Camera Phones Plaza

From its debut on the mobile phone market, HTC was always considered a business solution manufacturer. Basically HTC produced only smart phones in a period when people didn't really understood what high feature phones were about. However, since Nokia developed its E series and RIM gain more popularity (especially in the States); potential customers diverted their attention to HTC products, with hopes that they will find the perfected balanced device. Even more, HTC is now considered to be one of the greatest high end phones manufacturers. Nowadays, it offers not only business solution phones but also great headsets for average users. The HTC G1 or HTC Dream was the first phone to bring the new Android software platform. However, as a prototype phone, its life cycle came to an end pretty fast due to some drawbacks. Its successor in line is the new HTC Magic.

This device provides beside the great Android platform, an excellent touch screen and an overall decent feature package. All of this offered under compact dimensions and a good looking design. As any other device, HTC Magic has a few drawbacks, it lacks the second camera for video calling, no flash support in the web browser (iPhone, anyone?), no built in FM radio support, and a bad Bluetooth profile. The HTC Magic comes with a good design, nice shapes and a glossy white finish. Fortunately, the white glossy case doesn't show the how much of a fingerprint magnet it really is.

However, if you choose for the black HTC Magic, you are probably going to hate the glossy finish. Even so, the black finish is more resistant to scratches than the white glossy finish. Beside plastic you will not get any other finishes on your HTC Magic. On the front panel, under the display you get six keys (pretty much for a touch screen phone). However, because they're so many keys onboard, HTC reduced the keys dimensions to the minimum, making the usability of the keys from this phone under average.

The menu button will bring up a set of options. You also get the home button and back button, the search key (pretty useful), and the end call key on the right, and the call key on the left. HTC doesn't provide the Magic with a touch screen switch, you will have to use the end call key to lock and turn off the touch screen. HTC replaced the five keys pad (left, right, up, down and select / ok) with a trackball (not many manufacturers use this feature anymore, because is unreliable on long term usage).

Even so, the trackball worked pretty well (because the phone is new), and it has multi functional purpose (not only navigating through the menu, but also provides as a camera control key). The overall built is pretty simple, you don't get ports or buttons neither on the left side nor the right side. The only keys you will get on the right side of your HTC Magic are the volume control keys. However, on the bottom of the phone, you get beside the microphone pit, the mini USB port (you will have to use this mini USB port in order to connect any headset to your HTC Magic).

On the back panel, you can find in the upper center the 3 megapixel digital camera lens and right above the camera the loudspeaker. Don't look for an external memory card slot, because you are not getting one. The memory card slot is under the back cover, but not under the battery. Therefore, you don't have to shut down the phone when you will replace the memory card. HTC Magic is equipped with a 3.2 inches TFT capacitive touch screen with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels (HVGA), offers up to 65000 colors. For a better use of this screen, HTC included an accelerometer sensor for auto rotate. You don't get many colors in the HTC Magic, even more because the touch screen has a big diagonal, you will see that it lacks vibrant colors. In direct sunlight the result is undesirable. The ambient light sensor above the display doesn't do any justice in broad daylight.

HTC Magic runs in 2G networks (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) but also in 3G networks (HSDPA 900 / 2100 and HSDPA 1700 / 2100). The dimensions include the Magic in the average department. It has a height of 113 mm, wide of 55 mm, deep of 13.7 mm, Magic weights about 118.5 g. HTC Magic is shipped with the latest Android version, 1.5. One of the best features of this version is the landscape and portrait on board virtual keyboard. It is easy to use when writing with both hands (landscape mode), but also when writing with one hand (portrait mode). Even if the keyboard is on screen it can still provide a good feedback. Even if the Android competes with the iPhone platform, the home screen of Android is just dull. You don't feel anything. It doesn't provide nice icons, and a good overall feeling.

A good feature (also found in the Symbian platform) is the widget application. The HTC Magic comes with a few widgets pre-installed, like the music player or calendar. This feature comes to improve the dull home screen. You get two types of widgets, the first type, is the widget that extracts a result and displays it (like the title of the current song played), and the second type of widget involves a back door application. HTC offers for the Magic a Lithium Ion battery of 1340 mAh. This battery is pretty powerful and will provide about three days usage (average usage).

