Philips X550 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Philips X550

The Philips X550, released in the last quarter of 2009, represents a blend of simplicity and functionality. With its solid design and basic features, it was targeted at users seeking reliability in their mobile devices without the complexities of a smartphone. Its standout feature is the long battery standby time, which has always been a hallmark of Philips mobile devices.

Design and Build

The Philips X550 impresses with its compact design, boasting dimensions of 112 x 45 x 11.7 mm and a lightweight body of 90 grams. The phone was built using durable materials that contributed to its robustness. It features a mini-SIM slot and fits comfortably in the hand, making it easy to use one-handed.

Display

Equipped with a TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, the Philips X550 provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience. The screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels ensures that text and images are rendered with respectable clarity for its time. Although the screen size is not specified, it was typical for phones of its class to offer moderate viewing real estate suitable for basic tasks.

Camera

The phone features a main camera with a 3.15-megapixel sensor and autofocus capability. While basic by today's standards, this was a useful feature for capturing quick snaps on the go. The video capability at CIF@15fps is modest, suitable for short clips under well-lit conditions.

Network and Connectivity

Network

• Technology: GSM
• 2G bands: GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
• GPRS: Class 10
• EDGE: Class 10

The Philips X550 supports GSM networks with sufficient coverage, ideal for basic phone and SMS functions. The inclusion of GPRS and EDGE provides basic mobile data connectivity, suitable for email and light internet use.

Connectivity

• Bluetooth: 2.0, A2DP
• Radio: FM radio with RDS
• USB: miniUSB 1.1

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, enhancing its multimedia capabilities. The absence of WLAN is notable, limiting connectivity options. The miniUSB 1.1 port offers basic charging and connectivity functions.

Memory and Storage

The phone supports microSD cards, enhancing its storage capabilities for media and files. The built-in phonebook with photocopy feature simplifies user management of contacts, while call records track up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Battery Life

Battery performance on the Philips X550 is exemplary with a removable Li-Po battery. It offers a remarkable standby time of up to 720 hours and talk time of up to 8 hours. This makes it especially suitable for users needing reliable communication over extended periods without frequent recharging.

Software and Features

The X550 is categorized as a feature phone, running on a simple operating system. It supports SMS with a threaded view, MMS, and Email messaging, maintaining essential communication functions. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser offers very basic web access.

Additional features include downloadable games and Java support (MIDP 2.0), which allow users to run basic applications and games. However, the lack of advanced sensors limits the phone's utility to straightforward tasks.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone comes with a loudspeaker but no 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting traditional audio options. With support for FM radio, users can enjoy listening to broadcasts while on the move.

Conclusion

The Philips X550 stands out for its exceptional battery life and basic functionality suitable for communication purposes. While it lacks advanced smartphone features, its durability, compact design, and reliable performance make it a valuable choice for those in need of a straightforward mobile device. The discontinuation of the model has turned it into more of a relic, cherished by users who prefer simplicity and endurance over technological advancement.