Unveiling Sony Ericsson C702 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Sony Ericsson C702

The Sony Ericsson C702 was announced in February 2008 and released in June of the same year. Targeted towards users who appreciated durability and functionality in a mobile device, the C702 quickly gained attention due to its rugged design and multimedia capabilities. Despite its discontinuation, the phone is still remembered fondly for its blend of features and reliability in the pre-smartphone era.

Design and Build

The C702 sports a robust design, with dimensions measuring 106 x 48 x 15.5 mm and weighing 105 grams. This made it convenient to carry around while ensuring a solid grip in hand. The phone featured a mini-SIM slot and was available in three colors: Speed Black, Cool Cyan, and Energy Black. It was designed with everyday use in mind, featuring a splash- and dust-resistant chassis.

Display

Equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display, the C702 provided bright and vivid colors with its support for 256K colors. The resolution of 240 x 320 pixels ensured that text and images were relatively sharp, considering the technological limitations of the time. The aspect ratio maintained was a traditional 4:3, with an approximate pixel density of 182 ppi.

Camera Capabilities

The C702 was noteworthy for its 3.15 MP main camera which included autofocus and an LED flash, enabling users to capture decent photos under various lighting conditions. The camera was capable of recording video at 320p@30fps, which was on par with other devices of its time. For video calls, the phone offered a simple QCIF front camera, reflecting the early stages of video communication on mobile devices.

Storage and Memory

The device came with an internal storage capacity of 160 MB, which could be expanded up to 4 GB using a Memory Stick Micro (M2). It was equipped with extensive phonebook capabilities, allowing 1000 entries, each with multiple fields and photo call functionality. The C702 provided a convenient way to store call records, logging the last 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Networking and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson C702 supported both GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring wide compatibility across various regions. It operated on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 2100) specifically for the C702i variant, with data speeds reaching up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, GPS with A-GPS for navigation, and USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Multimedia and Applications

The device catered to music lovers with its stereo FM radio that featured RDS support. Although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, users could enjoy music via its loudspeakers or using Bluetooth-enabled headsets. For communication, the phone supported SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, along with a NetFront browser for basic web access. Java MIDP 2.0 support allowed the installation of additional applications and games.

Battery Performance

Powering the C702 was a removable 950mAh Li-Ion battery (BST-33) which provided ample standby time of up to 300 hours on both 2G and 3G networks. For talk time, users could expect up to 7 hours on 2G networks, and up to 2 hours and 30 minutes on 3G networks. This ensured that users could rely on the device for a full day's use without frequent charging.

Miscellaneous Features

The Sony Ericsson C702 offered SAR compliance with a rate of 1.00 W/kg (head), assuring users of its safety standards during usage. The device was priced around 130 EUR, which positioned it as an affordable option for those seeking a reliable feature phone. Furthermore, the loudspeaker tests showed satisfactory performance levels, with voice, noise, and ring volumes measured at 75dB, 75dB, and 82dB respectively.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson C702 stood out in its era due to its emphasis on durability, comprehensive feature set, and effective multimedia capabilities. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the phone remains iconic in the history of mobile technology, offering a glimpse into the transitional phase between basic mobile phones and the ascent of smartphones. Its balanced combination of design, functionality, and performance made it a memorable choice for many users during its time.