HTC official press release provided a number of 420 hours in standby mode for the Magic, and about 7 hours and 30 minutes in talk time. All the day by day functions (phonebook, messaging, calendar, notes and other), work great, smoothly even, because of the Qualcomm MSM 7200A 528 MHz processor and the 288 MB of random access memory. The internal memory is limited at 512 MB but is expandable using micro SD memory cards, or Trans Flash memory cards (up to 16 GB). The connectivity in ensured by the Class 10 GPRS (4+1 / 3+2 slots) with a speed from 32 to 48 kbps, HSCSD, Class 10 EDGE with a speed of 236.8 kbps, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g profile, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP (limited access), HSDPA with 7.2 MB per second, HSUPA with 2 MB per second, and mini USB connectivity. This phone is not camera orientated. However, it sports a 3.15 megapixel digital camera with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels (with autofocus).

This camera will deliver average performances. It can also record video in QVGA resolution at about 15 frames per second (also known as bad video quality). HTC ships the Magic in a iPhone look alike box. Beside the actual Magic you also get a charger, mini USB cable, wired one piece stereo hands free, and a 2 GB micro SD memory card. A nice touch is the leather carrying case that matches your Magic at color. Overall the HTC Magic is an average touch screen phone. However, if you are looking for an Android touch screen phone, then the HTC Magic might just be what you are looking for.

Samsung's plans are clear. The manufacturer is at the middle of the 2008 - 2010 time frames, in which it will continue to launch touch screen phones for all the ranges. In 2008, Samsung revised its high tech range and releasing all sorts of models in different series (camera phones, music phones or just all in ode phone with excellent features). In the beginning of 2009, Samsung started to re-invent the entry level and middle level range of phones. And until now Samsung succeeded not only with its devices launch but also in terms of sales, product placement, and marketing efficiency.

When you think which manufacturer has the most good featured touch screen phones on the market, you don't think Nokia, Apple, HTC, not at all, you think Samsung. One of these great devices, with youth being the main target, is the S3650 Corby. The S3650 has all what it takes to become a best seller (youth as a target audience, small list price, and excellent features). This touch screen phone was developed for active social people, and for potential clients who seek full customizable features in their phones. The specs list includes normal features from the middle range.

The Samsung S3650 can also be considered a good phone for first time touch screen users. At first look, you will be able to position identify correctly what S3650 is all about, normal spec list, distinctive design, and customizable features, all offered at an affordable price. A great feature offered is the integration of several social networking web pages, such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. The main disadvantages you can find on this phone are rather frustrating. You don't get 3G network, the micro SD memory card slot is placed under the battery, no smart dialing, no universal connectivity port, no auto focus, no flash, no inbuilt sensor accelerometer, and no QWERTY keyboard layout on display.

The Samsung S3650 comes, well, in all sorts of back cover colors. Basically, the front cover sports a glossy black plastic, while the rear back cover is customizable (in the shipping box you get three back covers, black, dark blue, yellow). In terms of build construction, the S3650 looks solid, but only looks. It actually doesn't match the other Samsung quality build.

The Samsung S3650 has a height of 103 mm, wide of 56.5 mm, deep of 12 mm, the S3650 weights about 92 g. this are great values, especially the weight value of under 100 g, making the S3650 one of the lightest touch screen phone. On the front side, above the display you will only find the earpiece. No point in looking for a ambient light sensor because you are not going to find one on the S3650. At the other end, you get (like any other touch screen phone, from any other manufacturer portfolio - with only one exception - iPhone) three buttons. In the middle you get the four directional pads with the center ok / function key. On the right side of the D - pad you have the end call key, while on the other side you get the call key. Also in front but almost impossible to see is the microphone piece. On the left side the S3650 sports the volume control keys, and the multifunctional proprietary connectivity port (you have to use the same port for charging the phone, or to connect a data cable, and even a headset).

It is less desirable to find that the S3650 lacks a 3.5 mm jack port for your favorite headset and the micro USB connectivity port. On the other side, the S3650 includes the shutter button, but also the key that you will use to lock or unlock the touch screen. You don't have to look for the memory card slot, because it is built under the battery cover. On top and on the bottom, the Samsung touch screen phone sports neither a port nor a key. On the changeable back cover you get the digital camera lens (upper center), while the loudspeaker can be found on left bottom of the case. You probably still can't imagine a Corby S3650 in your hands. Anyway keep in mind that this phone is quite small for a touch screen device. Therefore the included touch screen might seem bigger than it really is.

