Unveiling Philips Xenium 99i Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Philips Xenium 9@9i

The Philips Xenium 9@9i is a feature phone that was introduced to the market in the first quarter of 2005. Though it has since been discontinued, it remains an interesting piece of technology history worthy of exploration. As a product of the early 2000s, it brings with it certain nostalgic elements, while also reflecting the technological limitations and design choices of its time.

Design and Build

The dimensions of the Philips Xenium 9@9i are 89.7 x 46.5 x 25.3 mm, and it weighs 104 grams. This compact size makes it convenient for carrying in pockets and bags. The design is relatively simple, characterized by its rounded edges and solid build quality — a hallmark of early mobile phone manufacturing. The device is available in three colors: Executive Silver, Superior Titanium, and Royal Blue, adding a touch of style to its practical design.

Display

The phone features a UFB display capable of showing 65,000 colors, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While small by today's standards, this screen size was typical for mobile phones of the era, able to display seven lines of text, which facilitated basic navigation and communication functionalities.

Camera Capabilities

The Philips Xenium 9@9i houses a single 1.3 MP camera. This camera, while very basic, allowed users to take photos in a time when mobile photography was beginning to gain popularity. However, it lacks video recording capabilities, which is a limitation by current standards but was acceptable for the mid-2000s.

Hardware and Performance

The phone operates on a simple feature phone architecture, so it doesn't include modern processors or RAM specifications that consumers might expect today. The internal storage of 20MB, without the option for expansion, reflects the limitations and expectations of storage capacity at the time.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Philips Xenium 9@9i is its impressive battery life, thanks to a removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery. In standby mode, the phone can last up to 720 hours, and users can expect up to 8 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. These specifications highlight the focus on efficiency and longevity, prioritizing extended usage times over enhanced multimedia functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM technology, the Philips Xenium 9@9i operates on 2G bands: GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. Although it includes GPRS Class 10 for data, it lacks modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS. Infrared is available, which enabled simple data exchanges between devices at that time. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack and other multimedia ports is typical of its function-first design philosophy.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with basic messaging capabilities, including SMS, MMS, and Email. A WAP 2.0/xHTML browser provides rudimentary internet access, and Java MIDP 2.0 support allows for basic application downloads and games. These features were significant for the period, offering users a combination of communication and entertainment within a limited framework.

Conclusion

The Philips Xenium 9@9i is a fascinating example of early mobile phone design. It encapsulates the technological capacity of its time, emphasizing battery longevity and solid construction over expansive functionality and multimedia experiences. While it may pale in comparison to today's smartphones, it deserves recognition for its role in the evolution of mobile communication technology.