Philips Xenium 99u Specs Pricing & Performance Insights

Overview

The Philips Xenium 9@9u, announced in January 2008, was among the intriguing feature phones that encapsulated the transition phase in mobile technology between basic phones and the early smartphones. This device was renowned for its long-lasting battery life, a critical feature at a time when smartphones were beginning to demand more frequent charging. Let's delve into the technical aspects and user-centric features that made the Philips Xenium 9@9u a distinctive choice in its era.

Design and Build

The Philips Xenium 9@9u sported a compact and minimalist design, measuring 107 x 44.5 x 14.8 mm and weighing just 91 grams. This made it highly portable and easy to carry in a pocket. It came in a sleek Midnight Black color, giving it a classic and professional look. The phone housed a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard during that timeframe.

Display

The phone featured a 2.0-inch TFT display, supporting 256K colors. Though the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 26.4%, which might seem limited by modern standards, it was typical for phones from that period. The resolution of 176 x 220 pixels provided a decent visual experience for basic tasks, animations, and icons.

Camera

On the photographic front, the Philips Xenium 9@9u was equipped with a single 2 MP main camera capable of capturing images and recording videos at 30fps. Although basic, it allowed users to capture moments on-the-go, a feature that was starting to gain popularity during that era. However, it did not have a front camera for selfies or video calls, reflecting the period's technological capabilities.

Memory and Storage

With an internal memory of 25MB, the Philips Xenium 9@9u was primarily designed to handle contacts, messages, and a few multimedia files efficiently. For users needing more space, the phone offered a dedicated microSD slot, enabling expansion for additional storage. The phonebook feature supported photocall, and it could maintain call records for up to 30 received, dialled, and missed calls.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Philips Xenium 9@9u was its remarkable battery life. Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery, it boasted a standby time of up to 740 hours and talk time up to 8 hours. This extended battery capability was particularly appealing to users who required a reliable communication device without frequent recharging.

Network and Connectivity

The Philips Xenium 9@9u was designed to operate over GSM networks with support for GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands. It provided GPRS Class 12 and EDGE for relatively faster data speeds compared to older phones that lacked such features. For connectivity, it included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support for wireless audio devices, FM radio, and a miniUSB port for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Multimedia

The device supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, and it featured a loudspeaker for hands-free calls. However, it did not include a 3.5mm audio jack, making Bluetooth the primary way to connect headphones or speakers wirelessly. The inclusion of an FM radio catered to on-the-go audio entertainment, further enhancing the device's multimedia capabilities.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone platform, the Philips Xenium 9@9u supported basic messaging options such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. It provided a WAP browser for basic internet access, which, while limited, enabled users to access essential online services. The phone included several games, and Java MIDP 2.0 support allowed the installation of additional applications and games compatible with the device.

Conclusion

The Philips Xenium 9@9u was a robust, reliable feature phone with a strong emphasis on battery life and basic communication needs. It catered to users who prioritized longevity and simplicity in their mobile device. While it may not match the versatility and functionality of modern smartphones, it remains a memorable piece of technology showcasing the gradual evolution from basic mobile phones to feature-rich devices.