Price and specifications of Philips W8555 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Philips W8555

Philips, a brand renowned for its innovation in electronics, ventured into the smartphone market with the Philips W8555. Announced in November 2013 and released the same month, this device targeted users seeking a balanced blend of performance, design, and affordability. Though discontinued, the W8555 offers insights into the technology trends of the time and Philips’ approach to mobile technology.

Design and Build

The Philips W8555 weighs 200 grams, making it a substantial device to hold. It was designed to incorporate dual SIM capability (dual stand-by), catering to users who required separate lines for personal and professional use. The absence of information regarding the exact dimensions suggests the device was built maintaining a balance between screen size and ergonomics.

Display Features

The device features a 5.0-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This resolution delivers a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, providing vibrant and sharp visuals. The 16:9 aspect ratio was standard at the time, ensuring a pleasant media consumption experience.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the W8555 is powered by a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS. This combination offered adequate performance for everyday tasks, enabling smooth navigation and multitasking. However, given the advancements in technology, the device's performance would now be considered below average compared to modern smartphones.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which was sufficient for apps, media, and basic data storage at the time. It also supports microSDHC cards, allowing storage expansion to accommodate more files, although the exact capacity limit is not specified.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera offers a 13 MP resolution with autofocus. Additional features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR support enhance the photographic experience, allowing users to capture detailed and vibrant images. Video recording is available at 1080p@30fps. A selfie camera is present, though specifics about its resolution are not divulged.

Battery and Longevity

The Philips W8555 is equipped with a removable Li-Po 3300 mAh battery, reflecting the design philosophy of the era which allowed battery replacement. Standby time extends up to 950 hours, while talk time can reach up to 18 hours, suggesting the device could easily last through a day of moderate use.

Connectivity Options

This smartphone supports a range of connectivity features including GSM and HSPA technology for communication. The dual SIM feature allows use of GSM networks on both SIM slots, with HSPA ensuring decent data speeds for the time. Additional connectivity includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, NFC ready for MasterCard PayPass, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Philips W8555 includes various sensors like accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a favored feature for audio enthusiasts during its time.

Market and Availability

Initially priced around 340 EUR, the Philips W8555 was positioned in the mid-range smartphone segment. While it is discontinued now, it still serves as a significant reminder of the innovations and limitations within the smartphone industry during 2013.

Conclusion

The Philips W8555, with its respectable specifications and features, reflects an era of technological transition and innovation in mobile phones. Although it no longer competes with modern devices, it was a noteworthy attempt by Philips to establish a foothold in the smartphone market.