Philips W930 InDepth Review of Specs Pricing Pros and Cons

Overview and Introduction

The Philips W930, released in July 2012, marks a significant point in the evolution of budget smartphones during the early 2010s. This device was designed to cater to users seeking functionality and basic smartphone capabilities without the high price tag of flagship devices. While it might be considered a relic by today's standards, the Philips W930 offers a glimpse into the transitional period of mobile technology, bridging the gap between feature phones and the modern smartphone era.

Design and Build Quality

The Philips W930's design reflects the era of its release, with a robust build typical of early smartphones. Its dimensions of 110 x 57.8 x 22 mm and weight of 250 grams make it bulkier compared to today’s sleek devices. The device sports a dual SIM slot, catering to users who required multiple lines, a rare feature at the time. The predominantly black body with gold accents added a touch of sophistication, appealing to both professional and casual users.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a 3.2-inch dual TFT screen supporting 256K colors, the Philips W930 delivers visuals at a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. This results in a pixel density of around 180 ppi, adequate for basic tasks but lacking the sharpness expected from current smartphones. Despite its modest screen-to-body ratio of approximately 48%, the device was sufficient for everyday use, such as browsing the web and handling basic applications.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Philips W930 runs on the MediaTek MT6573 chipset, featuring an 800 MHz Cortex-A9 CPU. This processor, paired with a PowerVR SGX531 GPU, offered reasonable performance for its time, suitable for running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and handling less resource-intensive applications. While it may struggle with today's graphic-heavy games and apps, it was more than capable of providing seamless basic productivity and communication functions.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the Philips W930 comes with a modest internal storage of 100MB, which was typical for smartphones in the early 2010s. Fortunately, the device includes a microSDHC card slot, allowing expansion up to a more generous storage capacity, with a 4GB card included upon purchase. This expandability was crucial for users who required additional space for media, apps, and other data.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera on the Philips W930 is a 5 MP shooter with autofocus capabilities, capable of capturing 480p video. These specifications are reflective of early smartphones, where cameras were just beginning to transition from novelty features to essential components. While it lacks the advanced features and high resolutions of contemporary smartphone cameras, it served its purpose well for casual photography and quick snapshots.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips W930 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, ensuring compatibility with global cellular networks. The device supports multiple 2G bands and a single 3G band, enabling stable voice and data connections. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and GPS, covering the fundamental connectivity needs of its time. While the data speed peaks at HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, it provided sufficient bandwidth for basic online activities.

Battery Life

Battery performance in mobile devices is crucial, and the Philips W930 delivers with its removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. This power source is designed to offer a talk time of up to 9 hours, a respectable duration for the device's era. The user-replaceable battery is an advantage, allowing users to carry spares or replace a depleted unit with minimal hassle.

Additional Features

The device includes several notable features, such as an FM radio, which provided an alternative source of entertainment and information when on the go. It is equipped with standard device sensors like the accelerometer and proximity sensor, offering basic functionality enhancements. The 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker capability ensured satisfactory audio experiences for calls and media playback.

Final Thoughts

While the Philips W930 may appear antiquated compared to modern devices, its specifications and features reflect the technological advances of its time. It served as a reliable device for users seeking dual SIM functionality, a decent camera, and a sturdy design, all packaged in a budget-friendly smartphone. The device's ability to run Android 2.3 efficiently allowed users to engage with apps and the Internet, contributing to the broader smartphone ecosystem of the early 2010s. Viewed through the lens of its era, the Philips W930 exemplifies a transitional technology period, paving the way for future innovations in mobile communication.