The S3650 is equipped with the same display found on Samsung F480, 2.8 inches TFT capacitive touch screen, with a 240 x 320 pixels resolution (QVGA), featuring up to 16 million colors (the F480 only sported up to 256.000 colors). The display accommodates up to eight text lines and three service lines. However, this is a variable number, because in other sub menus or applications the display can accommodate up to 16 text lines (for instance when you read a short text message). In terms of visibility, the S3650 performs poorly. Under broad daylight sun, the display will get washed. However, in darker environments (or at least not under sun light) the display will offer excellent quality of rendering, vibrant colors, and good contrast. Another nice feature is the built in sensor accelerometer. This feature works extremely fine and improves the overall quality inspired by the Samsung S3650.

Samsung ships the S3650 with a standard Lithium Ion battery with 1000 mAh. This is an average battery, but then again S3650 is oriented for the average user. You get about 250 hours in standby mode and 5 hours of talk time (these values are only for the 2G networks since the S3650 lacks 3G connectivity). For the average user, the values written above should mean 2 days of usage without charging the S3650. However, if you use the email function, or the web browser, or even both, you should be aware that the S3650 battery life will last only one day. It will only take about 2 hours to completely charge the S3650 battery. The connectivity department is ensured by the Class 10 (with the normal by now slots, 4+1/3+2) GPRS with speed between 32 - 48 kbps, HSCSD, EDGE Class 10 with speed up to 236.8 kbps, and Bluetooth version 2.1 with A2DP. You shouldn't expect to find great memory built in value in the S3650, about 90 MB, but can also be expanded with micro SD memory cards (or Trans Flash) up to 8 GB. However you might be surprised to find out that this Samsung phone can read up to 32 GB micro SD memory cards.

Samsung ships the S3650 with a 2 megapixel digital camera, with a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels with only one feature (smile detection). The S3650 camera can also take shots at 1280 x 960 pixels resolution, and 640 x 480 pixels resolution. You get four shooting modes (single shot, multi shot, panorama shot and smile shot), five white balance presets (cloudy, fluorescent, incandescent, auto, daylight) and only four pre installed effects.

Basically it offers the same quality pictures offered by the built in iPhone 3G digital camera. The only difference between these two phones (regarding the camera department) is the enabled video recording of the S3650. Even so, the quality video recording is poor (QVGA - 320 x 240 -resolution at 15 frames per second). If you are interested in the user interface than you should know that the S3650 sports exactly the same Touch Wiz interface found on the Samsung S5600 or S8000 Jet. In terms of interface and menu, you get excellent quality from the S3650. Also the menu is fully customizable making it desirable for so many people. The phonebook, organizer and music player offer great performances for this range. Offered at a price list of 150 Euro, the Samsung S3650 offers excellent quality for a middle range phone. If you are looking for your first touch screen phone, but you want good quality for less money, then the S3650 is for you.

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Even if Nokia is developing specific series of phones, like the N series, E series, Xpress Music, or the new "X" series, half of the Nokia products sold are part of, well, non important operating system with nice design, good features and middle range price tag - series. Basically Nokia should just create a everyday series, in which it should include the new 6700 classic but also (still on the market) its predecessor, Nokia 6300.

The 6700 is not the direct descendent of 6300, it is more an upgraded version of the 6300. The successor of 6300 is the 6303 which has a smaller price tag with good features, but lacks the premium feel and high end features of the 6700 classic. The 6700 classic will probably be a market success, because of its candy form and excellent specs. Nokia leads the market in terms of non touch screen, but great candy form phones. Is not only the hardware part that impresses the potential customers, but also the solid S40 operating system which delivers a great performance (for its range).

The new 6700 classic could be considered Nokia's new S40 flagship. It was developed for the users that don't necessary need 8 or 12 megapixel cameras, touch screen, or QWERTY keyboard. Even without those features, the 6700 looks exquisite and it is inspired (in the silver finish) from 8800 look. Unfortunately, you still get disadvantages like the positioning of the memory card (under the back cover), no video calling, small display, not the latest version of S40, no multitasking (iPhone style all around us), no office document viewer, and most important for the music fans, no 3.5 mm audio jack. Nokia 6700 classic is available in four colors (brown, matt steel, chrome, and black).

