Unveiling Sony Ericsson Satio Specs Prices Pros & Cons Explored

Overview of Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou)

The Sony Ericsson Satio, initially known as Idou, was a groundbreaking smartphone released by Sony Ericsson in 2009. It was one of the first phones to feature a 12 MP camera, which was a significant milestone at the time. This device aimed to combine advanced multimedia capabilities with a sleek design, catering to tech enthusiasts and photography lovers.

Network Capabilities

The Satio was equipped with GSM and HSPA technologies, allowing it to operate on 2G and 3G networks. It supported 2G bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. For 3G bands, it covered HSDPA 900 and 2100. The device could achieve speeds up to HSPA 7.2/3.6 Mbps, ensuring relatively quick data connectivity for its time.

Launch and Discontinuation

The Satio was announced in February 2009 and released in October of the same year. Despite its innovative features, the device was discontinued, a fate common among smartphones as newer models with enhanced features enter the market.

Design and Body

This smartphone featured dimensions of 112 x 55 x 13 mm and weighed 126 grams, making it relatively compact and lightweight. It supported a Mini-SIM and was available in three elegant colors: Black, Silver, and Bordeaux. The sleek design was one of its attractive features.

Display Characteristics

The Satio featured a 3.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 16 million colors. It had a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels with a 16:9 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 210 ppi. Though the screen-to-body ratio was about 54.8%, which is lower than contemporary smartphones, it was an impressive feature during its release.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Symbian 9.4, Series 60 release 5, the Satio was powered by a 600 MHz Cortex-A8 processor. Its graphics were managed by the PowerVR SGX GPU. Though not high-powered by today's standards, this configuration offered a smooth operation for most applications during its time.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 128MB of internal storage and 256MB RAM. Additionally, it had a dedicated microSDHC card slot, supporting expandable storage, and was typically bundled with an 8 GB card. This setup provided adequate space for applications, multimedia, and more, balancing the phone's performance and storage needs.

Camera System

A highlight of the Satio was its 12 MP main camera, featuring autofocus, xenon flash, and a video LED flash. It supported photo and video capturing capabilities, offering video recording at w480p@30fps with a software update. The front VGA camera, primarily for video calls, was a modest addition.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone was equipped with a loudspeaker but did not include a 3.5mm audio jack, a notable omission. In terms of multimedia, it supported stereo FM radio, providing an array of options for entertainment and news on-the-go.

Connectivity Features

The Satio was designed to offer comprehensive connectivity options: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with DLNA capability ensured internet access, while Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support allowed for wireless audio streaming. The device also featured GPS and A-GPS positioning systems, enhancing its utility for navigation and location-based services. Furthermore, USB 2.0 was available for wired data transfer.

Additional Features and Sensors

The device included an accelerometer and proximity sensors, allowing for enhanced interaction and control. The browser supported WAP 2.0/HTML, along with an RSS reader, catering to web browsing and information feeds.

Battery Performance

The Satio was powered by a removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery. It provided up to 360 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 340 hours on 3G networks. It also offered up to 11 hours of talk time on 2G and nearly 4 hours and 50 minutes on 3G, marking decent battery performance given the hardware constraints of the period.

Miscellaneous Details

Priced around 180 EUR at launch, the Satio was relatively affordable given its advanced camera and multimedia capabilities. With a SAR value of 1.58 W/kg, it complied with health standards regarding radiofrequency exposure. In terms of audio quality, it delivered a noise level of -87.0dB and crosstalk of -84.3dB, with loudspeaker outputs at 71dB for voice, 66dB for noise, and 78dB for rings, reflecting satisfactory audio performance.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson Satio was a pioneering smartphone that combined advanced photography features with robust connectivity and multimedia options. Despite its eventual discontinuation, its legacy lives on as a testament to the rapid technological advancements of mobile devices. It served as a foundation for future innovations in smartphone technology, especially in terms of camera capabilities and multimedia integration.