Unveiling Sony Ericsson S700 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sony Ericsson S700

The Sony Ericsson S700, introduced in March 2004, was a remarkable addition to the mobile phone market during a time of significant technological innovation. Although it has been discontinued, the device remains a fascinating study in early 2000s mobile technology. Its design and features offered a glimpse into the future of mobile devices, providing users with a unique combination of functionality and style.

Design and Build

The S700 boasted a distinctive design, measuring 107 x 49 x 24 mm and weighing 137 g. The phone's form factor was ergonomic, supporting a comfortable grip despite its bulk compared to modern phones. A highlight of the design was its swivel mechanism, which allowed the keypad to rotate out from behind the screen, offering users a sense of novelty and practicality in accessing the device's functions with ease. This unique feature set the S700 apart from other bar phones available at the time.

Display

The phone featured a 2.3 inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This was notable for a device of its time, offering 256K colors and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 31.2%. The vibrant display was capable of rendering images and text with relatively good clarity, providing an enhanced visual experience for users interacting with its interface and media content.

Camera

One of the standout features of the S700 was its 1.3 MP camera. While modest by today's standards, this was considerable at the time, offering users the ability to capture images and record video. The inclusion of such a camera marked the beginning of a trend towards multimedia functionalities in mobile devices, paving the way for the sophisticated smartphone cameras we see today. The phone's camera performance highlighted Sony's expertise in imaging technology, with the company's Cybershot branding beginning to make a significant impact in the consumer electronics market.

Networking and Connectivity

The S700 was equipped to operate on GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands, with GPRS Class 10 providing data connectivity. Interestingly, though, the device did not support EDGE. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 1.1 and an infrared port, catering to wireless data exchange—a prelude to the wireless world we are accustomed to today. The inclusion of an FM radio and proprietary USB port further expanded its connectivity capabilities.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the S700 was 32MB, which was expandable via a Memory Stick Duo card slot, supporting up to 128 MB of additional storage. Although this might be considered limiting now, at the time it allowed users to store a reasonable number of images, ringtones, and other data. The phonebook capacity was quite advanced, with 15 fields per contact and storage for 510 items, showcasing the device's capability to manage extensive user data efficiently. Call records could log 30 entries each for received, dialed, and missed calls, providing users with a comprehensive call management system.

Battery Life

Powering the device was a removable Lithium-Ion battery. It offered a stand-by time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, which was competitive for mobiles during this era. The removable battery was a standard feature in phones of this type, enabling users to replace or carry spare batteries for extended usage.

Audio and Entertainment

The S700 offered numerous entertainment options. While it lacked a loudspeaker, it supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. It also featured a composer for those interested in creating custom ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack was typical at the time, but it still facilitated audio enjoyment through other means. Pre-loaded games like Darts, Extreme AirShow, and Tennis provided entertainment, with the option to download additional content.

Software and Features

Running on a proprietary feature phone operating system, the S700 supported messaging through SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. Internet browsing was facilitated by a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, quite advanced for its time. Java support allowed for running various applications and games, enhancing the phone's utility and entertainment value.

Miscellaneous Features

The device was equipped with sensors that were standard for its time. It lacked a position sensor or GPS, common in feature phones. SAR values were within acceptable limits, with 0.42 W/kg for the head and 0.16 W/kg for the body according to the U.S. SAR standards, while the EU SAR for the head was recorded at 0.73 W/kg. These specifications ensured the device's compliance with safety regulations regarding electromagnetic radiation.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson S700 was more than just a mobile phone; it was a signal of what was to come in mobile technology. While its features might seem quaint today, at its launch, it represented cutting-edge phone technology. The S700 combined a unique design with innovative features, laying the groundwork for future mobile developments and providing users with a glimpse of the possibilities that the digital age would soon bring. Despite its discontinuation, the S700 remains a celebrated device among technology enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its role in the evolution of mobile devices.