Released in the second quarter of 2004, the Panasonic X400 quickly became a popular device amongst mobile phone users. Despite being categorized as a feature phone, this device boasted impressive specifications that set it apart from its competitors. Let's take a closer look at what made the Panasonic X400 a must-have device during its time.
Design and Dimensions
The Panasonic X400 featured a slim and compact design with a thickness of only 17mm and a weight of 84g, making it one of the lightest phones in the market at that time. It came in three sleek colors - black, red, and white, adding a touch of style to its practicality. The device also sported a mini-SIM card slot, a common feature in phones back then.
Display and Camera
The X400's display was a TFT screen, capable of showing 65K colors. It had a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels with a 1:1 ratio, offering clear and vibrant visuals. In addition to the standard features, the device also had an LED light that lit up with seven different colors to indicate incoming calls. It also had the capability to download wallpapers and themes, along with customizable logos.
The main camera of the X400 was ahead of its time, with a single VGA lens. It may seem basic now, but back then, this was considered a state-of-the-art camera for a feature phone. However, the device did not have a front-facing camera.
Memory and Storage
One downside of the Panasonic X400 was its limited storage capacity. It did not have a card slot for external storage, and the internal storage was only 1 MB for pictures and ringtones and 700 KB for MMS. However, it did have a large phonebook with the capacity to store up to 300 contacts with five fields, along with photo call features. The device also had provision for storing 300 short text messages and keeping track of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, the X400 lacked modern-day features such as WLAN and Bluetooth. It also did not have any positioning technology or a radio. However, it did have an infrared port, a common feature in phones during that time. The device had one game pre-installed - MobileGolf, along with Java capabilities for downloading additional games. It also had SMS and MMS features, along with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet usage.
One unique feature of the Panasonic X400 was its "One Push Auto Open" mechanism, where a button at the side of the phone could open the device single-handedly. This feature was not commonly found in other devices back then, adding to the X400's charm. The device also had predictive text input, an organizer, and a voice memo option.
Battery Life and MISC
The X400 had a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, which could provide up to 210 hours of standby time and 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This was considered impressive battery life back then, especially for a device with color display and advanced features. Additionally, it was available in three stylish colors - black, red, and white - allowing users to choose their preferred look.
The Legacy of the Panasonic X400
The Panasonic X400 may seem like a basic feature phone now, but during its time, it was considered a game-changer in the mobile phone market. Its slim design, vibrant display, advanced camera, and unique features made it stand out from other phones in its category. It may have been discontinued, but its legacy lives on in the features we see in modern-day smartphones.
If you are still holding onto your Panasonic X400, consider yourself lucky to own a device that was ahead of its time and marked a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile phones.
Panasonic X400 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q2
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
84 x 47 x 17 mm, 64 cc (3.31 x 1.85 x 0.67 in)
Weight
84 g (2.96 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 128 pixels, 1:1 ratio
Other
Incoming call LED with 7 colors
Wallpapers, themes
Downloadable logos
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
300 x 5 fields, Photo call
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Other
300 short messages
1 MB for pictures and rigntones
700 KB for MMS
Main Camera
Single
VGA
Video
No
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
1 - MobileGolf
Java
Yes
Other
One push auto open
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo