Philips W920 Comprehensive Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network Specifications

The Philips W920 supports both GSM and HSPA network technologies, providing relatively broad connectivity options for its time. It operates on 2G bands of GSM 850/900/1800/1900, and 3G bands of HSDPA 850/2100. The device is capable of HSPA speeds up to 7.2/0.384 Mbps, which was relatively standard at the time of its release.

Launch and Availability

Officially announced and released in December 2011, the Philips W920 is now discontinued. During its time, it was positioned as a mid-range smartphone, aiming to provide essential smartphone functions within a compact and user-friendly design.

Body and Dimensions

With dimensions of 128 x 70 x 12.9 mm, the Philips W920 sports a relatively compact and easy-to-hold design. It utilizes a Mini-SIM form factor, which was common for smartphones in that era. The construction and materials suggested a focus on durability and practicality, appealing to users looking for straightforward functionality without unnecessary sophistication.

Display Features

The Philips W920 features a 4.3-inch TFT display, striking a balance between screen space and device size. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and an approximate pixel density of 217 ppi, the display was suitable for basic multimedia consumption, including web browsing and viewing photos, although it might not have offered the sharpest images compared to more modern devices.

Platform and Operating System

Running on Android 2.2 (Froyo), the Philips W920 was equipped with an operating system that was one of the earlier iterations of Android OS. While it supported a basic set of smartphone functionalities, its capabilities were limited compared to more recent versions of Android. It provided users with access to a variety of apps and services from the early Android ecosystem.

Memory and Storage

This device offers 512MB of RAM, paired with 180MB of internal storage. While these specs might seem modest today, they were typical for devices of that era. The expansion via microSDHC card slot allowed users to bolster storage capacity, which was important for storing additional apps, music, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The Philips W920 is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, allowing for basic photography needs. It could record video at 480p, which offered decent quality for video at the time. The lack of a front-facing camera meant that it wasn’t aimed at users interested in video calling or selfies.

Audio and Multimedia

The device comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing typical audio solutions for voice calls and media consumption. This flexibility in audio output was highly valued by users who preferred to use wired audio accessories.

Communication and Connectivity

The Philips W920 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot, which was a valued feature at the time. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP enabled wireless audio streaming, and the presence of GPS and A-GPS ensured navigation capabilities. The absence of an FM radio and reliance on USB 2.0 reflect a mix of basic and necessary functions.

Additional Features and Sensors

With an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, the Philips W920 could support a range of applications, from screen orientation to location-based services. These sensors marked it as a functional and versatile device catering to the essential needs of users.

Battery Performance

The phone's removable Li-Ion 1280 mAh battery offered moderate performance, with a stand-by time of up to 400 hours and talk time of approximately 12 hours. This capacity catered to everyday use without needing frequent recharges throughout the day.

Design and Aesthetic

The Philips W920 was available in a Black/Gold color scheme, which added a touch of elegance to its design. This was aligned with the brand's attempt to offer a phone that was not only functional but also visually appealing to a broad audience.

Conclusion

In summary, the Philips W920 was a modest but capable smartphone for its time, offering essential features and basic smartphone functionality. While technology and consumer expectations have advanced significantly since its release, the W920 remains a testament to the evolving landscape of mobile phones during the early 2010s. It targeted users seeking practical utility and dependable performance without breaking the bank.