In today's world, it's common to come across a variety of electronic devices that are loaded with features and the latest technology. However, we cannot forget the devices that paved the way for these advancements. One such device is the Philips 655, a feature phone that was released in 2004. Let's take a closer look at this device and its specifications.
The Philips 655
The Philips 655 may not seem like much now, but back in 2004, it was considered a highly advanced device. With its compact and stylish design, it quickly gained popularity among users. The device weighed only 85g and had a thickness of just 24mm, making it easy to carry around wherever you go.
Operating System and Storage
The Philips 655 was a feature phone, which means it did not have an operating system like smartphones do today. Instead, it had built-in software that allowed users to perform basic functions such as calling and messaging. It also had a 6MB storage capacity, which may seem insignificant compared to modern devices, but it was more than enough for its time. However, the device did not have a card slot, so users could not expand their storage.
Network and Launch
The Philips 655 used GSM technology and was compatible with 2G bands GSM 900/1800/1900. It also had GPRS class 10 for internet connectivity. The device was announced for release in Q3 of 2004 and was soon discontinued after. It was available in three colors - Silver Ball, Black Sphere, and Red Balloon.
Body and Display
The device had a compact dimension of 85 x 45 x 24 mm and weighed only 85g. It had a mini-SIM slot and a second external monochrome display for easy access to notifications. The main display was a TFT screen with 65K colors, and the device had a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels with 7 lines. Users could also customize their screensavers and wallpapers, giving them a personalized experience.
Memory and Camera
The Philips 655 did not have a card slot, so users had to make do with the 6MB internal storage. The device could store up to 500 contacts, each with 10 fields and a photo call feature. It also had room for 30 received, dialed, and missed calls. The camera on this device was a VGA camera, which may seem poor by today's standards, but was quite decent back then. Unfortunately, the device did not have a front-facing camera for selfies or video calls.
Sound and Other Features
The device had a loudspeaker and supported vibration alerts. Users could also download polyphonic ringtones and set them as their alert tones. However, it did not have a 3.5mm jack for headphones. The Philips 655 did not have features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, which are found in most devices today. It did have an infrared port for data transfer and supported Java games.
Battery and Other Details
The device had a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, which provided a standby time of up to 400 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. It also had features like predictive text input, photo editor, and optional TV-out.
Closing Thoughts
The Philips 655 may not be a popular name in today's world of smartphones, but it played a significant role in shaping the devices we use today. Its compact design and basic features made it a popular choice among users in 2004. It may not have been as advanced as some of its competitors, but it definitely left a mark on the world of technology.
Philips 655 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
85 x 45 x 24 mm, 75 cc (3.35 x 1.77 x 0.94 in)
Weight
85 g (3.00 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels, 7 lines
Other
Second external monochrome display (80 x 48 pixels)
Screensavers and wallpapers
Downloadable logos