Sony Ericsson K300 Unveiling Specs Pricing and Features

Introduction to Sony Ericsson K300

The Sony Ericsson K300 was a mobile device released in the fourth quarter of 2004, capturing a moment in mobile technology history where feature phones were bridging the gap between simple communication tools and the nascent world of multimedia devices. With its distinct design and functionalities, the K300 provided users with a glimpse into innovative mobile technology.

Design and Build

Weighing in at 85g (3.00 oz) and measuring 99.9 x 45.2 x 19.4 mm, the Sony Ericsson K300 was compact and easy to carry. It was built to be durable, with a robust design that was common in devices of this era. The phone featured a Mini-SIM slot, a common standard in mobile communications at the time.

Available in two colors, Visual Blue and Smooth Silver, the K300’s design emphasized functionality and simplicity without sacrificing style.

Display

The K300 boasted a 1.6-inch CSTN display capable of showing 65K colors. This screen, with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, held approximately 113 ppi density, delivered a fairly vibrant display for its time, although it was relatively small by today’s standards. This compact screen made it an accessible device for viewing photos taken by the camera, playing built-in games, or browsing the WAP-based internet.

Camera Capabilities

The integration of a VGA camera was one of the key features of the K300. It enabled users to capture moments directly from their phones for the first time. Despite its 0.3MP specification, the camera allowed for video recording, which was considered an advanced functionality at the time of its release.

Memory and Storage

With an internal storage of 12MB and no slot for external memory cards, the phone was somewhat limited in storage capability. This, however, was generally adequate for the basic needs of storing contacts, several multimedia files, and downloading small Java applications.

The phone's contact storage was impressive, capable of holding 500 contacts with eight fields each, allowing users to store detailed information beyond just a phone number.

Network and Connectivity

Operating on the GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands, the K300 ensured reliable communication across various regions. However, it did not support EDGE, limiting its data capabilities to GPRS Class 8, which was a transitional technology leading towards faster mobile internet.

In terms of connectivity, the phone lacked Bluetooth and WLAN, instead offering an infrared port and proprietary USB connectivity. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack was compensated by downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone operating system, the K300 supported Java applications (MIDP 2.0), allowing users to download and run a variety of apps. It also included the WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet access.

The phone came preloaded with two games, Darts and TicTacToe, with the option to download additional games. For messaging, the K300 supported SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, making it versatile for communication beyond voice calls.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 670 mAh battery, model number BST-30. Users could expect up to 300 hours of standby time and up to seven hours of talk time on a full charge. This battery performance was standard for devices of its class and provided sufficient endurance for normal usage.

Market Position and Impact

At a launch price of about 90 EUR, the K300 targeted consumers looking for an affordable device with multimedia capabilities. While it lacks many modern features, the K300 was seen as a solid contender in the emerging markets of its time, offering a practical blend of photography, connectivity, and entertainment.

Despite being discontinued, the Sony Ericsson K300 remains a nostalgic device for many, highlighting the transitionary phase in mobile telecommunication history. It reflects the earlier stages of integrating multimedia into mobile phones, foreshadowing the sophisticated smartphones of today.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson K300 represents a pivotal era in mobile technology, where feature phones began to expand beyond simple communication to offer enhanced multimedia experiences. While limited by today’s standards, its design and features were innovative and impactful for its time, setting the stage for future advancements in mobile phone development.