Price and specifications of Toshiba TS605 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of the Toshiba TS605

The Toshiba TS605 is a feature phone that was announced in December 2006 and has since been discontinued. It was designed during a period where mobile phones were primarily used for communication and basic multimedia tasks. This device was targeted at consumers who wanted a straightforward mobile phone without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Design and Build

The Toshiba TS605 is a compact and lightweight device, with dimensions of 113 x 47 x 10.3 mm and a weight of just 79 grams. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in a pocket. The phone employs a minimalist design typical of the mid-2000s, featuring a candy bar form factor with well-spaced physical buttons for easy operation.

It uses a Mini-SIM, distinguishing it from contemporary devices which often require a Nano-SIM. The aesthetic appeal is furthered by a range of color options, including Pink, Green, Champagne, Copper, Silver, and Aubergine, appealing to a broader audience with varied tastes.

Display

The TS605 features a 1.93-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. The resolution is 176 x 220 pixels, offering a pixel density of about 146 ppi. Although not as sharp or vibrant as modern displays, it was adequate for the phone's usage scenarios, including making calls, sending messages, and basic multimedia viewing.

Camera

Equipped with a 1.3 MP main camera, the Toshiba TS605 was not designed for high-quality photography but allowed users to capture basic images and videos. Video recording is possible at a CIF resolution. While these specifications seem modest by today's standards, they were typical for feature phones during that time.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM technology and operates across 2G bands: GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. GPRS Class 10 is supported, but there is no EDGE or 3G/4G connectivity, which limits its internet capabilities to basic browsing and email. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 1.2 and USB 1.1, facilitating basic data transfer activities. However, it lacks WLAN and advanced positioning technologies.

Storage and Memory

The phone comes with 5.5MB of internal storage, which is minimal by any standards. However, it includes a dedicated microSD slot, allowing for storage expansion to accommodate more files, multimedia, and applications. The built-in phonebook and call records support essential contact management capabilities, storing up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound features on the TS605 include vibration alerts and the ability to use downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. There's no loudspeaker or 3.5mm headphone jack, which limits the audio experience. The phone has an FM radio to provide entertainment and connectivity to analog radio networks.

Battery Life

The Toshiba TS605 is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, supporting up to 150 hours of standby time and approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. The battery life reflects the efficiency of feature phones, which require less power compared to modern smartphones.

Software and Features

Running a feature phone operating system, the TS605 includes messaging capabilities, such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, which are fundamental for staying connected. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allows for basic web access. The presence of Java MIDP 2.0 support means users can install and run Java-based applications, enhancing its functionality with a limited selection of downloadable apps and games.

The phone comes with three embedded games for entertainment. Despite its limited features, these aspects made it an appealing option for users seeking a simple mobile experience.

Conclusion

The Toshiba TS605 epitomizes the era of feature phones with its basic functionality and user-friendly design. While it lacks the advanced features and capabilities of modern smartphones, it meets the needs of users who prioritize simplicity over complexity. With its compact design, expanded storage capability, and basic multimedia features, the TS605 serves as a reminder of the early days of mobile computing when communication was the sole focus.