Unveiling Sony Ericsson F305 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Sony Ericsson F305

The Sony Ericsson F305, released in 2008, was a popular device targeting the gaming community. It represented a strategic move by Sony Ericsson to blend the mobile communication with gaming experiences—capitalizing on the increasing demand among users for multifunctional devices. Although now discontinued, the F305 marked its place with unique features for its time.

Design and Build

Physically, the Sony Ericsson F305 was compact, measuring 96 x 47 x 14.6 mm and weighing 97.5 g. Its design was robust and suited well for a feature phone. The device had a Mini-SIM slot, and its body was available in various colors including Polar White, Mystic Black, Raspberry Red, and Tectonic Grey, catering to different style preferences amongst users.

Display

The F305 featured a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. Although the screen might seem modest with its resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, it was adequate for the basic applications and games it supported, presenting clear visuals for a phone from this period.

Performance and Storage

As a feature phone, the F305's performance was focused more on functionality rather than advanced computing capacities typical of smartphones. It offered 10MB of internal storage, which, though quite limited, was expandable via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) card up to 4 GB, allowing users to store additional games, music, and photos.

Camera

On the photographic front, the device housed a single 2 MP main camera. This camera was basic and suitable for casual photography, enabling users to capture videos as well. However, there was no selfie camera available, which is typical for feature phones of that timeframe.

Network and Connectivity

The F305 supported GSM networks, featuring a wide range of 2G bands: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. It provided GPRS and EDGE connectivity options but lacked advanced connectivity features such as WLAN. Users could utilize Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless data transfer and listen to their favorite music stations with the built-in Stereo FM radio with RDS. USB connectivity was provided through a proprietary connection.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable 950 mAh Li-Po battery, providing up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours of talk time. This battery life was competitive, considering the phone's focus on gaming and extensive use for calls and messages.

Gaming Features

One of the standout features of the F305 was its gaming capabilities. It featured motion-based SDK games, providing an engaging interactive experience reminiscent of console gaming. This feature was one of the first steps towards incorporating motion-sensed gameplay within a mobile phone, setting a foundation for future developments in mobile gaming.

Sound Capabilities

Sound quality in the F305 was delivered through a built-in loudspeaker with support for MP3 and AAC ringtones. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on its proprietary connection for private listening experiences.

Software

Running on a proprietary feature phone OS, the F305 supported SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, making it a decent communication device for its time. The browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML, enabling users to access basic web services.

Market Positioning and Pricing

When launched, the device was priced at approximately 70 EUR, positioning it as a relevant option for budget-conscious consumers looking for expanded features beyond standard communication. The SAR values recorded were 0.84 W/kg (head) and 0.52 W/kg (body), reflecting established safety standards of the time.

Legacy and Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson F305 left an impact on the mobile market as one of the pioneers in integrating gaming with mobile functionality. While today's smartphones overshadow it in terms of capabilities, the F305's blend of practicality and entertainment was a precursor to the gaming-focused smartphones seen in later years. Its discontinuation marks the end of an era of basic yet innovative handheld devices.