This entire colors suite well the 6700, and if you are looking for a not so bold in design and appearance phone then you should take a closer look to 6700 classic. However, you should check with the service provider because some carriers might get just the brown colored 6700 classic. The Nokia 6700 is great in terms of dimensions and weight. It has a height of 109.8 mm, wide of 45 mm, deep of 11.2 mm with an approximate weight of 116.5 g. Therefore it is easy to carry in any pocket.

The design and finish are good. You don't get an all case plastic. The cover is made out of stainless steel, which not only offers a great look but also feels wonderful at touch. Even if it is the same phone, the covers may vary in material based on the color scheme chosen. The keypad is average both in terms of usability and construction. You get a four way directional key pad with a center "ok / enter" button. Two soft customizable buttons on every side of the D pad. Under this soft buttons you will find, on the right the end call button, and on the left the call button. All this mandatory directional keys offer good feedback and sufficient distance between them (you might find it difficult to use only if you have oversized hands). Below these operating keys you get the actual keypad.

Because the latest trend is to offer keypads with no actual keys to touch, you might find the 6700's keypad a little confusing when texting in a hurry. However, for an average user the keypad provides sufficient space between keys and good feedback when pressing them. Overall the 6700 provides a solid construction. On the front of the panel, above the display, you only get the light sensor and loud speaker grill (no second video camera, because Nokia tried to undersize this phone as much as they could). On the right side, the 6700 classic, sports a shutter key and the volume control keys. Both are comfortable to use, even if they are extremely thin. On the left side, the 6700 classic has no keys, none at all. On the bottom of this handset you can find the micro USB jack (unfortunately uncovered). Also, you can find here the jack for the charger. A nice feature (still not available for high end Nokia phones) is that you can use the USB cable to charge your 6700 battery when connected to your computer. On the back you will observe, that Nokia included in this phone beside the 5 megapixel camera lens, a LED flash unit (extremely small, to make any difference when shooting photos). Overall, this phone has an excellent design and you can actually feel how solid it is. A definitely plus is the 8800 Arts look - alike.

The phone comes with a small (but otherwise great) 2.2 inches TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels (it provides up to 16.7 million colors). The display features an accelerometer sensor for a more comfortable use. The 6700 is the first phone with control over adaptive brightness content. In day by day translation, this features enables the display to adjusts itself (with the help of the light sensor) not only based on the brightness in the current environment but also based on what it displays. This feature will provide not only a better rendering for the user but will also save battery life. The screen will accommodate up to nine text and three service lines (in other applications or sub menus, the 6700 display will accommodate up to 16 text lines).

The 6700 classic runs in both 2G network (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G network (HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100). Nokia ships 6700 classic with a rather small battery, 960 mAh Lithium Ion BL 6Q, with an official standby time up to 300 hours. In 2G networks the 6700 sports a talk time up to 5 hours, while in the 3G network the talk time goes up to 4 hours. If you are interested in listening continuously to music on the 6700 classic, then you should now that the battery will only last for 20 hours under these conditions. For an average user, all these values mean around three days of battery life.

The Nokia 6700 classic has an onboard memory of only 170 MB. However, you can easily improve this value by using a micro SD memory card or a Trans Flash memory card, up to 16 GB (in the official statement). However this phone will read certain types of 32 GB memory cards. Nokia doesn't deliver any information regarding the processor used or for that matter of fact, not even the random access memory embedded in the 6700. The connectivity is ensured by Class 32 GPRS, Class 32 EDGE, HSCSD, Bluetooth 2.0, and HSDPA with a great value of 10 MB per second, HSUPA with 2 MB per second, and 2.0 micro USB port. However, it lacks an important feature, the Wi-Fi connectivity. Nokia has equipped its S40 flagship with an excellent 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash. The camera can take photos in six different resolutions, starting from the small 320 x 240 , 640 x 480, 1280 x 960, 1600 x 1200, 2048 x 1536, and the most impressive resolution of 2592 x 1944. You can't actually use the camera for snap shots, because it is rather slow. It needs about four seconds to save a photo.

