Sony Ericsson Z1010 InDepth Review & Pricing

Overview

The Sony Ericsson Z1010 was a pioneering device in the early 2000s, launched in the fourth quarter of 2003. It marked a significant milestone as one of the first mobile phones to support 3G networks, specifically UMTS 2100, offering speeds of up to 384 kbps. While its features may seem modest by today's standards, the Z1010 was impressive for its time, offering a blend of design, connectivity, and multimedia capabilities.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 98.5 x 54.5 x 29 mm and weighing 144 grams, the Z1010 was relatively compact for a flip phone of its era. The clamshell design not only protected its screen and keypad but also presented a premium feel and a sense of sophistication. The Mini-SIM card slot was standard for that time, and the device was discontinued shortly after its launch, making it a rare collectible today.

Display

The Z1010 featured a 2.2-inch TFT display with 65K colors, providing a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. This was quite advanced compared to the monochrome screens of earlier models and the screen-to-body ratio of 28.4% was typical for the time. Although small, the screen was adequate for browsing the web, viewing images, and playing games.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with dual VGA cameras, the Z1010 enabled video calling, a novel feature at its launch. The main camera facilitated basic photography, and the front-facing camera supported video calls, although limited by today's standards. Nevertheless, it marked an early adoption of video communication in consumer mobile devices.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Z1010 offered 32MB of storage, supplemented by a Memory Stick Duo slot that supported up to an additional 128MB. While this seems constrained now, it was a decent offering in 2003, providing users with additional flexibility for storing multimedia content and applications. Its phonebook could store multiple fields and supported photo call capabilities.

Connectivity

Connectivity options for the Z1010 included Bluetooth 1.1 and an infrared port, features that facilitated wireless data transfer and communication with peripheral devices. The absence of WLAN and GPS was consistent with the technological limitations of the period. However, the inclusion of a miniUSB port reflected early attempts to standardize charging and data transfer interfaces.

Sound and Multimedia

The device did not have a loudspeaker or 3.5mm headphone jack, but it supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. This feature allowed users to personalize their device's sound profile to some extent. Additionally, users could enjoy a selection of built-in and downloadable Java-based games, enhancing the device's entertainment value.

Software and Applications

The Z1010 operated on a proprietary feature phone OS, supporting SMS, EMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging features. Its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser enabled basic internet access, and it came with functional utilities like an alarm and clock. The inclusion of Java MIDP 2.0 allowed for the installation of third-party applications, which was a notable feature at that time.

Battery Life

Fitted with a removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-15), the device promised a standby time of up to 450 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. This battery performance was quite satisfactory, given the energy demands of network connectivity and multimedia functionality.

Miscellaneous Features

The Z1010's SAR value was rated at 1.41 W/kg (head), meeting safety standards for radiofrequency exposure. While it might lack the extensive customization options and the vivid color palette of later models, the device laid groundwork that contributed to the evolution of mobile technology.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson Z1010 was a groundbreaking device that embodied early advancements in mobile technology, particularly in 3G connectivity and multimedia capabilities. Despite being discontinued shortly after its release, it represents an essential chapter in the mobile communication history, showcasing the transition from basic telephony to multi-functional mobile devices. It remains a symbol of technological progress and innovation of its time.