The Philips 639: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
Back in 2004, the mobile phone industry was dominated by the likes of Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung. But one company stood out with its innovative designs and features - Philips. And among their vast collection of phones, the Philips 639 was one that caught the attention of many.
Innovative Design and Features
The Philips 639 was a feature phone that was released in the first quarter of 2004. Weighing only 82g and with a thickness of just 21mm, it was considered one of the slimmest and lightest phones at the time. Its compact size made it easy to carry around, making it a popular choice for those always on-the-go.
But what made the Philips 639 truly stand out was its second external PolyLED (OLED) display. This tiny display, on top of the main screen, provided users with quick and convenient access to important information such as date, time, and incoming messages without having to flip open the phone. It even had downloadable logos, screensavers, and wallpapers to personalize the external display.
The main display, a 1.8 inch TFT screen with 65K colors, was also a big step up from other feature phones at the time. It had a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, perfect for viewing messages and playing the pre-loaded game “Bricks”.
Basic yet Efficient
The Philips 639 may have been a feature phone, but it had everything users needed. It came with a Mini-SIM slot, 1.5MB internal storage, and a phonebook capacity of up to 299 contacts. It also had predictive text input, making typing messages a breeze.
But what set it apart from other phones was its optional rotating VGA camera. This feature allowed users to take pictures not just from the back, but from the front as well. Something that was not commonly found in phones during that time.
Limited Connectivity and Battery Life
One downside to the Philips 639 was its limited connectivity options. It did not have WLAN or Bluetooth capabilities, making it difficult to transfer files. However, it did have an infrared port, which was commonly used for file transfers back then.
The phone also had a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery which could last up to 4 hours of talk time or 400 hours on standby. This was considered impressive during a time when smartphones were non-existent.
Discontinued but Remembered
The Philips 639 may have been discontinued, but it remains a fan favorite until today. Its unique design and features were ahead of its time, making it a popular choice for youths who wanted a cool and trendy phone. It came in three colors - Magical Pearl, Surprising Green, and Fantastic Grey, adding to its cool factor.
Although the Philips 639 may no longer be available in the market, it will always be remembered as a game-changer in the world of feature phones. It was truly a one-of-a-kind device by Philips that left a lasting impression on many of its users.
Philips 639 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q1
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
79 x 43 x 21 mm, 71 cc (3.11 x 1.69 x 0.83 in)
Weight
82 g (2.89 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 128 pixels, 8 lines, 1:1 ratio
Other
Second external PolyLED(OLED) display, 80 x 48 pixels
Screensavers and wallpapers
Downloadable logos