The white balance feature brings only four different scenarios, incandescent, fluorescent, sunny and cloudy. The 6700 can also record videos with only one resolution: 640 x 480 pixels - VGA and a horrible 15 frames per second (the minimum accepted is 30 frames per second, in order to get an average movies clip). The Nokia 6700 comes with the sixth S40 software. It doesn't bring any new features and it doesn't have the wow factor (but then again, none of the phones in this range have a special software feature). However, with the S40 6th edition you get a great music player, excellent phone book with 100 entries, quality organizer that offers a solid look.

It may be not the prettiest operating system out there, but the S40 will provide everything you might need. Nokia provides the 6700 classic with a middle range retail package. Beside the actual phone, you will also get a 1GB memory card, a micro USB cable, mandatory charger, one piece micro USB hands free, user guide and a CD. The Nokia 6700 classic doesn't bring anything new to the game. However, it sports good features taken from other Nokia phones. At a price tag of $270 this phone is a great performer. It will not let you down, as long as you are not looking for a touch screen or a 8 megapixel or even 12 megapixel camera.

The Sony Ericsson G705 is the reinterpretation of the old C905. The G705 is marketed as the perfect balance between business and fashion, while the C905 is considered to be one of the Sony Ericsson flagships. You should aspect great Internet solutions, because of the "G" line in which the G705 stands. However, in terms of style the G705 loses to its sibling, the W705. Even more, neither "G" line nor "W" line offer fashion phones. So why is Sony Ericsson so eager to sell the G705 as a style phone? The answer is not a mystery, once you have seen the specs list. The G705 is not a high tech phone, and it is not a business model either. Therefore, in order for Sony Ericsson to actually sell the G705, they had to bring the style as marketing solution.

The G705 is the second phone in the new Generation Web line. G705 doesn't really have direct competitors, because most of the middle range Samsung models sport touch screens and 5 megapixel cameras. While in comparison with Nokia, Sony Ericsson G705 stands alone. No Nokia model can actually be considered a competitor to G705. The E series from Nokia includes business smart phones while the N series includes multimedia pocket computers. Although G705 is considered to be an Internet oriented phone, other manufacturers offer the same kind of connectivity in their devices without creating a special series.

If you are also looking to get a great music player in your G705 forget it, redirect your attention to W705, with the same specs, almost the same look but better audio quality. Before diving in the advantages and features list, lets present the main disadvantages: the quality materials used in G705 construction, no office document viewer, memory card slot featured under the battery cover, and bad quality video recording. The Sony Ericsson G705 comes in two colors, majestic black and silky gold. G705 is made entirely out of plastic. Then again what Sony Ericsson slider doesn't? Unfortunately, even with the glossy plastic front panel, the phone still looks entry level, and by far middle range.

The four way keys, under the display, are surrounded by the usual Sony Ericsson keys. On the left, you get the activity menu key and a soft key, and the call button. On the other side you will find another soft key, a clear function key and the end call button. The four way pad is good in terms of usability. You can easily use them and they provide good feedback.

This phone only slides down. By doing so, you will get the keypad. The G705's keypad doesn't just look extraordinary, but you can also feel at touch the good design and materials used. You can easily use the keys. The keypad is large enough, providing good distance between the keys. As an overall look, the only quality element in the design and construction of the G705 is the keypad. Although in a direct confrontation between W705 and G705, the winner will probably be the W705, in the keyboard department the G705 would be the winner by far.

The keys are lid with the same white light found on the W705. Because G705 is a slider, the keypad locks automatically when you slide the phone to close position. This feature is not customizable. Just like the W705 construction, on the left side of G705 you can find the interface connector (with no covering material), while on the right side the G705 sports the dedicated camera button and the volume controls.

On the back, the G705 includes, beside the 3.15 megapixel camera lens, a LED flash. Don't look for the memory card slot, because you are not going to find it. The memory card slot is located under the battery cover. On the top of the phone, you will get the play / stop tiny key. This key is not dependent on the locked / unlocked feature of the keypad. Above the display, the G705 features a forward facing video camera and an ambient light sensor.

