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Palm Centro 690 review

7.2/10 AVG.
RATING
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Palm Centro 690
Palm Centro 690
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7.2/10
Informr score
The Palm Centro 690 currently has an Informr score of 7.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 94 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

There has been no shortage of admonitions directed at Palm over the past year, from criticizing their dated OS to cosmetic and aesthetic complaints.

But Palm is selling millions of Centros. It’s simple, we geeks may look down our noses at the antiquated operation system, but in a recent conversation with a cell phone store owner I learned that people just plain like them.

The Centro 690 is a capable smart phone that gets most of the important details right. Buttons you can push, a responsive touch screen, a wealth of 3rd party apps to choose from to customize and maximize your device, and good call quality.

The Centro 690 has lost some weight from its prior iteration, making it even more attractive. Out of the box you’ve got yourself an easy-to-use device with Bluetooth, Ev-Do support, push email so you can receive those Nigerian lottery winnings even quicker and a suite of productivity applications.

A recurring theme among users is that it is easy to use. The folks at Palm have created a device for people that have never owned a smart phone and may be intimidated by more sophisticated options.

If you would like to trade up from to a device that is simple to use, will make your day easier and safer, take a look at the Centro 690.


Palm OS
Operating system
Operating system
Palm OS
312 MHz
Processor
Processor
312 MHz
Unknown
Screen Size
Screen Size
Unknown
1+ MP
Camera
Camera
1+ MP
1150 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Wired
Wired

You might think the Palm Centro just puts lipstick on a pig-the pig being Palm's creaky, antiquated operating system-but dang if this little smartphone doesn't turn heads and win hearts. Available in glossy black onyx or fire-engine red, the Centro's slim enough to slip into a pocket-something the c...

- Rick Broida, Wired


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Palm Centro 690 user manual here.


Palm backs up the Centro 690 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Centro 690 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Palm support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Palm's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
Unknown

The Palm Centro 690's screen size is Unknown with x pixels resolution.

Processor
312 MHz

There is a Intel XScale 312 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
1+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 1+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
64 MB

Internal memory is 64 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 4 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1150mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1150 mAh battery. Palm's performance ratings are 12.5 days standby time.

Centro 690 Specs

Overview
Release Date September 27, 2007
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Palm OS Smartphones

Processor Intel XScale 312 MHz
Internal Storage 64 MB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.35 W/kg
Body: 0.82 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. 0
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi No
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 4 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Zoom
2x digital
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Video Recording Parameters
CIF (352 x 288 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size Unknown
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1150 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 12.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, Olive Green, Pink, Red, Rose, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.7 x 5.4 x 1.2 cm (4.2 x 2.1 x 0.5 in)
Weight 119 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 2.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC+, AAC, WMA
Video Playback Formats: Unknown
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Calculator, Currency Converter, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Palm Centro CDMA

A GSM version of the Centro is also available. It is also known as the Palm Centro 685.
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Palm Centro 690 Reviews
Where to buy Palm Centro 690
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