Unveiling the Sony Ericsson W700 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of the Sony Ericsson W700

The Sony Ericsson W700, introduced in April 2006, is a feature phone that belongs to the renowned Walkman series known for its exceptional music capabilities. This device reflects an era when mobile phones were transitioning from merely communication devices to multifunctional gadgets. Positioned as a music-centric phone, the W700 combines multimedia features with essential communication functionalities.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson W700 features a compact design, measuring 100 x 46 x 20.5 mm and weighing just 99 grams. The build incorporates a sturdy yet lightweight plastic body, comfortable for handling and portable enough to fit in pockets easily. Opting for a classic candy-bar form factor, the device is practical with its simple button layout, making navigation straightforward. The phone is available in the elegant "Titanium Gold" color, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall appearance.

Display

This device comes with a 1.8-inch TFT display that supports 256K colors, providing vivid and bright visuals. The display resolution is 176 x 220 pixels, which translates to an approximate density of 157 ppi. Although not groundbreaking by today’s standards, this display was more than sufficient for general usage and media viewing at the time of its release.

Audio and Music Features

Being part of the Walkman series, the W700 emphasizes its music capabilities. It supports various audio formats including MP3 and AAC, providing users with a rich musical experience. The absence of a 3.5mm jack could be seen as a downside, but the device compensates with quality loudspeakers and stereo FM radio with RDS. The inclusion of polyphonic and MP3 ringtones adds to its auditory appeal. Users can expand audio storage through the Memory Stick Duo Pro card slot, supporting up to 4 GB of extra space, a generous capacity for the era.

Camera Specifications

The main camera is a 2 MP shooter, equipped with an LED flash, allowing for basic photography needs. It is capable of recording videos, providing users with all-in-one multimedia functionality in addition to just music playback. This camera setup suffices for capturing memorable moments, though the quality is modest due to the limitations of the sensor size and software processing typical of 2006.

Battery Life

The Sony Ericsson W700 houses a removable Li-Ion battery that promises up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 9 hours of talk time. Such longevity was impressive, ensuring that users could rely on their device throughout the day without frequent recharging, even with moderate multimedia use.

Connectivity and Communication

The W700 supports GSM technology, operating within the 900, 1800, and 1900 frequency bands, ensuring broad international compatibility for mobile networks. Connectivity features include Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless file transfers and an infrared port. Although lacking modern connectivity options such as WLAN, its USB 2.0 support aids in quick wired data transfer. The phone’s communication suite supports SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, providing comprehensive options for staying in touch.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the W700 offers 34 MB of storage, which can be expanded via the Memory Stick Duo Pro slot. With a 256 MB card included and support for up to 4 GB, this phone was accommodating enough for additional songs, images, and apps within the limitations of feature phones. Its phonebook can hold 500 contacts with multiple fields each and support for photo calls, reflecting the device’s balanced approach between functionality and efficiency.

Additional Features

Among its other features, the W700 offers JAVA support (MIDP 2.0), which enables running additional compatible applications like games and utilities. The device also includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, allowing basic web browsing sessions suited to its screen dimensions and processing capabilities.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson W700 stands out as a multi-talented device that captures the essence of mid-2000s phone innovation, particularly for music enthusiasts. While today's technology has surpassed its capabilities manyfold, the W700 remains a nostalgic symbol for users who experienced the dawn of portable multimedia phones, offering commendable features for its time.