Display:480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~261 ppi density)
Camera:5 MP, AF
Battery:
Released:Released 2011, August
The Pre 3: An Innovative Device From HP Released in 2011
Introduction
In the year 2011, technology company HP released the Pre 3 - a smartphone with groundbreaking features that made it stand out from its competitors. This device, powered by HP webOS 2.2, quickly gained popularity as it offered a unique experience to its users. Let's take a closer look at this device and understand why it was so popular.
Release Date and Specifications
The HP Pre 3 was announced in February 2011 and was released in August of the same year. It weighed 156g and had a thickness of 16mm, which made it a bit bulky compared to other smartphones at the time. However, its dimensions of 111 x 64 x 16mm (4.37 x 2.52 x 0.63in) made it compact enough to fit comfortably in one's hand.
Operating System and Storage
One notable feature of the Pre 3 was its operating system, HP webOS 2.2. This was a proprietary operating system developed by HP, which had a user-friendly interface and smooth functionality. The device had 8GB of storage, but unfortunately, there was no option to expand it with an external memory card.
Network and Connectivity
The Pre 3 was a GSM/HSPA device, meaning it could support both 2G and 3G bands. It had GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G bands and HSDPA 900/1900/2100 for 3G bands. This allowed users to connect to the internet at fast speeds of up to HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps. Additionally, it had Wi-Fi capabilities, which was dual-band and supported the newer standards of 802.11 a/b/g/n.
Display and Platform
The Pre 3 had a 3.58-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of 261ppi. This may seem small compared to the larger displays we see on smartphones now, but it was considered quite large back in 2011. It also ran on the HP webOS 2.2 platform and was powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset and a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU, making it a fast and efficient device. Its Adreno 205 GPU provided high-quality graphics and smooth video playback.
Memory and Camera
Unfortunately, the Pre 3 did not have an option for external storage, but it did come with 8GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM, which was more than enough for the time. The device had a primary camera of 5MP with autofocus and a LED flash that allowed users to take decent pictures even in low light conditions. It also had a VGA front camera for taking selfies.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, the Pre 3 had features such as Bluetooth 2.1, A2DP, and EDR, GPS, and A-GPS. However, one drawback was that it did not have a radio. It also had a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Some notable features of the device included an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. It also had a pre-installed HTML browser and Adobe Flash for web browsing, as well as various applications such as MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player, MP4/H.264 player, organizer, document viewer, voice memo, and predictive text input.
Battery Life and Price
The Pre 3 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery that gave it a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. However, due to its high-performance capabilities, the battery would drain quickly with heavy usage. The device was priced at approximately 350 EUR, making it a high-end choice for smartphone users at the time.
Conclusion
The HP Pre 3 was an impressive device during its release in 2011, and it quickly gained a loyal user base due to its unique features and capabilities. Its operating system, webOS 2.2, was praised for its user-friendly interface and smooth functionality. Despite its few drawbacks, it remains a significant milestone in the evolution of smartphones and showcases HP's innovative approach to technology.
