The Philips Xenium 9@9t: A Feature Phone Ahead of Its Time
When the Philips Xenium 9@9t was released in April 2006, it quickly gained attention for its sleek design and advanced features. This feature phone, part of the popular Xenium series, was a game changer in the mobile industry and set the bar high for other brands to follow.
Elegant Design and Impressive Dimensions
One of the first things that caught people's attention was the Xenium 9@9t's elegant design. It was slim and lightweight, weighing only 85g and measuring at just 17mm in thickness. This made it easy to carry around and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
A Step Forward in Storage Options
The Xenium 9@9t came with an impressive 20MB of internal storage, which was considered a lot at the time. But if you needed more space, the miniSD slot provided the option to expand your storage. This was a big deal in 2006, as most phones did not offer expandable storage options.
The Power of GSM Technology
This feature phone was equipped with GSM technology, allowing users to enjoy high-quality calls and texts. The Xenium 9@9t supported 2G bands on GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 networks, making it a reliable choice for communication.
Simple and Functional Operating System
The Xenium 9@9t ran on a feature phone operating system, which may seem basic compared to today's smartphones, but it was efficient and easy to use. The simplicity of the OS made it a hassle-free experience for users, especially for those who were not tech-savvy.
A Decade Ahead in Display Technology
The Xenium 9@9t was also ahead of its time when it came to display technology. It featured a CSTN resistive touchscreen with 65K colors. This may seem primitive now, but back in the mid-2000s, it was a big step forward in mobile display capabilities. The 128 x 160-pixel resolution and handwriting recognition added to the user experience.
Utilizing miniSD for Storage Expansion
The Xenium 9@9t had a miniSD card slot, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and music. This feature was not common in phones at that time, making the Xenium 9@9t stand out as a trendsetter in the industry. With a phonebook capacity of 1000 entries and the ability to store up to 30 call records, the Xenium 9@9t was not lacking in storage options.
Other Cool Features
Aside from its impressive storage and display technology, the Xenium 9@9t also had a 1.3 MP camera, making it one of the first feature phones to have such a feature. It also had basic messaging capabilities such as SMS, MMS, and email, as well as an organizer, world clock, and even a lunar calendar. The phone also came with a voice memo function, allowing users to record up to 30 minutes of audio.
Long-Lasting Battery
The Xenium 9@9t boasted a removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery, which could last up to 850 hours on standby and about 2.5 hours of talk time. This was impressive, considering how battery life was a major issue for most phones during this time.
The Legacy of the Xenium 9@9t
The Xenium 9@9t may have been discontinued, but it left a lasting impact in the mobile industry. It was one of the first feature phones to incorporate advanced features like expandable storage and a touchscreen display. It set the standards high for other brands to follow and paved the way for the development of modern smartphones.
In conclusion, the Philips Xenium 9@9t was a revolutionary feature phone released ahead of its time. It may not have the advancements of today's smartphones, but it was a trendsetter in the early 2000s and played a significant role in shaping the mobile industry. Its sleek design, impressive dimensions, and advanced features make it a memorable device in the history of mobile phones.
Philips Xenium 9@9t Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, April
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
108 x 46.5 x 17 mm, 82 cc (4.25 x 1.83 x 0.67 in)
Weight
85 g (3.00 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN resistive touchscreen, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels
Other
Handwriting recognition
Memory
Card slot
miniSD
Phonebook
1000 entries, Photocall
Call records
30 received, dialed and missed calls
Internal
20MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
Predictive text input
MP3 player
Organizer
World clock
Lunar calendar
Voice memo (up to 30 min)