The phones dimensions are very good, making the G705 portable in any pocket. It has a height of 95 mm, wide of 47 mm, deep of 14.3 mm, the G705 weight almost 98 g. The Sony Ericsson G705 runs in 2G networks (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), but also in 3G networks (HSDPA 2100, HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100). Sony Ericsson ships the G705 with a 2.4 inches TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 230 pixels, which sports up to 256.000 colors. Really good is the integrated accelerometer sensor for auto rotate. The G705 accommodates up to nine text lines and four service lines. In some applications, this service and text lines may vary (the display could accommodate up to 12 text lines). Even with the ambient light sensor, the G705 display still gets washed out in bright light. Therefore don't expect to write any emails and texts in broad day light. The G705 is equipped with a standard battery, Lithium Polymer 950 mAh BST 33.

The same battery can be found on the W705. Sony Ericsson claims that in 2G network, this battery will last up to 400 hours; while in the 3G network the battery will go up to 380 hours in standby. In the 2G network the 950 mAh battery will allow up to 10 hours of talk time. For an average user, and depending on the Wi-Fi and GPS usage, the G705 should last between 2 and half days to almost 4 days. The W705 has an inbuilt memory of 120 MB, while the G705 sports a 160 MB unit. Just like the walkman brother, the G705 supports expandable memory cards, Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 16 GB. The connectivity is ensured by GPRS (Class 10 with 4 + 1 / 3 + 2 slots, 32 - 48 kbps), EDGE (Class 10, 236.8 kbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, HSCSD, HSUPA with 2 Mbps, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and 2.0 high speed USB port. You can use the USB connection of the G705 with three modes.

The most important one, the Media Transfer mode will allow you to disconnect the phone function and transfer at high speed files between your computer and your G705. For a midrange phone, you get a middle range digital camera. G705 comes equipped with a 3.15 megapixel camera (CMOS matrix without autofocus).

The camera can take pictures in four different resolutions, 640 x 480 pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels, 1632 x 1224 pixels and 2048 x 1536 pixels. Just like the W705, the G705's camera takes photos in two quality compression: normal and fine. However take in notice that at the highest resolution (2048 x 1536) with fine quality, pictures will have an average size of 1 MB. Beside the LED flash, the camera also sports features like, self timer, white balance, effects and other settings you can find in the camera menu. Because of all the connectivity packed in the G705, you will not encounter any problem in web browsing.

The offered web browser from the Sony Ericsson branded operating system is quick and stable.  GPS is a powerful feature in the G705. The device also comes with Google Maps for Mobile preinstalled. You also get Location services to help find your way, view information about your current location, or any other locations. Everything works smoothly. The Satellite view and the Map view are excellent rendered on the 24. Inches display. The only possible drawback would be the small autonomy of the battery if you use the GPS continuously. However, you can always choose for a car charger when cross a bigger distance. You should be aware that this phone will not deliver high quality audio, because it would challenge on the market its brother, W705.

Sony Ericsson ships in the containing box, beside the G705 handset, the 950 mAh battery, mandatory charger, 1 GB M2 memory card, user guide, wired stereo headset, USB data cable, and the Software CD. Overall, the Sony Ericsson G705 is a good balance phone. It doesn't have direct competitors. Therefore it is impossible to say if G705 is a good purchase or not. However, if you are interested in great connectivity phones under $350, and you like the slide form, you should take into consideration G705 as a possible purchase choice.

If you are familiar with the Sony Ericsson G705, then you already know what is all about the new Sony Ericsson W705. Both phones have the same design, both of them have alternative versions with UMA (for Orange), Sony Ericsson G705u respectively Sony Ericsson W705u, and both phones come with almost the same features. "Almost" the same features because G705 and W705 come from different ranges. The G705 is a lite business orientated model, while the W705 is marketed under the Walkman logo. The W705 is more appealing, because it targets a younger audience, primarily 16 to 25 year olds. As most of the Walk man branded phones, W705 will not be a market success from the launch point. First the price will go done with 15 to 25 percent, in the next six to eight months, and then it will become a good purchase.

The Sony Ericsson Walkman buyers are people (even if young) more calculated, than the customers of Apple iPhone or the latest Nokia gadgets. Walkman brand is for people who are looking for a great balance between prices and features. This doesn't necessarily happen to Nokia customers, or Apple customers. Remember the huge line up in the summer of 2007 for the first iPhone? Or maybe the recently 2 million units sold of N97. Unfortunately 70 percent of nowadays customers jump into a purchase without planning ahead. Good for the manufacturers, bad for their clients finances. The Sony Ericsson W705 doesn't even have a direct competitor. It is a nice looking, slide form, music oriented phone. The Sony Ericsson W705 comes in two color choices (like most of the Walkman branded phones): passionate red and luxury silver.

