Sony Ericsson T280 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Sony Ericsson T280

The Sony Ericsson T280 was announced in January 2008 and released in May of the same year. It was introduced as a feature phone, targeting users who desired a blend of functionality and affordability. Despite its basic nature, the phone was embraced for its compact design and reliable performance. Now discontinued, the T280 serves as a nostalgic nod to the pre-smartphone era of mobile technology.

Design and Build

Measuring 100 x 45 x 13 mm and weighing 82 grams, the Sony Ericsson T280 was compact and lightweight, fitting easily into pockets and handbags. It was equipped with a Mini-SIM slot and designed with an emphasis on ease of use and portability. The phone was available in a variety of colors, including Silver on Black, Copper on Silver, Firmanent Blue, and Blossom Pink, giving users some personalization options.

Display

The phone came with a TFT display capable of showing 65K colors, providing adequate clarity for the time. The screen size was 1.7 inches, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, delivering a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi. This was sufficient for basic tasks and offered a satisfactory display for a feature phone.

Camera Features

Despite its status as a non-smartphone, the Sony Ericsson T280 included a basic 1.3 MP camera. This allowed users to capture simple photos, though video recording was not supported. The camera was a welcome addition for users who wanted a functional, though limited, photo-taking capability.

Battery and Performance

The device powered its operations with a removable Li-Po 780 mAh battery (BST-36), which provided a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours. Considering the phone's basic feature set, this battery life was more than adequate, making the T280 a dependable option for users seeking long-lasting connectivity without the need for frequent recharging.

Storage and Memory

Internal storage on the T280 was limited to 10MB, and there was no option for expanding memory via a card slot. This storage was primarily intended for contacts and basic user data, capable of holding up to 300 contacts with photo call functionality. Call records for the last 30 received, dialed, and missed calls could also be stored.

Network and Connectivity

The T280 supported GSM 900/1800 bands, and it provided GPRS class 10 for basic data needs, although EDGE or advanced data services were not supported. It included Bluetooth for wireless connectivity and an FM radio, enhancing its functionality as a versatile communication device. Notably, there was no WLAN, positioning, or USB connectivity.

Sound and Alerts

Equipped with a loudspeaker and supporting vibration alerts, the T280 could handle downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, the phone did not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a typical omission in feature phones at the time.

Software and Features

The Sony Ericsson T280 used a Feature phone operating system, supportive of SMS and MMS messaging. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser offered limited internet access for simple browsing needs. Additionally, the phone supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing for basic applications and games to be used, providing some entertainment options for users.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson T280 remains an interesting piece of mobile history, reflecting the transitional phase of mobile technology before the smartphone explosion. It catered well to the segment of the market that needed a reliable, straightforward phone with essential features. While limited by today's standards, the T280 was appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness at the time of its release. Its design, battery life, and elemental functionality ensured that it fulfilled the fundamental needs of communication and style for its users.