides a sturdy feel without being overly heavy. It accommodates dual SIMs, specifically mini-SIMs, and operates on dual stand-by, meaning both SIM cards are active but only one can be used at a time for calls or mobile data.

Display Characteristics

The Philips W8500 is equipped with a 4.3 inches TFT display, which covers approximately 54.4% of the front panel. The resolution of 540 x 960 pixels provides a clear and bright display quality with a pixel density of roughly 256 pixels per inch (ppi), suitable for viewing images, browsing the web, and playing video content. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, known for its durability and resistance to scratches and moderate impacts.

Platform and Processor

Running on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the Philips W8500 offers a user-friendly interface typical of Android operating systems of its time. It's powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, providing sufficient performance for standard tasks such as calling, texting, and basic apps usage. However, it might struggle with more demanding applications due to the limitations in processing power.

Memory and Storage Options

The Philips W8500 is fitted with an internal storage of 4GB, which is quite limited by modern standards. To accommodate additional data, the phone includes a dedicated slot for a microSDHC card, allowing users to expand their storage capacity and manage files like photos and music more effectively.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera is an 8 MP autofocus camera supported by an LED flash for improved low-light photography. This setup allows for capturing decent quality photos and basic video recording capabilities. However, the device does not feature a front-facing selfie camera, which limits its capability for video calls and self-photography.

Audio and Sound Features

The Philips W8500 is equipped with a loudspeaker and includes a 3.5mm audio jack, meeting the standard audio connectivity of its time. Users can listen to music through headphones or the loudspeaker, providing adequate sound quality for personal entertainment.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the phone includes support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, allowing connection to wireless internet networks. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP is available for wireless data exchange with compatible devices, and GPS provides navigation and location-based services. Unfortunately, there is no NFC support or FM radio feature, which some users might find restricting. A microUSB 2.0 port is available for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which contribute to tasks like auto-rotation of the screen and turning off the display when making calls, respectively. There are limited additional features, reflecting the basic nature of smartphones from that era.

Battery Life

Powering the Philips W8500 is a removable Li-Ion 2400 mAh battery. It offers up to 8 hours of talk time, which provides reasonable daily usage before requiring a recharge. The removable nature of the battery means users can carry spares for extended usage without the need to recharge immediately.

Miscellaneous Aspects

The Philips W8500 was released in a silver color, enhancing its aesthetic appearance with a sleek and metallic look. This metallic color makes it appealing to users who prefer a modern and professional phone design.

In summary, the Philips W8500 is a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at users requiring basic smartphone functionalities. It is suitable for standard communication and media consumption tasks but might not satisfy users interested in heavy app usage or multitasking. Being an older model, it's understandably limited in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.