The Philips M200: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
Released in 2008, the Philips M200 was a feature phone that quickly gained popularity due to its sleek design and advanced features. Let's take a look at what made this device so special.
Dimensions and Storage
Weighing just 70g and with a thickness of 15.3mm, the M200 was a lightweight and compact device. This made it easy to carry around and fit into pockets or bags. The phone had a storage capacity of 3MB, which may seem small by today's standards, but was considered ample for a feature phone back in 2008. Additionally, the phone had a microSD slot, allowing users to expand the storage as needed.
Network and Operating System
The M200 ran on GSM technology and supported 2G bands for GSM 900 / 1800. It also had Class 10 GPRS for internet connectivity. However, it did not support EDGE. As for the operating system, the M200 was a feature phone, meaning it did not have a smartphone platform. Instead, it had a basic operating system that allowed for simple functions such as calls, texts, and photo-taking.
Display and Memory
The phone featured a 1.8-inch CSTN display with 65K colors, providing decent resolution and color saturation for its time. With a screen-to-body ratio of 22.1%, the display was relatively large for a feature phone. The M200 also came with customizable screensavers and wallpapers, allowing users to personalize their device. In terms of memory, the phone had a dedicated microSD slot for additional storage, as well as a 3MB internal storage for storing basic files and apps.
Camera and Sound
One area where the M200 fell short was its lack of a camera. Unlike many feature phones at the time, the M200 did not come with a camera, making it less desirable for users who enjoyed snapping photos. However, it did have a built-in FM radio and a loudspeaker, making it a great device for listening to music on-the-go. The M200 also had dedicated music player keys, making it easy to navigate through songs and playlists.
Connectivity and Features
While the M200 did not have Wi-Fi capabilities, it did have Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless file sharing. It also had a miniUSB 1.1 port for charging and data transfer. Some of its other features included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, basic games, and Java support for running apps. It also had a voice memo function and predictive text input for easier messaging.
Battery and Colors
The M200 ran on a removable Li-Po 1050 mAh battery, providing decent battery life for a feature phone. It came in a sleek black color, giving it a modern and sophisticated look. It also had a low SAR EU of 0.86 W/kg (head), making it a safe choice for users concerned about radiation exposure.
Conclusion
In summary, the Philips M200 was a feature phone released in 2008 that stood out for its compact design, advanced display and memory features, and decent battery life. While it had some limitations, such as the lack of a camera, it was still a popular and reliable device during its time. The M200 proved to be a testament to Philips' commitment to producing high-quality and functional devices for its users.
