The Xenium 9@9q: A Classic Feature Phone by Philips
In 2008, Philips released the Xenium 9@9q – a feature phone that quickly became a popular choice among mobile users. This compact and lightweight device, weighing only 86g with a thickness of 18.3mm, was designed to cater to the basic communication needs of consumers. However, with its sleek design and impressive features, it became much more than just a phone.
Design and Display
The Xenium 9@9q sports a classic look with a 2-inch TFT display, capable of showing vibrant colors with its 256K color palette. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, this phone offered a decent viewing experience for its time. It also had an external monochrome display, making it convenient for users to check notifications and time without having to unlock their phone. The 4-way navigation key made navigating through the phone’s features easy and efficient.
Storage and Memory
For a feature phone, the Xenium 9@9q offered a decent storage capacity of 10.5MB, allowing users to save phone contacts, messages, and other essential files. It also had a microSD slot, giving the option to expand the storage if needed. In addition, the phonebook had a photocall feature, enabling users to assign pictures to contacts for a more personalized experience. The device also had a call record feature, which could store up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.
Camera and Audio
The main camera of the Xenium 9@9q was a 1.3MP single lens, capable of capturing decent quality photos and recording videos at QCIF@12.5fps. While it may not be comparable to the cameras we have today, it was a highlight feature of this phone at the time of its release. Additionally, the phone had no front-facing camera, which was not a widespread feature during that time.
In terms of audio, the Xenium 9@9q had a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and listening to music. However, it did not have a 3.5mm jack, meaning users had to rely on the miniUSB port for audio output. Despite the limitations, the phone still managed to offer an enjoyable audio experience with its MP3/WAV/AAC/MP4 player.
Connectivity and Features
Released as a GSM device with support for 2G bands, the Xenium 9@9q was compatible with most networks. It also had GPRS and EDGE capabilities, enabling basic internet browsing and instant messaging. The phone lacked Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, which was not uncommon for feature phones during that time. It did, however, offer Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, allowing users to transfer files and connect to wireless headsets.
The Xenium 9@9q came pre-loaded with games, and with Java support, users had the option to download and add more games to their collection. It also had a Lunar Calendar, a useful feature for users who follow traditional calendars. Along with basic applications like an organizer and voice memo, the phone also had messaging options such as SMS, MMS, and Email.
Battery Life
One of the key selling points of the Xenium 9@9q was its battery life. With a removable Li-Ion 890 mAh battery, it could last up to 720 hours on standby and up to 8 hours of talk time. This feature made it an ideal choice for users who needed a reliable phone for extended periods, without the hassle of constantly charging.
The Legacy Lives On
While the Xenium 9@9q may have been discontinued, it remains an important part of mobile phone history. Its practical features and impressive battery life made it a popular choice among users back in 2008. The phone also received recognition for its low SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) levels, indicating its safety for use. Although feature phones have now been replaced by smartphones, the Xenium 9@9q will always be remembered as a classic device that served its purpose with simplicity and efficiency.
