Discover the Sony Ericsson K320 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson K320 features a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions of 101 x 44 x 18 mm and a weight of 82 grams. Its small form factor makes it easily portable, fitting comfortably in the hand or pocket. The materials used in the construction of the K320 are robust, lending a durable feel that resists wear and tear over prolonged use. The phone is available in three colors: Light Brown, Graphite Grey, and Misty Silver, which provide a range of aesthetic choices to cater to different styles.

Display

This device comes with a 1.7-inch display, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. The screen offers a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi, providing clear and sufficient visuals for a feature phone. Although not as vibrant as modern smartphones, its UBC panel supports 65K colors, delivering an adequate viewing experience for its time. The screen-to-body ratio is about 20.5%, which is typical for phones of this era.

Camera

The Sony Ericsson K320 is equipped with a VGA main camera that has a resolution of 0.3 megapixels. While it may not rival the capabilities of current smartphone cameras, it is sufficient for basic photography needs, capturing simple snapshots and memories. The camera can also record video at QCIF resolution, which was a nice feature to have in budget phones during that time.

Battery Life

One of the K320’s standout features is its removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery (BST-36), which provides longevity that many modern smartphones struggle to match. The phone can last up to 360 hours on standby and offers up to 7 hours of talk time. This makes it ideal for users who need a reliable device without having to worry constantly about recharging.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with an internal memory of 15MB, which is small by today's standards but sufficient for an entry-level phone. It lacks a card slot for expandable memory, which limits the amount of storage available for apps and media. However, the phonebook can store 1000 entries, which is a significant amount for maintaining contact information.

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson K320 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900). It offers GPRS Class 10, though it lacks EDGE and 3G/4G connectivity, which were typical limitations during its release. For local data transfer, it features Bluetooth 2.0 and an infrared port, providing options for sharing files with other devices. However, it does not support Wi-Fi or GPS, which were advanced features at the time.

In-built Features and Functionality

The K320 is characterized as a feature phone, which means it comes with essential mobile functionalities without the complexities of a smartphone. Users can send SMS, MMS, and Emails, with instant messaging support adding a layer of connectivity. The phone includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic Internet browsing, and it supports Java MIDP 2.0 for running additional applications and downloadable games.

Sound and Audio

The device features a loudspeaker and supports vibration alerts as well as downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. However, it does not come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can limit personal audio experience to Bluetooth headsets or specific proprietary connectors.

Price and Market Position

During its release, the K320 was priced at approximately 50 EUR, positioning it as an affordable device for users seeking basic mobile functionality without the necessity of smartphone capabilities. Its value proposition lies in its simplicity, durability, and long battery life, which appealed to a wide range of consumers, including those who prioritize telecommunication without the distractions of additional entertainment functionalities.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson K320 is a representation of mobile technology during the mid-2000s, capturing the essence of function over form. Ideal for users who require a reliable communication tool without the complexities of modern smartphones, the K320 delivers essential features with consistent performance. Its balanced combination of practical design, adequate display, basic camera capabilities, and comprehensive communication options made it a popular choice in its era, appealing particularly to budget-conscious consumers and those valuing simplicity and reliability over advanced technology.