Over a year has passed since Sony Ericsson introduced its first 3G handset to the Australian market, the Z1010. The Z800i however, has a much sleeker look and a more robust multimedia feature set than its predecessor.
The Z800i has a silver case, smooth contours and an external colour LCD that give the clamshell handset an air of sophistication. There is a 1.3-megapixel camera integrated in the hinge of the phone that can rotate 180 degrees to capture images and video either back towards yourself or outwards. Sony Ericsson also bundles Adobe Photoshop Album 2 Starter Edition on CD for photo viewing and editing on a PC. Synchronisation software for Outlook is also provided and connectivity options include Bluetooth, USB and infrared.
The media player on the Z800i supports MP3, video playback and outputs decent quality sound enriched with Sony's Mega Bass technology through the supplied stereo headset. A 64MB Memory Stick Duo is supplied for storage -- up to 1GB Memory Stick Duo cards can also be purchased for around AU$200.
Organiser features include a calendar, calculator, memos and a Java application called Worldmate.
Downside:
Sony Ericsson's Z800i is only available to 3 mobile customers at the time of launch, although this might change later this year when Telstra, Optus and Vodafone introduce their own 3G services.
Compared to the first 3G phone released on the Australian market, the NEC e606, the Z800i looks thin, sturdy and far more advanced. However, at 102 x 49 x 23.6mm it is a little chunkier than most handsets.
Outlook:
Sony Ericsson's release of the Z800i gives 3 customers a smart looking mobile with a decent set of multimedia features. We've had issues with battery life on 3G phones in the past so we'll be interested to see how the Z800i fares in our tests, especially considering its MP3 capabilities.
3 mobile sets a recommended retail price of AU$685 for the Z800i. The carrier also offers it on a range of plans that can be found on 3's Web site. Bundled accessories include a speaker stand, Bluetooth headset, stereo headset, USB Cable, 64MB Memory Stick Duo and a software CD.
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mobile05
04/08/2008, 02:08 PM
rating
3/10
I recently took up a 2 year contract with Telstra with the Sony Ericcson Z750i. Initially I liked the large dailling buttons. However, after some use I noticed at times the phone status kept coming up and the phone does not accept any numbers dialled. One has to keep pressing the OK button the clear the screen in order to continue to dial.
Pros: Large buttons for dialling
Cons: The volume control is located in base of the handset and is always accidently depressed when one holds the handset.
This causes the phone status menu to come up and blocks dialling.
This feature also non-configurable.
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sony ericsson k220
07/06/2008, 08:23 PM
rating
8/10
One more great flip cell phone introduced by Sony Ericsson. Z800i is best for me because I am always on journey. It is fast responsive mobile. I love it.
Pros: User-friendly interface.
Easy to use.
Intuitive menu design.
Cons: Nothing.
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Lunaphone
02/04/2008, 12:16 PM
rating
9/10
This was the best phone I have ever used. Felt great to hold,
Pros: Excellent sound quality
Very good pictures compared to other phones
Clamshell design meant that it didn't accidentally ring other phones if bumped in my bag
Cons: Got a dribble of milky coffee in it and died
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marmlr339
30/12/2007, 12:27 AM
rating
9/10
excellent phone.
Pros: durable,
long-lived battery,
feature-packed,
high-quality camera,
large, high quality screen,
has outlived my new phone "Nokia 6288"
Cons: heavy and thick "bulky",
buttons wear out quickly
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nekeho
20/08/2007, 07:18 PM
rating
8/10
I love the phone. serves my purpose
Pros: All the features as I believe they are the lastes. Like it bulky and relatively weighty because I feel I have someothing on me where as with other lighter ones it is easy to sit on them or lose them if not careful or absent minded.
Cons: Inadequate variety in terms of ringtones and also not much chice in terms of the volumes.
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Phil
08/01/2007, 11:39 AM
rating
9/10
What the heck are u talking about this phones great
Pros: Everything
Cons: nothing yet
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Mr Flibble
08/01/2007, 11:38 AM
rating
2/10
This phone makes me sick
Pros: Looks good
Cons: Features are all second rate and fidly to use I really thought Sony Erricson was the way to go
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robphrase
20/12/2006, 12:44 PM
rating
9/10
The Sophisticated Classic
When time comes, and retro phones become the cool collectors accessory, this phone will definately be at the top of the list for all the smooth, stylish afficiondos.
Packed with amazing features that superceded most other phones of its time, the z800i is also full of suprises and treats.
It is capable of supporting Java scripted games and applications, and internet browsers at suprising broadband speed.
I have tried the phone with a 2Gig Memory Stick and it still functions perfectly without any noticable lag in runtime.
The screen is large, the swivel camera is handy when it comes to aiming and taking photos with the clamshell closed. And the bright LED light has been a very handy extra when I need that extra bit of illumination for photos and for other things like finding my keys in the dark.
The outside screen is large and full coloured allowing for extra personalisation and ease in photo use and music playing.
The mp3 player is simple to use and very manageable.
And the phone has a great sense of style. The menus are sleek and crisp and not in the least bit partronising to the user.
It is an all-round sophisticated and smart phone.
Pros: Mostly mentioned above.
Amazing features, great menu design and functionality, nav pad and key size/feel is fantastic.
Cons: Some complain about the size, but it is a phone I respect for its features and capabilities and to reduce the size would be to reduce these too.
When playing mP3 - an adaptor for a standard headphone jack would be perfect for this phone. The headphones are decent, but prone to tangling, and not the highest quality for the music buff.
The camera - 1.3mp was decent when the phone was released (most others were still VGA) but if they were ever to make an upgrade, a higher quality camera would be necessary. Also, the swivel design is great, but the lens design is faulted because it gets dust and dirt right through it.
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Raquel32
10/11/2006, 10:28 AM
rating
9/10
Does anyone know if you can make up your own MP3 Ringtones? on this Mobile.
Pros: I love this!
Cons: None!
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eilowyneleyne
20/09/2006, 08:29 AM
rating
10/10
I love it!!
I've had this phone for a week and already I have been able to find my way around rather easily. The sim card has been in since Monday 18th September and everything has been great. I have nothing to complain about and I love the z800i model.
Pros: easy to use
good functions
easy to read screen and numbers
Cons: -
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