Philips 399 Price in Bangladesh

The 399: A Feature Phone from Philips That Never Was

In 2007, Philips announced the release of their latest device, the 399. Anticipation was high for this feature phone that boasted a compact size and some impressive features. However, just a few months after its announcement, the 399 was cancelled, making it one of the most elusive devices in mobile phone history.

Cancelled Before Its Time

The 399 was set to be a game-changer in the feature phone market. With a slim profile of 80g and 13mm thickness, it was small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket or purse. It also had an impressive storage capacity of 11MB, with the option to expand it using a microSD slot.

The device was designed as a "philosophical mobile phone" with a focus on simplicity and functionality. Its operating system was a basic feature phone system, making it easy to navigate and use. The 399 also came with some unique features such as handwriting recognition, a 4-way navigation key, and customizable screensavers and wallpapers.

Basic Specs with a Twist

The 399's specifications were modest but impressive for its time. It operated on GSM technology with support for 2G bands, specifically GSM 900/1800. However, it lacked EDGE connectivity, which may have played a role in its cancellation.

The device came with a 2.6-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of producing 256K colors. Its resolution was 240 x 320 pixels, with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a pixel density of 154 ppi. It also had a 1.3MP main camera, and though it could only record videos at 120p, it still exceeded the capabilities of other feature phones at the time.

The 399 did not have a front-facing camera, which is now a standard feature in most devices. But it did have a miniSD card slot, a phonebook with photocall, and space to save 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Exclusive Features for Women

The 399's unique feature was the inclusion of a "Female Calendar." This feature allowed women to track their menstrual cycles, making it easier to plan and manage their routines. It also had a built-in ENG/CHN and CHN/ENG dictionary, as well as the standard messaging options of SMS, EMS, and MMS.

In addition, the 399 came with pre-installed games, and its Java capability allowed users to download more games and apps. It also had an integrated MP3/MP4 player for leisurely entertainment, and a voice memo feature for recording reminders or notes.

Removable Battery and Colour Options

The 399's battery was removable, which was a notable feature considering many phones today have built-in batteries. It came with a Li-Ion 820 mAh battery that provided up to 240 hours of standby time and three hours of talk time.

The device was also available in three color variants - Matt Black, High Glossy Black, and Red. These options allowed users to choose a color that matched their style and personality.

Missed Opportunity for Philips

The 399 may have been cancelled before its time, but it left behind a legacy as a highly anticipated and elusive device. Its cancellation only added to its allure, and some sources speculate that production was stopped due to technical issues or the rising popularity of smartphones.

Despite its short-lived existence, the 399 remains an iconic device for Philips and a reminder of how far technology has come in just over a decade. While we may never know its full capabilities, we can appreciate its unique features and innovative design that set it apart from other feature phones at the time.