Exploring the Sony Ericsson C901 GreenHeart Features Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of the Sony Ericsson C901 GreenHeart

The Sony Ericsson C901 GreenHeart was launched in May 2009 and released in July of the same year. As part of the GreenHeart lineup, this phone was Sony Ericsson's step toward producing eco-friendly mobile phones. The C901 GreenHeart was designed with sustainable materials and offered features that, at the time, were considered quite advanced for a feature phone.

Environmental Commitment

The Sony Ericsson GreenHeart initiative was aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint and providing more environmentally sustainable products. The C901 model was manufactured using recycled plastics, it included an eco-friendly charger, and its packaging was minimized to reduce waste. The phone also featured electronic user manuals to save paper, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson C901 GreenHeart had sleek dimensions of 105 x 45 x 13 mm and a weight of 107 grams, providing a compact and lightweight experience. The phone’s design was simplistic yet functional, appealing to users who preferred straightforward and reliable handsets. It featured a Mini-SIM slot and had an Ocean White color option, emphasizing its eco-friendly branding. Its TFT display supported 256K colors, giving it a vibrant display capable of showing clear images and text.

Display

The device boasted a 2.2-inch screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This provided a pixel density of approximately 182 ppi. Although modest by today's smartphone standards, this was quite sufficient for the essential applications and functions of a feature phone. The screen's 4:3 aspect ratio was common in handsets of this generation, catering to basic browsing and texting needs.

Camera Capabilities

The C901 distinguished itself with a 5 MP autofocus (AF) main camera, which was impressive for its category. It featured both xenon and LED flashes, enhancing photography in low-light conditions. This camera supported video recording, allowing users to capture moments as both photos and videos. Sony Ericsson's focus on camera technology was evident in this feature phone, offering users a better photographic experience than many of its competitors.

Sound and Audio Features

With a built-in loudspeaker, the Sony Ericsson C901 provided decently loud audio output. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a downside for music enthusiasts who preferred private listening. Despite this limitation, the inclusion of stereo FM radio with RDS offered an alternative entertainment option for users who enjoyed tuning into radio stations.

Connectivity

On the connectivity front, the C901 included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming. Although it did not support WLAN or GPS, it offered basic USB 2.0 connectivity for transferring data between the phone and other devices. These features ensured that the device could still serve its purpose as a reliable communication tool, catering to the needs of its target audience without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexities.

Battery Life

Battery performance was another highlight of the C901 GreenHeart. Equipped with a removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33), the phone could last up to 430 hours on standby and provided up to 9 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This longevity was particularly appealing to users who needed their phones to maintain charge over extended periods, especially beneficial for those with limited access to power outlets during travel.

Operating System and User Experience

The C901 ran on a proprietary Sony Ericsson operating system designed for feature phones. Despite not being a smartphone, it supported important messaging formats such as SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, and IM. It also provided a basic web browsing experience through the WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) browser, which was complemented by an RSS reader for content updates. The inclusion of motion-based games and downloadable content provided users with interactive entertainment options.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the Sony Ericsson C901 was limited to 120MB, but it did offer expansion through a Memory Stick Micro (M2) card slot, supporting additional storage of up to 8 GB. This capability was crucial for users who needed space for photos, music, and other media files. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts, each detailed with up to 20 fields, featuring photo call functionality, further enhancing its usability for managing communications.

Network Capabilities

The C901 supported GSM/HSPA network technology, with 2G and 3G bands ensuring a wide range of compatibility options for coverage. Its network agility allowed for HSPA speeds of up to 3.6/0.384 Mbps, offering satisfactory browsing and downloading experiences for a feature phone of this era.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson C901 GreenHeart was a notable step in bringing environmentally conscious technology to the mobile phone market. While it might not compete with modern smartphones in terms of advanced functionalities, it served as a reliable and eco-friendly communication device during its time. It combined practical features with sustainable practices, showcasing Sony Ericsson’s commitment to innovation with a conscience. Today, the C901 GreenHeart is a reminder of the early attempts by manufacturers to address ecological concerns in technology.