Unveiling the Qtek 8500 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Qtek 8500 was introduced in a sleek and compact design, measuring 98.5 x 51.4 x 15.8 mm. With a weight of just 99 g, this phone was significantly lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your pocket. The stylish black color added to its aesthetic appeal. Its construction was robust, fashioned to withstand everyday wear and tear, while its clamshell design was not just a stylistic choice but also a functional one, protecting the screen when closed.

Display

Featuring a 2.2-inch TFT screen with a display resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the Qtek 8500 delivered clear and vivid visuals, which was impressive for a device from its time. It supported 65K colors, contributing to better image quality. The screen-to-body ratio was around 29.6%, providing enough space to navigate through the phone's interface comfortably.

Performance and Operating System

The Qtek 8500 was powered by the TI OMAP 850 chipset and a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S CPU. While these specifications might seem modest by today’s standards, they were adequate for the tasks expected in the smartphone sphere back in 2006. It ran on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone operating system, which provided a user-friendly interface with familiar Windows features.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 64MB of RAM, the Qtek 8500 handled basic applications and multitasking with reasonable efficiency. For storage, it came with 64MB of internal storage that could be expanded via a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing users to increase storage capacity as needed for additional apps and media files.

Camera

The device featured a 1.3 MP main camera, which was fairly standard at the time. It allowed users to capture photos and record videos, which could then be stored or shared. Although it lacked the high-resolution sensors of modern smartphones, it served basic photography needs effectively.

Connectivity

The Qtek 8500 supported GSM technology with bands 850/900/1800/1900, and offered GPRS and EDGE for mobile internet access. Although it did not support WiFi, it included Bluetooth 1.2 for wireless connectivity with other devices and USB 1.1 for wired connections. However, it did not feature GPS or radio capabilities, which might limit its functionality in these aspects.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, the Qtek 8500 provided a reasonable battery life for users at the time. The battery could be easily replaced, which was a common feature in early mobile devices, offering the convenience of swapping out a new battery when needed.

Sound and Audio

The Qtek 8500 included a loudspeaker and supported various alert types, including vibration, polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. It lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, a preference for some users who desired wireless audio capabilities through Bluetooth.

Launch and Availability

Announced in February 2006, the Qtek 8500 was launched at a time when the mobile phone market was still in transition from traditional feature phones to early smartphones. Although now discontinued, it was initially priced around 190 EUR, positioning it as an accessible gadget for users desiring the functionalities of a smartphone.

Conclusion

The Qtek 8500 showcased advancements in mobile technology during its time of release, offering users a combination of functionality and style. Though it might not hold up to modern standards today, it remains a fascinating piece of technology that marked a significant step in the evolution of mobile phones.