Philips Xenium 99z Comprehensive Review & Insights

Overview of Philips Xenium 9@9z

The Philips Xenium 9@9z is a classic representation of the feature phones era, providing basic functionality in a compact design. Released in August 2007, this device was aimed at users who sought a simple, reliable phone with exceptional battery life. Despite its limited feature set compared to today's standards, the Xenium 9@9z was a practical choice for users primarily interested in calls and basic messaging.

Design and Build

The Philips Xenium 9@9z sports a compact design with dimensions of 95.5 x 42.5 x 16.1 mm and weighs only 74.5 grams, making it highly portable and easy to carry. The phone's minimalistic appearance is enhanced by its white color, giving it a clean and straightforward look. The device uses a Mini-SIM and features a durable plastic body which was typical of devices from this era.

Display Features

Equipped with a CSTN display, the Xenium 9@9z offers a screen size of 1.46 inches. Although small by modern standards, the display rendered 65K colors, providing adequate visibility for basic phone functions. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels and a density of approximately 124 ppi, the screen was sufficient for displaying call information, texts, and menu navigation.

Network and Connectivity

This device operates on GSM 900 / 1800 bands, ensuring broad compatibility for basic phone operations across different regions. The Xenium 9@9z does not support GPRS or EDGE, as it was primarily designed for voice communication rather than data services. As common with feature phones of its time, the phone lacks Bluetooth and WLAN capabilities. However, it includes miniUSB connectivity, mainly for charging purposes.

Battery Performance

One of the standout features of the Philips Xenium 9@9z is its battery performance. It houses a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, providing impressive standby and talk times. The battery can last up to 720 hours on standby and offers up to 8 hours of talk time, making it an ideal choice for users who require long-lasting battery life without frequent recharges.

Memory and Storage

The phone is equipped with basic memory capabilities. It does not include a card slot, so storage expansion is not possible. However, it comes with a built-in phonebook and can store call records for 30 received, dialed, and missed calls. These limitations are typical of feature phones, which are not designed for multimedia storage but instead focus on essential communication functions.

Sound and Alerts

In terms of audio features, the Xenium 9@9z includes vibration and supports polyphonic (16) and MP3 ringtones, which was a common feature for personalization during its time. The device does not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, indicating a minimal focus on audio playback.

Messaging and Applications

The phone supports basic messaging formats including SMS, EMS, and MMS, allowing for text-based communication. Its WAP browser enables limited access to the internet for essential browsing. Pre-installed with two embedded games, the device offers minimal entertainment options. It does not support Java, restricting its ability to run additional applications or games.

Additional Features

The Philips Xenium 9@9z comes with an FM radio, providing an analog entertainment option. This feature was particularly appreciated in regions where FM radio served as an accessible medium for music and news.

Discontinuation and Legacy

The Philips Xenium 9@9z was discontinued after a period of availability following its 2007 launch. Its legacy is marked by its durability, simplicity, and particularly its exceptional battery performance, which served as a hallmark of Philips' Xenium line. While it may not offer the sophisticated features of smartphones, it remains a valuable device for users seeking basic phone functions with outstanding standby and talk times.