Don't expect to a black finish, because Sony Ericsson is offering that color on the G705. If it would be offered on the W705, it would probably make confusion for the potential buyers. The back cover hinges on a side latch. Therefore it might seem not that solid in the matter of build. On the left side you will find the interface connector, while on the right side you will find the volume keys and camera trigger. On the top of the W705 you will find the music key, while on the back W705 sports the 3.15 megapixel camera lens and a LED flash. The walkman phone has a height of 95 mm, wide of 47.5 mm, deep of 14.3 mm with an estimated weight of 98 g. judging from this values you will get a pocket friendly phone.

The Sony Ericsson W705 runs in 2G networks (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), but also in 3G networks (HSDPA 900 / 2100). W705 is equipped with an average range display. Therefore you get a nice 2.4 inches TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, capable of rendering up to 256.000 colors. Beside the entry level wallpapers and screensavers you also get the excellent accelerometer sensor for auto rotate. The W705 screen can accommodate up to 9 text and 4 service lines (in some sub menus you might be able to accommodate even more). Unfortunately, in the sun the display gets washed. Therefore the legibility is at mediocre at best. The keypad is easy to use.

It is made out of too much plastic. Even so the middle size buttons feel nice at touch and provide good feedback. Unlike the W905, W705 offers a more comfortable keypad. All keys are lit in white, making them friendly to look at. Compared to the G705 keypad, the one found on W705 is not as good. Sony Ericsson didn't provide with specifications regarding the processor used or the random access memory included in the W705. The internal memory has a small value of 120 MB. You can improve this value by adding a memory stick micro M2 card. The W705 is already shipped with 1 GB M2 card, however you can easily go up to 8 GB values. Even so, this is a music oriented phone, and in doesn't have an x GB built in memory. Well Sony Ericsson understood that less is more, at list in the storage department.

The connectivity is ensured by Class 10 (4 + 1 / 3 + 2 slots) GPRS with 32 to 48 kbps, HSCSD, EDGE with Class 10 and 236.8 kbps, HSDPA up to 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA with 2 Mbps, Wi-Fi with 802.11 b/g support, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and 2.0 USB (used with Media Transfer, when the phone goes off and extends the data transfer speed up to 2 MB per second). You can also use the W705 as a modem; by connecting it to your laptop it will provide you sufficient speed for browsing. Sony Ericsson ships the W705 with a small 930 mAh Li - Pol battery (BST 38). The official standby time in the 2G network is about 400 hours, while in the 3G network is about 350 hours. In the 2G network the W705 battery will last for 10 hours of talk time, and up to 4 hours of talk tome in the 3G network. For an average consumer, these values mean around 2.5 days to 3 days.

The phone takes around 2 hours to charge its battery full. If you will use the Wi-Fi connection, then you should know that the W705's battery will last about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Because W705 plays in the middle range, Sony Ericsson equipped it with a 3.15 megapixel camera. You can use this camera to take pictures with three possible resolutions, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 1632 x 1224 pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels. You can chose to take pictures using the "fine" data compression or "normal" data compression. The camera comes with a full set of setting features: shutter sound, white balance, timer, night mode, effects, and shooting mode.

The user interface was not changed; you get the same Sony Ericsson operating system. However, this phone is walkman braded, making the music player from the W705 a good feature (even more with the Sens Me feature). Because of the accelerometer sensor, you can use the Shake Control on your W705. You just have to shake your W705 when listening to a playlist as you will turn the shuffle mode on.

The phone offers a good quality music playback as long as you use a pair of headphones, or stereo speakers. The sound offered is loud and by using the equalizer feature you can listen to music with any effect you would like. The Sony Ericsson W705 doesn't try to be an ultimate multimedia phone. It was created for the middle range, and sports a perfect balance between price and performances. However, as a nice surprise in this class, you get a full connectivity package, a relatively good battery and an excellent music player. If you are looking for a normal music phone, then the Sony Ericsson W705 is a safe choice.