Exploring Sony Ericsson WT18i Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of the Sony Ericsson WT18i

The Sony Ericsson WT18i is a smartphone that was launched in 2011 during the third quarter, following its announcement in May of the same year. Originally released as part of the Walkman series, it was designed to cater to the music-loving audience. The device was subsequently discontinued, yet it remains of interest to technology enthusiasts and collectors who admire early Android-based phones.

Network Capabilities

The WT18i supports GSM technology with 2G and 3G capabilities. It operates on a variety of GSM bands, specifically GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. For 3G, the device uses the TD-SCDMA bands, providing users with improved data services compared to earlier handset generations. The provided data speeds include HSPA 2.8/2 Mbps, GPRS up to 80 kbps, and EDGE up to 237 kbps.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson WT18i features a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions of 106 x 56.5 x 14.3 mm and a weight of 110 grams. The phone was designed to be easy to handle and suitable for daily use. It utilizes a Mini-SIM card slot and incorporates a user-friendly layout that emphasizes simplicity and accessibility.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display. Despite being relatively small by modern standards, during its release, the screen size was adequate for typical smartphone tasks. It offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, ensuring clear visuals for the user. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 50.9%, with a pixel density of about 180 ppi. The display is also protected by a scratch-resistant glass, adding an extra layer of durability.

Platform and Performance

Running on an Android-based operating system, known as OMS 2.5, the WT18i provides a basic but functional user experience. The device is powered by an 806 MHz Marvell PXA 920 processor. This processing capability supports standard smartphone operations, though may struggle with more demanding applications prevalent in later years.

Memory and Storage

The Sony Ericsson WT18i comes with 150MB of internal storage. For users requiring more space, the phone includes a dedicated slot for microSDHC cards, allowing storage expansion. This feature is crucial for users who wish to store more media files, applications, and personal data than the onboard storage allows.

Camera Features

The device is equipped with a primary 3.15 MP camera that facilitates photo capturing and video recording at 480p@24fps. While basic in exposure and quality compared to modern standards, this camera allows users to take decent pictures and record videos that suffice for sharing on social media platforms of the time. Additionally, it includes a front-facing camera to cater to the needs of those interested in video calls, which was gaining popularity during the phone's release.

Sound and Multimedia

Being part of the Walkman series, the WT18i emphasizes audio quality, attractive to music enthusiasts. It comes with a built-in loudspeaker and supports 3.5mm audio jacks, which were standard for personal audio devices, offering flexibility in headphone selection.

Connectivity

The connectivity options on the WT18i cover essential modern needs for its time. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless data transfer, and GPS with A-GPS for navigation. Additionally, it supports Stereo FM radio with RDS, allowing users to listen to live radio broadcasts, and employs a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data synchronization.

Sensors and Additional Features

The WT18i is fitted with several basic sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. It supports an HTML browser for basic internet activities, albeit with limited capabilities compared to modern smartphones.

Battery Life

The phone's power is managed by a removable Li-Po 1200 mAh battery, offering up to 200 hours of standby time on both 2G and 3G networks, and up to 6 hours of talk time. These statistics are respectable for a device of its era, covering a full day’s moderate use without the need for recharging.

Color Variants and Pricing

The Sony Ericsson WT18i was released in two color variants - Black and White, catering to a range of personal preferences. Upon its release, it was priced around 230 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range device that balanced features with affordability.

Conclusion

In summation, the Sony Ericsson WT18i is a noteworthy device from the early 2010s that combined essential smartphone functionality with Walkman quality audio experiences. Despite being discontinued, its legacy persists among collectors and technology historians as an embodiment of the transitional phase from feature phones to smart devices.