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Philips X223 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2011, Q3
Camera
0.3MP
Battery
1000mAh
Screen
2.4"
Storage
microSD slot
Operating System
Feature phone

Design and Build Quality

The Philips X223 comes with a classic bar design, showcasing a robust build quality that meets everyday demands. Measuring 106.5 x 49.8 x 16.8 mm and weighing 108 grams, the X223 is easy to hold and fits comfortably in the hand. Despite its slightly bulky dimensions, the phone’s design makes it durable, which is a definite advantage for users seeking reliability in a feature phone. The device supports dual Mini-SIM cards and features a TFT display with 65K colors, measuring 2.4 inches diagonally. This size allows for a sufficiently large screen area for browsing through the phone’s functionality, yet maintains the compactness synonymous with feature phones.

Display

The Philips X223 offers a TFT screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, complementing its size with a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi. While not impressive by today’s smartphone standards, the display is adequate for text reading and basic phone navigation. Offering 65K colors ensures that images and UI elements are presented with reasonable clarity. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 33.6%, providing a decent visual area without overwhelming the phone’s compact form factor.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a VGA primary camera, the Philips X223 is not designed for photography enthusiasts but provides basic photo-taking functionality suited for capturing casual moments. The 0.3MP camera may not support high-quality image production but is functional enough for its category and time of release. Additionally, the camera supports video recording, enhancing its capability as a feature phone offering.

Battery Life

The Philips X223 houses a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, a component engineered to extend the phone’s functionality over lengthy periods without frequent charging. With a standby time of up to 720 hours and a talk time up to 8 hours, the device caters well to users who prioritize battery longevity over frequent device interaction. Such performance suits individuals who need a reliable communication tool during travel or in situations where charging opportunities are limited.

Network and Connectivity

Operating on GSM 900/1800 MHz bands, the X223 offers basic connectivity for voice calls and SMS. It supports GPRS Class 10 but does not extend to EDGE or 3G capabilities, positioning itself firmly within the feature phone domain. The device inclusion of Bluetooth 2.0 provides essential wireless connectivity for data exchange and peripheral pairing. Additionally, the phone comes equipped with a stereo FM radio with RDS, further enhancing its multimedia capabilities. The absence of WLAN means internet browsing options are limited, cementing the X223’s role more as a traditional communication device.

Storage and Memory

Philips X223 focuses on essential storage solutions that cater to basic feature phone needs. With support for microSD cards, users can expand the available memory to store more contacts, messages, or media files, although at limited capacities fitting the phone’s category. The inclusion of a dedicated memory card slot ensures an easy memory management route, benefiting those who need to keep additional data without altering the device's standard functionalities.

Operating System and User Interface

As a feature phone, the Philips X223 employs a simple, efficient operating system designed to handle core functionality, namely voice calls, SMS, and basic multimedia features. Unlike smartphones, feature phones like the X223 focus on reliability and ease of use, avoiding complex applications or processing demands. The inclusion of Java (MIDP 2.0) allows for basic application installation, fulfilling needs for minor productivity or entertainment applications.

Miscellaneous Features

A few additional features contribute to the Philips X223’s utility as a daily communicator. The device supports dual SIM functionality, offering flexibility for users needing access to multiple networks or personal and work lines in one device. Despite lacking a 3.5mm jack, the phone delivers satisfactory audio quality through its loudspeaker. Users benefit from the included games and the phone's capabilities for SMS, MMS, and email messaging, efficiently covering the spectrum of essential communication channels.

Conclusion

The Philips X223 demonstrates to be a competent feature phone, balancing essential smartphone functions with the durability and reliability expected from traditional mobile devices. Introduced in 2011, the phone’s appeal lies in its simplicity, long battery life, and essential multimedia support. While lacking advanced capabilities, its performance matches the requirements of users valuing straightforward, distraction-free communication tools. Its discontinuation marks it as a collector's item, appealing to enthusiasts valuing nostalgia in mobile technology's fast-paced evolution.

Key Features of Philips X223

  • Dual SIM capability with dual stand-by support
  • Compact and lightweight design, weighing only 108g
  • 2.4-inch TFT display with 65K colors
  • Expandable storage via a dedicated microSD card slot
  • Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and EDR for wireless connectivity
  • Stereo FM radio with RDS for entertainment
  • Long battery life with up to 720 hours of stand-by time and up to 8 hours of talk time
  • Basic camera functionality with VGA resolution

Drawbacks of Philips X223

  • Lacks EDGE for faster data transfer capabilities.
  • Discontinued status, making it difficult to find new units or receive support.
  • Limited display size with low screen-to-body ratio (~33.6%).
  • VGA main camera offers low image quality compared to modern standards.
  • No selfie camera available.
  • No support for WLAN, hindering internet connectivity via Wi-Fi.
  • No positioning system like GPS, limiting navigation capabilities.
  • Uses proprietary USB instead of the more common microUSB or USB-C.
  • Absence of 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Limited to 65K colors on the display.
Network
Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
GPRS Class 10
EDGE No
Launch
Announced 2011, Q3
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 106.5 x 49.8 x 16.8 mm (4.19 x 1.96 x 0.66 in)
Weight 108 g (3.81 oz)
SIM Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type TFT, 65K colors
Size 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~33.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook Yes, Photocall
Call records Yes
Main Camera
Single VGA
Video Yes
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP, EDR
Positioning No
Radio Stereo FM radio, RDS
USB Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, MMS, Email
Games Yes
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 720 h
Talk time Up to 8 h
Misc
Colors Black

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