Sony Ericsson G700 Business Edition Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Sony Ericsson G700 Business Edition is a representation of mobile technology during a time when smartphones were just beginning to take shape in the late 2000s. Released in June 2008, the device catered to business professionals, offering a suite of features focused on organizational tasks and connectivity. Although it has been discontinued, the G700 remains an example of the transitional phase of mobile phones to multifunctional smart devices.

Network and Connectivity

The G700 operates on GSM/UMTS technology, which was standard for mobile phones at the time. It supports 2G bands GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, as well as the 3G band UMTS 2100, promising reliable connectivity across many regions. With a data speed of up to 384 kbps, it provided sufficient bandwidth for adequate browsing and essential data usage. While it lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, it compensates with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, enabling wireless connectivity with peripheral devices and headsets.

Design and Display

The phone features a classic candy-bar design, characterized by its compact and lightweight build. Measuring 106 x 49 x 13 mm and weighing just 99 grams, it was designed to be portable and functional. The touch input is facilitated by a 2.4-inch TFT resistive touchscreen that displays 256K colors with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels at roughly 167 ppi density. Despite the modest screen-to-body ratio of ~34.3%, the display was clear and functional for business tasks.

Operating System and Interface

Running on the Symbian OS with the UIQ interface, the G700 Business Edition offers a user-friendly experience tailored for productivity. Symbian was a popular operating system for smartphones during the late 2000s, known for its efficiency and ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously. The inclusion of UIQ allows for intuitive navigational experiences and customizable settings suited for business users.

Storage and Memory

For storage, the G700 provides an internal memory space of 160MB, adequate for the installation of essential apps and the storage of basic data. The device is equipped with a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, offering expandable storage capability up to 8 GB. This was a significant feature, especially for users needing to store extensive contacts, emails, and business documents.

Camera and Multimedia

Interestingly, the G700 Business Edition does not feature a camera, which aligns with its focus on business and organizational uses rather than multimedia consumption. However, it supports a range of sound features, including a loudspeaker, vibration alerts, and the capability to download polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones for a customized audio experience. Notably absent is a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was becoming more common in contemporary phones.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33), providing a standby time of up to 380 hours and talk time of up to 12 hours. This battery performance is quite remarkable considering the device's compact form factor, making it well-suited to the needs of business professionals requiring long-lasting power on the go.

Cost and Market Position

Priced around 100 EUR at launch, the Sony Ericsson G700 Business Edition positioned itself as a mid-range device, making it accessible to a wide range of corporate users seeking reliable mobile solutions without excessive expense. Its utility-focused feature set and competitive pricing made it a viable option for professionals.

Legacy and Impact

While it may not boast advanced features by today's standards, the Sony Ericsson G700 Business Edition reflects the significant strides made in mobile technology at the time of its release. It stands as a testament to the advances in smartphone accessibility and efficiency, bridging the gap between traditional mobile phones and the more complex smartphones that followed. As the reliance on mobile devices in professional settings continued to grow, devices like the G700 paved the way for future innovations that would increasingly integrate work and personal technology as a seamless entity.