Sony Ericsson K550im Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Sony Ericsson K550im

Sony Ericsson K550im was one of the innovative devices introduced in the mid-2000s and represented a blend of sleek design, efficient performance, and essential mobile functionalities. Announced in February 2007, this feature phone catered to a wide user base by offering functionalities that were cutting-edge at that time.

Design and Build

Designed with user comfort and portability in mind, the Sony Ericsson K550im boasted dimensions of 102 x 46 x 14 mm, making it compact and easy to handle. Weighing just 85 grams, it was a lightweight device that easily fitted into pockets. With its Mini-SIM support, the minimalist aesthetic was enhanced by its Jet Black color, giving it a sophisticated and modern look.

Display

The display on the K550im was a TFD screen capable of rendering 256K colors, providing vibrant visuals. Measuring 1.9 inches (approximately 11.4 cm²) and featuring a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, the screen offered clear and satisfactory display quality for its time. Despite having a modest screen size, it was suitable for basic viewing needs, with a screen-to-body ratio of around 24.2%.

Network and Connectivity

The device operated on GSM technology, supporting 2G bandwidths across GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. GPRS Class 10 offered adequate speed for browsing, with EDGE support further enhancing connectivity capabilities. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP allowed users to connect with wireless accessories, while a USB 2.0 port facilitated wired connections. The inclusion of an infrared port was a nod to older connectivity methods, useful for transferring data over short distances.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP camera, the K550im allowed users to capture essential moments with reasonable clarity. The autofocus feature improved image quality, while the built-in LED flash enabled photography in low-light conditions. Though video capability was limited to QCIF format, it was sufficient for capturing short clips.

Memory and Storage

This device came with 77 MB of internal storage, a significant amount for a feature phone at the time, allowing users to store contacts, messages, and essential media. A Memory Stick Micro (M2) card slot expanded storage up to 2 GB, catering to users who required additional space for multimedia files. Its phonebook could accommodate up to 1000 contacts, allowing for photo calls and detailed fields, while call records could store data for 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Battery Life

The Sony Ericsson K550im featured a removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33), offering standby time of up to 350 hours and talk time of up to 7 hours. This long-lasting battery life was ideal for users requiring reliable performance throughout the day without frequent recharging.

Sound and Audio

Equipped with the ability to play polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones, the phone catered to diverse user preferences for ringtone personalization. A loudspeaker provided adequate audio output for calls and media playback, although there was no 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting direct wired headphone use.

Software and Features

The phone operated on a feature phone platform, with messaging capabilities including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. The inclusion of the i-mode browser enabled simple internet browsing. Users could enjoy built-in games, with additional content available for download. Java support via DoJa allowed users to install java applications, enhancing the device's functionality.

Additional Features

An FM stereo radio with RDS provided entertainment and news on the go. The device lacked Wi-Fi and GPS, which were not uncommon omissions for feature phones during that period. Users could leverage downloadable games for entertainment. The device's SAR rating was 1.17 W/kg (head) and 0.74 W/kg (body), aligning with safety standards.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson K550im stood as a testament to the gradual evolution of feature phones into more rounded communication devices. With its balance of essential features, compact design, and reliable performance, it served as a precursor to the more advanced smartphones that followed. Though discontinued today, it remains a key part of Sony Ericsson's mobile legacy.