Philips Xenium 998 Specs Prices & Insights

Introduction to Philips Xenium 9@98

The Philips Xenium 9@98, launched in the first quarter of 2005, was a mobile phone that defined practicality for its time. Although now discontinued, it continues to intrigue tech enthusiasts and historians with its notable features and specifications. The phone was positioned as a feature phone, designed for basic communication needs rather than the comprehensive functionalities seen in smartphones today.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips Xenium 9@98 operated on GSM technology, which was the standard at that time for mobile communications. It supported 2G bands in the GSM 900 / 1800 MHz range. However, the device lacked advanced data features such as GPRS or EDGE, indicating its primary design for voice communication rather than internet connectivity or data services. The absence of Bluetooth, WLAN, and positioning technology further underscores its focus on basic telecommunication functions.

Design and Build

The phone was notable for its reasonably compact dimensions, measuring 107 x 45 x 19.2 mm, and a weight of only 94 grams, making it comfortably portable. The design choice of using Mini-SIM technology was standard during this period. It was available in colors such as Superior Silver and Power Silver, contributing to its elegant look.

Display Features

The Philips Xenium 9@98 featured a CSTN screen capable of displaying 4096 colors, which was adequate for the interface needs of feature phones at the time. The display resolution stood at 101 x 80 pixels, able to show up to 5 lines of text, suitable for messaging and basic user interface tasks.

Memory and Storage

Coming with an internal storage of 8MB, the phone lacked a card slot, which limited any possibility of storage expansion. Despite this, the phone's storage capability was competitive for the era, designed to hold up to 1000 phonebook entries. It also hosted call records for 20 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Camera and Multimedia

The Philips Xenium 9@98 did not have a camera, a feature not uncommon for phones of its category during its release. It supported downloadable polyphonic ringtones for its alert types and lacked a 3.5mm jack and a loudspeaker, thus focusing on its core communication purpose without entertainment functionalities.

Communication Features

For messaging, the Philips Xenium 9@98 supported SMS and EMS services. The browser capabilities were limited to WAP 1.2.1, which was typical for feature phones, offering basic mobile browsing. The phone included three built-in games and did not support Java applications, which limited app functionality.

Battery Performance

One of the standout features of the Xenium 9@98 was its battery life. With a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery, it promised up to 720 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time. This remarkable battery performance highlighted Philips' strength in optimizing power management.

Conclusion

The Philips Xenium 9@98, though simple, offers a reflection of mobile telephony from a time when battery life and simplicity were prioritized over the multifaceted capabilities of today’s smartphones. It served as a reliable communication tool with a minimalist approach, catering to users who needed efficiency and dependability in their mobile devices.