Qtek 9600 InDepth Review of Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Qtek 9600

The Qtek 9600, also known by various other names such as HTC TyTN and Dopod 838 Pro, was a breakthrough smartphone during its time of release. Introduced in June 2006, this device combined the capabilities of a handheld PDA with a mobile phone, making it an appealing choice for professionals and technology enthusiasts.

Design and Build

The Qtek 9600 has a robust design that reflects its functionality. It measures 113 x 58 x 22 mm and weighs 176 grams, making it relatively compact and easy to carry during its era. The device features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which was considered an advanced feature for typing emails and messages efficiently. The build quality is solid with a silver color finish, providing a premium look and feel.

Display Specifications

The device is equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen that supports 65K colors. Although the screen size might seem small by today’s standards, it was considered quite adequate at the time. The display has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a pixel density rate of approximately 143 ppi, which was sufficient for basic multimedia tasks and navigation.

Camera Features

The Qtek 9600 boasts a 2 MP main camera equipped with an LED flash, allowing users to capture photos in low-light conditions. It also supports video recording, which was a sought-after feature at the time. For video calls, a QCIF front-facing camera is available, making this device a pioneer in supporting 3G video calls.

Performance and Operating System

Powered by a 400 MHz Samsung processor, the Qtek 9600 runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC OS. This combination allowed for a relatively smooth user experience in managing applications and performing basic smartphone functions. The device was capable of handling office applications and various other productivity tools that were part of the Windows Mobile suite.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the device includes 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM. To extend storage capacity, the Qtek 9600 offers a dedicated microSD slot, allowing users to store additional data such as music, documents, and images.

Network and Connectivity

The Qtek 9600 supports GSM and UMTS networks, with compatibility across multiple bands — GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100. It offers a maximum data speed of 384 kbps, suitable for browsing and email during its time. Connectivity-wise, it comes with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g for wireless internet access and Bluetooth 2.0 for pairing with other devices. An infrared port and USB 1.1 are also provided for data transfer and connectivity options.

Audio and Sound Capabilities

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker, and it supports various alert types including vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may require users to use compatible audio accessories for private listening.

Battery Life

Featuring a removable Li-Po 1350 mAh battery, the Qtek 9600 provides a standby time of up to 300 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours. For average users, the battery life was generally sufficient to last through a typical working day with moderate use of phone calls, messaging, and organizational applications.

Summary and Legacy

The Qtek 9600 marked a notable achievement in mobile technology innovation with its combination of a QWERTY keyboard, touchscreen functionality, and comprehensive connectivity options. Its launch during an era dominated by simple phones and PDAs made it a pioneering device that paved the way for more versatile smartphones. Though discontinued, it remains a point of reference in the history of mobile computing technology.