Unveiling the Sony Ericsson R306 Radio Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sony Ericsson R306 Radio

The Sony Ericsson R306 Radio was a distinctive feature phone that aimed to provide a seamless radio experience alongside basic telephony functions. Released in September 2008, this device is especially remembered for its dedicated stereo AM/FM radio functionality, which was a rarity at the time, especially in a compact form like the R306. This article delves into the details of the R306, exploring its specifications, design, and unique features that set it apart in the mobile phone market of its time.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson R306 comes with dimensions of 90 x 47.9 x 15.8 mm, making it compact and easy to handle. Weighing only 93 grams, it's designed for portability and comfort. The body is made to accommodate a mini-SIM, encapsulated in a design that was both trendy and practical for the era. Available in two colors - Coffee Black and Champagne White - the R306 offered choices that appealed to different stylistic preferences.

Display

Equipped with a TFT display that supports 65K colors, the Sony Ericsson R306 features a screen size of 1.9 inches with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. Although modest by today's standards, the display was designed to provide clear and vibrant visuals suitable for its use, predominantly in viewing contact details, reading messages, and navigating basic phone menus.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with 5MB of internal storage - a constraint reflecting its primary focus on communication rather than media storage. It does not support expandable memory via a card slot. The phonebook can hold up to 1000 contacts with photo call capability, which was quite adequate for most users at the time. In addition, it records up to 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Camera

On the back, the R306 is equipped with a 1.3 MP camera, sufficient for basic photography. The camera supports basic video recording in SQCIF resolution, but it's worth noting that the device was not marketed as a camera phone, hence the limited camera features.

Sound and Radio Capabilities

A notable highlight of the R306 is its sound and radio capabilities. It features stereo speakers that deliver clear audio output, suitable for its core function as a radio-centric device. The stereo AM/FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities became a major selling point, making it a portable radio for users on the go without draining their main audio hardware. The phone supports vibration alerts alongside downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. However, there's no 3.5mm audio jack, necessitating the use of proprietary accessories for private listening.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Sony Ericsson R306 is equipped with Bluetooth and a proprietary USB port for data transfer and connection. There's no WLAN or GPS, evidence of its basic connectivity focus. The absence of advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi might have restricted internet functionality to WAP 2.0/xHTML browsing.

Battery Life

The R306 is powered by a removable 930 mAh Li-Po battery (BST-38). This battery provides a standby time of up to 410 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours. Such battery performance was significant for feature phones, particularly those designed around media consumption like radio listening.

Software and Other Features

Operating as a feature phone, the Sony Ericsson R306 runs its proprietary OS with support for SMS, MMS, and Email messaging services. Users could also enjoy Java MIDP 2.0 applications and downloadable games, providing basic entertainment options. The phone also includes a WAP 2.0 browser for internet access, although quite limited compared to smartphones.

Official Launch and Market Reception

Initially announced in January 2008 and released in September of the same year, the Sony Ericsson R306 quickly found its niche among users seeking reliable telecommunication with enhanced radio capabilities. Despite being discontinued shortly after, it remained a memorable device due to its unique focus and affordability, retailing at approximately 60 EUR.

Conclusion

In the panorama of mobile phone evolution, the Sony Ericsson R306 stands out for its dual focus on communication and radio entertainment. While it lacked advanced features that modern smartphones boast, its design and functionality catered perfectly to its market segment. The R306 remains a testament to the era of feature phones, blending media functionality with everyday communication effectively.