Sony Ericsson K550 Comprehensive Specs Pros & Cons Review

Introduction to Sony Ericsson K550

The Sony Ericsson K550 was introduced in 2007 as part of the Cyber-shot family, emphasizing its camera capabilities. At a time when mobile photography was becoming a key feature for many consumers, the K550 aimed to deliver quality without breaking the bank. It featured a sleek design that was comfortable to hold, paired with functionality suited for the needs of mid-range mobile phone users at that time.

Design and Build

The device’s dimensions, measuring 102 x 46 x 14 mm, and its weight of 85 grams, made it a compact and lightweight phone, easily portable in pockets or bags. Its ergonomic design meant that it could fit comfortably in hand, providing a better grip for users. Available in a range of colors, including Jet Black, Pearl White, Plum Ruby, and Sophisticated Silver, users had the chance to choose a style that best suited their personal taste.

Display

The K550 came with a 1.9-inch TFD screen capable of displaying 256K colors. Despite its modest size compared to today's standards, it provided sufficient clarity with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 148 ppi. The display was suitable for everyday use, enabling users to view texts and images clearly.

Camera

One of the standout features of the Sony Ericsson K550 was its 2MP camera, which included autofocus and an LED flash. This made it possible to capture images with a decent level of detail, even in lower light conditions. The camera also supported QCIF video recording, ensuring users could capture moments on the go. While it might not compete with the higher-end cameras of that era, it was impressive for a device within its category.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the device offered 77MB of storage, with an option to expand via a Memory Stick Micro card slot, supporting up to 2GB. This was vital for users who wanted to store more photos, songs, and other media. The phone could accommodate a phonebook of up to 1000 entries, with multiple fields and photo call capability, allowing users to personalize their contact list effectively.

Connectivity

The K550 supported GSM bands (850/900/1800/1900), ensuring broad compatibility for mobile networks around the world. It provided GPRS (Class 10) and EDGE connectivity options, allowing users leveraged mobile internet for browsing and email. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP allowed for wireless audio streaming, while a micro USB 2.0 port facilitated charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery, which provided a standby time of up to 350 hours and talk time of up to 7 hours. This level of battery performance was quite satisfactory, enabling users to go through a significant portion of the day without needing to recharge frequently.

User Interface and Software

Running on a feature phone operating system, the K550 offered a straightforward user interface, typical of phones from the pre-smartphone era. It supported a variety of messaging formats, including SMS, MMS, Email, and even Instant Messaging, underscoring its versatility in communication. The device featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML and NetFront HTML browser, supporting basic internet browsing needs.

Multimedia and Entertainment

The phone came equipped with downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones, and it featured a stereo FM radio with RDS, allowing users to enjoy music and stay updated with news on the go. Though there was no 3.5mm headphone jack, users could still experience audio via compatible accessories and the phone’s loudspeaker.

Additional Features

Sony Ericsson included several secondary features in the K550 to enhance user experience. The inclusion of Java MIDP 2.0 enabled users to download and play simple mobile games, expanding the entertainment options. Traditional alert types included vibration and ring modes, ensuring users had different ways to receive notifications.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson K550 represented a strong contender in the mid-range mobile phone market during its time. With a solid camera, expandable storage, and a lightweight design, it appealed to users seeking a reliable and stylish device. While it might not compare to modern smartphones, the K550 was a testament to Sony Ericsson's commitment to providing functional and accessible technology to a wide user base.