Philips Xenium 99t Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Philips Xenium 9@9t

The Philips Xenium 9@9t is a distinct feature phone that was announced in April 2006. This mobile device, though discontinued, held its ground during a time when feature phones were at their peak. Despite the advent of smartphones, the Xenium 9@9t attracted attention due to its fascinating features, robust design, and reliable battery life.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Philips Xenium 9@9t boasts dimensions of 108 x 46.5 x 17 mm and weighs about 85 grams. Its compact size made it convenient for users to carry around without feeling cumbersome. The device was available in two classic color options: Silver touch and Classic black, which added a professional touch to its appeal. It utilizes a Mini-SIM, and its build speaks of durability and simplicity.

Display Features

The Philips Xenium 9@9t features a CSTN resistive touchscreen capable of displaying up to 65K colors. Despite lacking the vivid clarity of modern screens, its resolution of 128 x 160 pixels was sufficient for basic user interactions in its time. The absence of advanced display technology was consistent with the user expectations of feature phones back then.

Performance and Software

Past its hardware, the device runs on a basic operating system typical for feature phones. It did not possess a conventional processor or RAM as seen in today’s smartphones, one of the factors contributing to its long battery life—a notable feature among Philips phones.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera, the Philips Xenium 9@9t allowed users to capture basic images and videos. While the camera quality may seem minimal compared to modern standards, it provided users the capability to preserve memories visually, which was more than what many feature phones of the time offered.

Memory and Storage

The phone offered an internal storage of 20MB, which was expandable via a miniSD card slot. This external storage feature enabled users to store more photos, ringtones, and other media, enhancing the phone’s utility. Furthermore, the phonebook had a capacity of up to 1000 entries, with support for photocall, which made managing contacts efficient.

Connectivity Options

On the connectivity front, Philips Xenium 9@9t supported GSM technology across 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900). Unfortunately, it was void of modern connectivity features like WLAN, Bluetooth, or GPS. However, it did have an infrared port which was useful for wireless file transfers at the time and utilized a proprietary USB for direct PC connectivity.

Battery Life and Performance

One of the standout features of the Xenium line, including the Xenium 9@9t, is its impressive battery life. The phone was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery capable of delivering an extended standby time of up to 850 hours and a talk time of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. This remarkable longevity ensured that users could rely on their phones throughout the day without frequent recharging.

Entertainment Features

The phone came with built-in games and support for Java (MIDP 2.0), which allowed users to download additional applications and games. While it did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, it supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, enhancing the personalized audio experience for its users.

Messaging and Browser

For communication, the Philips Xenium 9@9t supported SMS, MMS, and email, offering multiple text communication options despite the phone’s basic nature. Additionally, it incorporated a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, which facilitated limited internet browsing, sufficient for checking emails and accessing lightweight versions of websites.

Conclusion

Overall, the Philips Xenium 9@9t was a commendable device of its time, offering various features that were appealing to feature phone users. Its robust battery life, expandable memory, camera functionality, and durability made it a reliable choice for users who valued longevity and simplicity in mobile phones. Although it may seem rudimentary compared to today’s technology, the Xenium 9@9t serves as a reflection of the transitional phase between feature phones and the modern smartphone era.