The Xenium 9@9u by Philips: A Feature Phone That Stood the Test of Time
Feature phones may not be as popular now with the rise of smartphones, but back in 2008, they were the go-to devices for communication. And one of the most beloved feature phones of that time was the Xenium 9@9u by Philips.
Released in January 2008, the Xenium 9@9u quickly gained popularity for its sleek design and impressive features. Let's take a closer look at what made this device stand out.
Design and Dimensions
At just 91g and 14.8mm thickness, the Xenium 9@9u was a compact and lightweight device. Its dimensions were 107 x 44.5 x 14.8 mm (4.21 x 1.75 x 0.58 in), making it easy to hold and carry around. The phone had a Mini-SIM card slot and featured a 4-way navigation key for easy use.
Display and Memory
The Xenium 9@9u had a 2.0-inch TFT screen with 256K colors, which was quite impressive for a feature phone at that time. It also had a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, giving a density of 141 ppi. And for customization, the device came with built-in screensavers and wallpapers.
In terms of memory, the Xenium 9@9u had 25MB of internal storage and a dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage. It could store a decent amount of contacts in its phonebook, along with call records for up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.
Camera and Sound
For its time, the Xenium 9@9u had a pretty impressive 2MP main camera that could capture videos at 30fps. Unfortunately, there was no front-facing camera for selfies. However, the device did have a loudspeaker and supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.
Connectivity and Features
The Xenium 9@9u may not have had all the connectivity options we are used to now, but it did have some essential features. It had Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, making it easy to transfer files between devices. It also had an FM radio and a miniUSB port for charging and data transfer. The device also came with built-in messaging options, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and email. And for entertainment, it had pre-installed games and a Java-enabled MP3/WAV/AAC/MP4 player.
Battery Life and Extras
One of the key selling points of the Xenium 9@9u was its impressive battery life. The device had a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery that could provide up to 740 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours of talk time. Plus, it also had additional features like a Lunar Calendar and voice memo.
In Conclusion
Despite being discontinued, the Xenium 9@9u still holds a special place in the hearts of many people who used it. With its stylish design, decent features, and long-lasting battery, the device was a fan favorite during its time. And even though we now live in a world dominated by smartphones, we can't deny the impact of feature phones like the Xenium 9@9u.