Palm Pre smartphone
Palm

Palm Pre

June 6, 2009 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Palm Pre was a groundbreaking slider smartphone released in 2009, notable for being the first device to run Palm's innovative webOS operating system. It featured a multi-touch screen, a physical QWERTY keyboard, and introduced a gesture-driven interface that was ahead of its time. The Pre aimed to compete with the iPhone by offering advanced multitasking and a unique user experience.
Display3.1-inch TFT screen with 320x480 resolution.
ChipsetTexas Instruments OMAP 3430 with a 600 MHz Cortex-A8 CPU.
Main Camera3.2 MP with LED flash.
BatteryRemovable 1150 mAh Li-Ion battery.
Starting from $1,565

💰 Palm Pre Price

The Palm Pre lowest price is $1,565, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen, 24-bit color LCD
Size3.1 inches, 28.6 cm2 (~47.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~186 ppi density)

Platform

OSPalm webOS
ChipsetTexas Instruments OMAP 3430
CPU600 MHz Cortex-A8 (underclocked to 500 MHz)
GPUPowerVR SGX

Memory

Internal8GB (approx. 7.4GB user available)
RAM256MB DDR DRAM
Card slotNo

Main Camera

Single3.2 MP
FeaturesLED flash, Extended Depth of Field, Geotagging
VideoNo

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1150 mAh

Body

Dimensions100.5 x 59.6 x 17 mm (3.96 x 2.35 x 0.67 in)
Weight135 g (4.8 oz)
SIMMini-SIM
KeyboardSlide-out QWERTY keyboard

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth2.1 with A2DP (headset support only)
PositioningGPS, A-GPS
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 2009
ReleasedJune 6, 2009 (US, Sprint Nextel)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Innovative webOS operating system with true multitasking.
  • Unique and intuitive gesture navigation.
  • Compact and ergonomic design with a satisfying slider mechanism.
  • Physical QWERTY keyboard for tactile typing.
  • Optional wireless charging (Touchstone).

Cons

  • Small screen size by modern standards.
  • Relatively low-resolution display.
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to iOS and Android.
  • Camera lacked video recording and was basic.
  • Glossy finish was a smudge magnet.
  • Battery life could be a concern for heavy users.
★ Our Verdict

The Palm Pre was a highly innovative device for its time, introducing groundbreaking software features and a unique design, though it faced challenges in hardware specifications and ecosystem growth.

The Palm Pre is now a vintage collector's item rather than a practical daily driver. If you're considering purchasing one, understand that its webOS operating system is no longer supported, and modern apps will not function. The phone's primary appeal lies in its historical significance, showcasing early smartphone innovation, its unique slider form factor, and the pioneering webOS interface. Expect slow performance, limited connectivity, and a very basic camera by today's standards. It's best suited for enthusiasts, collectors, or those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the early days of smartphones. Ensure any purchased unit is in good physical condition, as replacement parts are extremely rare.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Palm Pre smartphone
  • Lithium-ion battery
  • AC adapter/Wall charger
  • MicroUSB cable
  • Stereo headset with microphone
  • Soft cloth pouch/sleeve
  • Getting started guides/documentation

Palm typically offered a 1-year parts and labor warranty for its devices.

❓ Questions & Answers

What was the Palm Pre known for?

The Palm Pre was primarily known for introducing Palm's innovative webOS operating system, its unique slider design with a physical QWERTY keyboard, and its pioneering gesture-based user interface and multitasking 'cards' system.

When was the Palm Pre released?

The Palm Pre was officially announced in February 2009 and first released on June 6, 2009, exclusively with Sprint Nextel.

What operating system did the Palm Pre use?

The Palm Pre ran on Palm's Linux-based mobile operating system, webOS, which was praised for its intuitive multitasking capabilities and gesture navigation.

Does the Palm Pre have a physical keyboard?

Yes, the Palm Pre featured a distinctive slider design that revealed a full physical QWERTY keyboard beneath its touchscreen.

Can the Palm Pre still be used today?

While a Palm Pre can still power on, it is not practical for modern use. Its webOS operating system is no longer supported, and it cannot run contemporary applications or reliably connect to modern cellular networks or services.

What were the key specifications of the Palm Pre's display?

The Palm Pre featured a 3.1-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 186 ppi.