Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro Full Specs Prices Pros and Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro supports GSM and HSPA technology, making it capable of high-speed mobile data connectivity. With its 2G (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900 / 2100), users can enjoy reliable voice and data services. The HSPA speeds of 10.2 Mbps downlink and 2 Mbps uplink contribute to a smooth browsing and streaming experience.

Launch and Availability

Announced in February 2010 and released in May 2010, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro quickly gained attention due to its unique combination of a touchscreen and a physical QWERTY keyboard. Although it's discontinued now, it remains a significant milestone in the history of mobile devices, bridging the gap between powerful smartphones and user-friendly feature phones.

Design and Build

The Vivaz Pro showcases a sleek and compact design with dimensions of 109 x 52 x 15 mm and a weight of just 117 g. This lightweight build makes it convenient for one-handed usage. The highlight is its slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which offers tactile feedback, ideal for users who prefer traditional typing over touchscreen keyboards. The phone supports a mini-SIM, housed in a durable casing that feels solid yet refined in hand.

Display

The device features a 3.2-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, offering 16M colors. With a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels and a 16:9 ratio, users can enjoy rich visuals and satisfactory pixel density. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 49.8% ensures that the display remains the focal point. Additionally, the screen is coated with scratch-resistant glass, providing an added layer of protection against everyday wear and tear.

Platform and Performance

Running on the Symbian Series 60, 5th edition, the Vivaz Pro is powered by a 720 MHz processor coupled with a PowerVR SGX GPU. This hardware configuration allows for moderate multitasking and smooth performance for its time. Although it lags by modern standards, it handled applications and functions effectively back in 2010.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the device comes with 75MB of storage, which was quite limiting. However, it addresses the need for more space through an external microSDHC slot, with an 8 GB card included. This feature was especially useful for storing multimedia content, apps, and more.

Camera Capabilities

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro is equipped with a single 5 MP autofocus (AF) camera coupled with an LED flash, providing users the capability to capture decent quality photos and videos. With video recording up to 720p at 24fps, users can record their favorite moments with reasonable clarity. Although it lacks a front camera, the main camera’s performance served well for casual photography for its era.

Sound and Audio Quality

The device offers clear audio output with its built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, granting users the flexibility to use a wide range of headphones. Audio tests revealed voice strengths of 69 dB, and noise and ring volumes at 65 dB and 72 dB respectively. This ensures that calls and multimedia consumption were loud enough for various environments.

Communication and Navigation

The Vivaz Pro supports a variety of communication technologies, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with DLNA, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and a microUSB 2.0 connector. For location services, the phone is equipped with GPS and A-GPS for navigation, aided by Wisepilot navigation software. Users also enjoyed stereo FM radio with RDS for on-the-go entertainment.

Sensors and Features

An accelerometer sensor is embedded to support auto-rotation of the user interface. Its internet capabilities are driven by WAP 2.0/xHTML, and HTML (NetFront) browsers, enabling basic web browsing experiences.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 1200 mAh battery, the Vivaz Pro provides standby times of up to 430 hours on 2G and 440 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extends up to 12 hours and 30 minutes on 2G, and up to 5 hours and 10 minutes on 3G. This endurance made it feasible for all-day use in its time.

Miscellaneous and Pricing

The device was available in black and white colors, priced around 150 EUR at launch. With a SAR EU rating of 1.03 W/kg (head), it maintained radiation levels within acceptable limits, ensuring user safety.

Overall Impression

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro stood out for its time by merging a touch interface with full QWERTY keyboard functionality. Although its specifications might seem modest today, it was a competitive device when introduced, catering to users seeking functionality and traditional typing comfort. As a product now discontinued, it remains a part of mobile history, remembered for its design and unique form factor.