Sony Ericsson Hazel Comprehensive Review Pricing & Features Uncovered

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson Hazel was introduced during a time when mobile phone design was evolving rapidly. The device boasted dimensions of 102 x 49.5 x 16 mm and weighed approximately 120g, making it relatively compact and lightweight for its time. Its sleek contours and ergonomic design allowed for a comfortable grip and easy handling. The phone was available in Superior Black and Passionate Rouge, providing users with appealing color options. The build quality was sturdy, and the use of scratch-resistant glass on the display added to the overall durability of the device.

Display

The Hazel featured a 2.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Despite its modest size compared to modern smartphones, the display was capable of showcasing 16 million colors, ensuring vibrant and clear visuals. The pixel density stood at approximately 154 ppi, which was respectable for a feature phone released in that era. The screen-to-body ratio of around 41.5% reflected the design trends of the time, prioritizing compactness and usability over expansive displays.

Camera

A noteworthy feature of the Sony Ericsson Hazel was its 5 MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. This camera setup allowed users to capture decent quality photos and videos at 480p@30fps. While the camera technology of 2010 may not hold up to today's standards, it was competitive at the time, providing users with a reliable means to capture everyday moments. For selfies, the Hazel included a basic front-facing camera, which was a valuable addition for video calls and self-portraits.

Performance and Software

The Hazel operated on a feature phone OS, which, while lacking the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, was sufficient for basic tasks. The phone offered 280MB of internal storage, with the option for expansion via a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to store additional media and applications. The device supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to install a variety of games and applications. Communication features included SMS with threaded view, MMS, Email, Push Email, and Instant Messaging, offering a well-rounded messaging experience.

Network and Connectivity

The device was equipped to operate on GSM and HSPA networks, supporting 2G and 3G bands suitable for global usage. It provided data speeds up to 7.2/2 Mbps on HSPA networks, which facilitated relatively fast internet browsing for the time. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and DLNA connectivity allowed users to connect to wireless networks and stream content. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and GPS with A-GPS were also available, enhancing the phone's connectivity options. The USB 2.0 port facilitated file transfers and device charging.

Battery Life

The Hazel was powered by a removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery, model BST-43. While this capacity seems small by today's standards, it provided a reasonable battery life for a feature phone. Standby time reached up to 469 hours on 2G networks and 588 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was up to 4 hours and 10 minutes on 2G networks and up to 3 hours and 20 minutes on 3G networks, providing adequate power for daily communications and basic use.

User Experience and Additional Features

Sony Ericsson Hazel included an accelerometer sensor, enhancing the user experience with motion-based games and applications. The phone came preloaded with several games and supported additional downloadable content. Its audio features included a loudspeaker and a stereo FM radio with RDS, though it lacked a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack. The device also featured a comprehensive browser supporting WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), and an RSS reader, catering to basic web browsing needs.

Conclusion

Released in May 2010, the Sony Ericsson Hazel represents an era of transition in mobile technology. It combined robust build quality, a capable 5 MP camera, and comprehensive connectivity features in a compact package. Although it lacks the capabilities of a modern smartphone, it stood out during its time for its design, user-friendly features, and reliability. The Hazel remains a testament to Sony Ericsson's innovation during the feature phone era, offering a glimpse into the past as mobile communications technology continued to progress.