Sony Ericsson C510 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Sony Ericsson C510

The Sony Ericsson C510, introduced in early 2009, is a feature phone that marked a notable presence in the mobile phone market with its robust build and innovative features for its time. It was designed to cater to users looking for an affordable yet feature-packed device.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson C510 boasts a compact and lightweight design, measuring 107 x 47 x 12.5 mm and weighing only 92 grams. Its sleek structure made it easy to handle and portable, fitting snugly into pockets and providing a comfortable grip.

Available in three appealing colors - Future Black, Radiation Silver, and Energetic Red - the C510 offered choices to suit different style preferences. The body includes a mini-SIM slot, emphasizing simplicity in its design, typical of feature phones of that era.

Display

The device features a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This equates to around 182 ppi density, which, while modest by today's standards, was quite effective for the phone's functions, offering clear and vibrant visual output.

Camera Capabilities

The main attraction of the C510 was its 3.15 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. These features enabled users to capture decent quality photos and videos (320p at 30fps), which was commendable for a mobile phone released in 2009. Though missing a front-facing selfie camera, the rear camera fulfilled the needs of most casual photographers.

Performance and Software

The Sony Ericsson C510 ran on a proprietary feature phone operating system, offering basic functionality combined with multimedia support. It was equipped with essential applications for messaging, email, and instant messaging. The browser supported WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) and RSS feeds, ensuring users stayed connected.

Java (MIDP 2.0) support enabled the installation of applications and games. It came preloaded with games, and users could download additional ones, extending the phone's entertainment capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of network, the C510 supported GSM and HSPA technologies, compatible with 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 2100). This allowed for basic internet browsing and media downloads over mobile networks.

For connectivity, the phone included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio, USB 2.0 for data transfer, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. However, it lacked Wi-Fi and GPS, making it less optimal for users who relied heavily on wireless internet and location-based services.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory was limited to 100MB, but the C510 supported expandable storage via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, accommodating up to 8GB. This expansion facility was crucial for storing music, photos, and applications beyond the internal capacity.

The phonebook supported up to 1000 entries with multiple fields and photo call functionality, which was impressive for phone management at the time.

Audio and Multimedia

Although lacking a 3.5mm audio jack, a common feature in devices of its time, the C510 managed to offer a satisfactory multimedia experience through its loudspeaker and Bluetooth capabilities. Users could enjoy FM radio with RDS or listen to music using wireless headphones.

Multimedia consumption was decent, with support for various audio and video codecs, catering to the basic entertainment needs of users.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable 930 mAh Li-Po battery, the C510 managed to deliver adequate battery life. Sony Ericsson claimed a standby time of up to 400 hours on 2G networks and up to 350 hours on 3G, with talk times of up to 10 hours on 2G and 4 hours on 3G. Such longevity was highly appreciated by users who relied on sustained connectivity without frequent recharging.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone included basic sensors like an accelerometer, enhancing the user-interface experience. This sensor supported applications and games with motion feedback, providing a modest interactive edge for users.

Pricing and Market Impact

Launched at around 110 EUR, the Sony Ericsson C510 was positioned as an affordable feature phone with commendable specifications for its time. Despite being discontinued, its impact remained through its loyal user base and as a representation of Sony Ericsson's innovative approach to mobile technology design.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sony Ericsson C510 was a well-rounded feature phone that catered to users seeking practicality without compromising on essential features. With its robust camera capabilities, expandable storage, and enduring battery life, the C510 exemplified a balance of simplicity and functionality, making it a beloved choice for users during its period of availability.