The Versatile Device 859 by Philips: A Blast From The Past
The year was 2004, and the mobile phone industry was rapidly growing with new devices being introduced left and right. Among these was the Philips 859, a feature phone that caught the attention of many with its sleek design and impressive features. Let's take a closer look at this revolutionary device from its release in Q3 of 2004 until its discontinuation.
Sleek Design and Dimensions
The Philips 859 weighed only 94 grams and had a thickness of 23mm, making it one of the lightest and thinnest phones of its time. Its compact body measured 88x46x23 mm, with a Mini-SIM slot and an external 180-degree opening position. This allowed users to easily access the second external display, featuring 4096 colors and 96x64 pixels for customized wallpapers and screensavers.
A Standout Display
The 859 boasted a TFT display with 65K colors and a resolution of 128x160 pixels spread across 7 lines. This gave users a clear and vibrant viewing experience, perfect for messaging, browsing, and playing games. The external CSTN display also added to the overall appeal of the device, providing a convenient way to view incoming notifications and calls.
Plenty of Storage
With 7MB of internal storage, the 859 had ample space for contacts, messages, and even some multimedia. Unfortunately, there was no external card slot available, limiting its storage capacity. However, users could still store up to 500 contacts with 5 fields for each, along with 30 call records for easy access.
No Shortage of Entertainment
One of the standout features of the 859 was its built-in VGA camera and support for Java applications. Users could capture photos and download wallpapers and screensavers to personalize their device. The 859 also offered messaging options like SMS, EMS, MMS, and email, as well as WAP 1.2.1 browser support for internet access.
Long Battery Life
Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, the 859 had an impressive standby time of up to 400 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. This made it a reliable device for prolonged use without worrying about frequent charging.
Discontinuation and Legacy
After its release in Q3 of 2004, the Philips 859 enjoyed a brief period of popularity before being discontinued. However, its impact on the mobile phone industry was not forgotten. The sleek design and advanced features of the 859 paved the way for future devices from Philips and other brands.
In conclusion, the Philips 859 may have been discontinued, but its legacy lives on as a versatile and impressive device that was ahead of its time. It remains a beloved device by many, reminding us of the advancements in technology and the evolution of mobile phones over the years.
Philips 859 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
88 x 46 x 23 mm, 77 cc (3.46 x 1.81 x 0.91 in)
Weight
94 g (3.32 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels, 7 lines
Other
180 deg opening position
Second external CSTN display, 4096 colors (96 x 64 pixels)
Screensavers and wallpapers
Downloadable logos
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
500 x 5 fields, Photo call
Call records
30 received, dialed and missed calls
Internal
7MB
Main Camera
Single
VGA
Video
No
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
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, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 1.2.1
Games
4 + Java downloadable
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice dial/command
Optional TV-out