Sony Ericsson T630 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Sony Ericsson T630

The Sony Ericsson T630, launched in the fourth quarter of 2003, was a significant model in the early 2000s mobile phone market. Though it has since been discontinued, the T630 remains notable for its robust features and compact design. The phone was part of the popular T-series and is remembered as a device that struck a balance between functionality and innovative features for its time.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Sony Ericsson T630 had a sleek and compact form factor, measuring 102 x 43 x 17 mm and weighing just 92 grams. It boasted a modern and stylish appearance with its Frosty Silver and Black color options. The phone was easy to handle and use, designed to fit comfortably in the palm of a user's hand or pocket. The build quality was durable, owing to its well-constructed plastic chassis which provided a solid feel.

Display

One of the notable aspects of the T630 was its display technology. It featured a 1.78-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 65K colors at a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, with a pixel density of approximately 115 ppi. Though modest by today’s standards, the screen provided bright and vibrant colors, which enhanced the user experience especially when browsing through photos or navigating the phone’s interface.

Camera and Photography

The T630 was equipped with a CIF camera, which represented an early foray into integrating camera technology in mobile phones. The camera allowed users to capture low-resolution images. Although photography enthusiasts might find the 0.1MP resolution limited, it was considered quite advanced during the early 2000s. The phone, however, did not support video recording, which was not uncommon for devices of its era.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of network connectivity, the T630 supported GSM technology across 900/1800/1900 bands, allowing it to operate on multiple global networks. The device offered GPRS Class 8 though it did not support EDGE, a limitation that reflected the technological standards of its time. For local connections, the T630 featured Bluetooth 1.0b and an infrared port which allowed users to transfer files wirelessly to compatible devices, though it lacked Wi-Fi and USB support was through a proprietary port.

Battery and Performance

The T630 was powered by a removable Li-Po 750 mAh battery, which delivered a standby time of up to 315 hours and a talk time of up to 14 hours. This battery performance was fairly competitive for the period, offering users a reliable battery life aided by the phone’s efficient feature phone operating system and power consumption strategies.

Memory and Storage

The phone included 2MB of internal storage, which was typical for phones of that era. It hosted a phonebook capacity of 510 items and supported features such as photo call. However, the absence of an expandable card slot meant that storage for multimedia content and applications was quite limited.

Messaging and Applications

Messaged-oriented, the T630 supported various messaging formats such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and email, serving as one of the early multitasking devices in communication technology. It also came with Instant Messaging capabilities and included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet access which was quite rudimentary yet useful at the time. The phone supported Java, allowing users to download and experience basic Java-based applications and games like AlienScum, HoneyCave2, Mini Golf, and Vrally2.

Sound and Alerts

The T630 offered polyphonic ringtones, downloadable from various sources online during that era, a popular feature that allowed for a degree of customization. The phone, however, did not feature a loudspeaker or 3.5mm audio jack, which limited its use for playing high-quality music through external speakers or headphones.

Miscellaneous Features

The T630 included various other features such as a photo-call, an embedded game suite plus the capability to download additional Java games. It had no built-in radio but its combination of downloadable applications made it versatile. In terms of safety, the device had a SAR value of 1.18 W/kg for the head, and 0.75 W/kg for the body in the US, and a lower value in the EU, reflecting a consideration towards radiation exposure limits.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony Ericsson T630 was a remarkable feature phone of its time. It encapsulated an era where mobile phones were rapidly evolving, offering more beyond calling and texting. The T630 was a testament to Sony Ericsson's ambition to blend aesthetic design with operational functionality, providing a worthwhile mobile experience despite the limitations compared to modern-day smartphones. It remains a nostalgic piece for technology enthusiasts and a reminder of the transitionary phase in the mobile communication industry.