Price and specifications of Sony Ericsson K790 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Sony Ericsson K790

The Sony Ericsson K790, announced in February 2006, represents a significant leap in mobile phone technology developed for feature phones by combining superior camera functionality with robust communication capabilities. Discontinued in later years, its influence endures, as it set new standards in mobile photography during its time.

Design and Build

Compact and sleek, the K790 measures 105 x 47 x 22 mm and weighs 115 grams, offering a sturdy, yet manageable hand-held experience. It features a Mini-SIM card slot, with a design that reflects the refined and sophisticated aesthetics synonymous with early 2000s mobile devices. The available colors, Velvet Black and Allure Brown, provide users with elegant choices to suit different styles.

The Display

The device carries a 2.0-inch TFT screen that supports 256K colors and has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Although the screen-to-body ratio is only about 25.1%, it delivers a clear and vibrant visual performance for its time, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience for photos and browsing.

Camera Capabilities

The camera is one of the defining features of the K790, equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera including autofocus and a xenon flash. Sony Ericsson was a pioneer in mobile photography, and the K790 was no exception, allowing users to capture high-quality images. Although it can record video in QCIF resolution, the device truly shines with its photo-capturing capabilities.

Sound and Audio

For audio capabilities, the K790 includes a loudspeaker with the ability to utilize vibration alerts alongside downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. While the absence of a 3.5mm jack might have limited headphone options, this was typical for phones in its era.

Connectivity and Network

The phone operates on GSM networks, supporting GSM 900/1800/1900 bands, making it usable across various regions. It supports GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10 for mobile internet, although it lacks Wi-Fi capability, typical for phones launched during its time.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the K790 comes with 64MB storage, which can be extended by using a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot with support up to 2GB. The phonebook capacity accommodates up to 1000 contacts with photo call functionality, offering robust support for managing contacts and call records.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 900 mAh battery model BST-33, the K790 offers decent battery life for feature phone standards. Users could expect up to 350 hours of standby time or up to 7 hours of talk time, ensuring connectivity without frequent recharging.

Additional Features

Entertainment and communications are enhanced with stereo FM radio with RDS, Bluetooth 2.0, and an infrared port for data transfer. The device supports WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (NetFront) for browsing, and it runs Java MIDP 2.0 applications, offering basic yet effective multimedia and web interaction capabilities.

Games and Applications

The K790 comes with pre-installed games and it supports additional downloadable games, providing users with simple entertainment options. These features were quite popular among users prior to the smartphone explosion, offering a varied use not purely limited to communication.

Legacy and Impact

Although discontinued, the K790 left an indelible mark on mobile phone history, especially highlighted by its impressive camera quality. This model paved the way for future developments in phone photography, influencing the direction of multimedia capabilities in subsequent Sony Ericsson and other brand models.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sony Ericsson K790 combined remarkable design with groundbreaking features for its era. From its advanced camera capabilities to its robust communication options, it provided a comprehensive mobile experience. Through devices like the K790, Sony Ericsson demonstrated innovation that inspired the mobile industry's advancement during the mid-2000s.