Palm Centro
| Industry | Consumer electronics, Telecommunications |
|---|---|
| Products | Palm Centro smartphone |
The Palm Centro is a smartphone introduced by Palm, Inc. on October 14, 2007, offering many of the capabilities found in the larger Treo 755p but in a more compact design.
It was one of the final devices to run the classic Palm OS before Palm shifted to webOS with the release of the Palm Pre in June 2009.
Although some carriers continue to support the Centro, numerous networks have ended compatibility: AT&T no longer supports the device on its 2G GSM network, and Verizon’s and Sprint’s CDMA 3G services were discontinued in 2022, restricting CDMA variants to offline functionality.
Specifications
At 119 grams and measuring 4.2″ in height, 2.1″ in width, and 0.7″ in thickness, the Centro was Palm’s most compact smartphone at its debut. It includes a 1.3-megapixel camera capable of video recording, a microSD card slot officially supporting up to 8 GB but compatible with cards up to 64 GB, touchscreen navigation, and a QWERTY keyboard. The device came in both CDMA (EVDO Rev 0) and GSM models. Its battery provided up to 3.5 hours of talk time and supported internet tethering for computers.
Included with the phone were an AC travel charger and a USB data cable.
Palm later released Sprint-exclusive versions featuring increased memory from 64 MB to 128 MB. The Centro supported Java MIDP 2.0; however, distribution ceased due to licensing limitations.
The product SKU was PTR690HK within the Palm Trēo lineup; Verizon’s version carried the SKU CENTRO690P.
Operating system
The Centro operated on Palm OS 5.4.9, ensuring compatibility with most applications designed for earlier Palm devices.
Sprint
Sprint’s original Centro was available in red, black, and pink. In October 2008, Sprint launched a second-generation model offered in Olive Green and Vibrant Rose colors, doubling user storage capacity and featuring a rubberized soft-touch finish.
AT&T
AT&T’s Centro came in black, white, and electric blue variants and functioned on GSM networks with quad-band frequencies (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) supporting GPRS/EDGE data services. Unlike Sprint and Verizon’s CDMA models that utilized 3G EV-DO technology, AT&T’s edition was restricted to 2G connectivity.
PC Magazine highlighted that despite lacking high-speed data capabilities, AT&T’s Centro provided extended battery life at an affordable price point, making it appealing as an entry-level smartphone option.
Moreover, AT&T included Push-To-Talk walkie-talkie functionality on its Centro—absent from CDMA versions—allowing users to instantly check availability and make individual or group calls.
Verizon
Verizon introduced its Centro model in dark blue on June 12, 2008, priced at $99 with a two-year contract along with a $70 mail-in rebate. This variant operated on a 1xRTT/1xEV–DO (Rel. 0) 3G network.
Claro
In early 2008, Claro brought the Centro to consumers in Brazil.
Telstra
Telstra Australia made the Centro available exclusively through prepaid plans, marking it as the first prepaid smartphone in Australia to feature a complete QWERTY keyboard. This model came in white with a grey keypad, distinguishing it from AT&T’s version which had a green keyboard.
Rogers Wireless
Starting June 10, 2008, Rogers Wireless in Canada offered the Palm Centro solely in dark blue. Customers activating new service on a three-year plan costing $45 or more paid $299.99 for the device, while those renewing any three-year voice and data contract could purchase it for $199.99.
Unlocked GSM
An unlocked GSM variant of the Centro was introduced on June 25, 2008, compatible with all 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM networks. This edition is presented in Glacier White featuring grey keyboard highlights.
Bell Mobility
Bell Mobility released a CDMA version of the Palm Centro in Midnight Black on February 2, 2009. Offered at $49.95 with new activation on a three-year voice and data plan priced at $45 or above, this model operates on a 1xRTT/1xEV–DO (Rel. 0) 3G network.
Popularity
Palm reported that by July 29, 2008, over two million Centros had been sold. Data from AdMob indicated that by August 2008, the Centro ranked as the second most popular smartphone in the US based on internet traffic, accounting for 78% of all Palm device traffic; by February 2009, it had dropped to fourth place but represented 86% of Palm-related traffic.
Advertising
In December 2008, Palm initiated a holiday marketing campaign spotlighting a refreshed version of Santa Claus named "Claus". The promotion included television commercials, a dedicated Facebook page, viral video content, and exclusive downloadable music tracks to advertise the Palm Centro.