The Philips 160: A Feature Phone Classic Released in 2005
The world of mobile phones has significantly evolved over the past two decades, with smartphones now dominating the market. However, there was a time when feature phones were all the rage, and one such device that stands out is the Philips 160.
An Introduction to the Philips 160
The Philips 160 was released in September 2005 and quickly gained popularity as a reliable and durable feature phone. It was manufactured by the reputable brand Philips, known for its innovative electronic products. The device was designed to provide essential functions such as calling and texting, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Design and Dimensions
The Philips 160 has a simple yet sturdy design, measuring 103 x 47.5 x 18.7 mm and weighing 84g. It may not be the most compact device, but its thickness of 18.7mm made it easy to hold and use. The phone also boasted a dust-resistant keypad, making it a practical choice for on-the-go situations.
Display and Memory
This feature phone sported a basic STN monochrome display and provided essential features like screensavers and wallpapers. With a resolution of 101 x 80 pixels and 5 lines, the display was sufficient enough for viewing text and graphics.
In terms of memory, the Philips 160 had 4MB storage and no card slot, meaning users could not expand the storage capacity. It also had a 0.3 MB user memory, enough to store contacts and call records. The device had a phonebook for storing contacts and could hold up to 20 received, dialed, and missed calls.
Camera and Sound Features
The Philips 160 may not have had a camera, but it did provide users with the option to download polyphonic ringtones, adding a touch of personalization to the device. It also had vibration alerts for incoming calls.
Connectivity and Features
The phone had limited connectivity options, lacking features like Bluetooth, WLAN, positioning, and even a 3.5mm jack. However, it did offer basic messaging capabilities with SMS and EMS, as well as a WAP 1.2.1 browser. The Philips 160 also came with pre-installed games for entertainment purposes.
Battery and Other Specifications
Powering the Philips 160 was a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, providing up to 400 hours of standby time and 6 hours of talk time. The device was available in two colors: Smooth Blue and Soft Grey.
The Legacy of the Philips 160
The Philips 160 may have been discontinued, but its legacy lives on in the mobile phone industry. It was a reliable and budget-friendly feature phone that provided essential functions to its users. The device may not have had all the bells and whistles of modern smartphones, but it served its purpose well and remains a classic example of a feature phone from the early 2000s.
In conclusion, the Philips 160 was a game-changer in its time, offering a simple and affordable option for those looking for a basic communication device. Although the smartphone era has left it behind, it will always be remembered as a classic among feature phones.
Philips 160 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2005, September
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
103 x 47.5 x 18.7 mm, 89 cc (4.06 x 1.87 x 0.74 in)