Sony Ericsson Z500 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Sony Ericsson Z500

The Sony Ericsson Z500 was a notable release in the mid-2000s by the joint venture of Sony and Ericsson. Announced in March 2004, the device quickly gained popularity for its distinct clamshell design and functionality. Although it has since been discontinued, the Z500 remains a memorable piece of mobile technology history, embodying a time when mobile phones started to offer more advanced features beyond mere voice communication.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson Z500 featured a compact and robust design, measuring 93 x 49 x 24 mm. Its weight of 110 grams gave it a solid feel in the hand, striking a balance between portability and durability. The phone was constructed with a mini-SIM slot, typical of the era, and a clamshell form factor that was widely appreciated for protecting the screen from damage and unwanted inputs when closed.

Display

The device came with a CSTN display capable of rendering 65K colors, which was relatively standard during its time. It offered a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. Although not the most vibrant or detailed display by today's standards, it was sufficient for basic use and the user interface elements provided by the Z500.

Camera Capabilities

The Sony Ericsson Z500 was equipped with a VGA camera, supporting basic photography needs. The 0.3 MP resolution provided modest image quality, suitable for quick snapshots. Video capability was also supported, allowing users to capture brief moments with their devices. While these camera specifications may seem limited today, they were typical for feature phones of that period.

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson Z500 supported GSM technology and was compatible with 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. For data connectivity, it featured GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 6, providing essential online services such as browsing and email. Notably, the phone did not support modern standards like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reflecting its era's limitations in mobile connectivity.

Memory and Storage

The Z500 had no card slot for expandable storage, a common limitation for phones of its time. It included a phonebook capacity of 500 entries, each with up to 8 fields, and supported photo call functionality. Call records were tracked for the last 30 received, dialed, and missed calls, sufficient for average use without overwhelming memory capacities.

Messaging and Internet

The messaging capabilities of the Sony Ericsson Z500 included SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, providing varied communication methods. The presence of a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allowed for basic web interaction, though the browsing experience was limited by modern standards. Java games further added to the entertainment options, leveraging the device's MIDP 2.0 support.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, offering a standby time of up to 260 hours and talk time up to 10 hours. These battery figures were adequate for ensuring the phone lasted through the day under regular use, though battery performance could vary with frequent use of available functionalities.

Sound and Multimedia

In terms of audio, the Sony Ericsson Z500 lacked a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting its use as a music player. Alert types included vibration, downloadable polyphonic ringtones, and a composer for creating custom ringtones, typical for enhancing personalization.

Miscellaneous Features

Additional features included basic utility tools like a calculator and stopwatch, and the SAR measurements ensured compliance with safety standards. Various color options were made available to appeal to diverse consumer preferences.

Market Impact and Legacy

At its release, the Sony Ericsson Z500 represented a forward step in mobile technology by integrating multimedia capabilities and internet connectivity into a compact design. It appealed to users seeking an affordable, functional device that could handle both personal and business tasks. Even though the device is now discontinued, its legacy continues as a reminder of the evolution in mobile phones from simple communication devices to multifunctional gadgets.