Philips Xenium 99a Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing & Features

Introduction to Philips Xenium 9@9a

The Philips Xenium 9@9a is a feature phone that was announced in March 2006. Known for its robust battery life and classic design, the Xenium 9@9a was a popular choice for users who prioritized long-lasting battery and basic communication features over the sophisticated functionalities of modern smartphones. Although it has been discontinued, this device remains a memorable piece of phone history for those who experienced its durability and functionality.

Design and Build

The Philips Xenium 9@9a features a compact and ergonomic design with dimensions of 99.7 x 43.5 x 19.2 mm and a weight of 86 grams. Its size made it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The phone is available in two classic colors, Silver and Black, adding a touch of elegance to its appearance. The Mini-SIM form facilitates easy access to the SIM card slot.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 1.5-inch OLED display that supports 65K colors. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the screen offers clear visibility despite its small size. The 16.7% screen-to-body ratio provides a compact view which, while not comparable to modern screens, was quite adequate for basic tasks such as making calls and sending text messages.

Network and Connectivity

As a GSM phone, the Philips Xenium 9@9a supports GSM 900 / 1800 bands, ensuring decent coverage for voice calls. It includes GPRS Class 10 for basic internet connectivity, though it does not support EDGE or 3G/4G networks. This phone lacks modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS, typical of feature phones of its era.

Storage and Memory

The phone includes 2MB of internal storage, sufficient for storing contacts and a few messages. It supports a phonebook capacity of up to 1000 entries, and it records up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls. However, it does not have a card slot for expandable storage, which was typical for phones during that time.

Battery Life

One of the most impressive features of the Philips Xenium 9@9a is its battery life. It houses a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, capable of offering up to 1000 hours of standby time and up to 10 hours of talk time. This exceptional battery longevity was one of the key selling points, making it ideal for users who required a reliable device over extended periods without charging.

Sound and Multimedia

Multimedia capabilities are basic but adequate for such a device. The phone does not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supports vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. Those looking for extensive multimedia functionalities would find the phone limited, as it was designed primarily for communication.

Communication Features

The Philips Xenium 9@9a supports SMS, EMS, and MMS for messaging, providing users with various methods to communicate. It includes a WAP 1.2.1 browser for simple internet tasks, though functionality is limited compared to modern web standards.

Additional Features

The phone includes three pre-installed games with the option to download additional ones if desired. Supporting Java MIDP 2.0, it can run basic Java applications, providing users with some entertainment and utility options.

Conclusion

The Philips Xenium 9@9a, with its long battery life, compact design, and essential feature set, served the needs of those who required a reliable mobile phone for communication purposes. While it may lack the advanced capabilities of today's smartphones, it represents a time when durability and function were highly valued in mobile devices.