A lot of mobile phones these days come with built-in FM radio, but most require an external headset to be plugged in as an aerial. The Sony Ericsson R306i is different as it doesn't require any peripherals, and it scans AM frequencies as well. We took a prototype and gave it a quick once-over for an early impression of this entry-level radio handset.
Upside
The highlight of the R306i is its built-in FM/AM aerial which eliminates the need for an external headset, so you can listen to the radio through the onboard speakers just like a mini standalone radio. There are a couple of tiny but handy shortcut buttons on the top face of the clamshell phone numbered one to three, and according to the product description, these allow the user to preset radio stations for quick access. There are also two arrow keys which could be for volume control or channel surfing.
Unlike most phones with their speakers at the back or on the sides, the stereo audio on the R306i projects from the top face of the phone. So when the clamshell is closed and facing up, there isn't any interference or obstruction to audio output. There's also a sub-display sandwiched between the speakers and the FM control buttons for displaying the current radio station, and also incoming calls and text messages.
Opening the clamshell reveals the standard flip phone layout, so no surprises there. The 128 x 160-pixel 65K-color TFT LCD is at the top, while the alphanumeric keypad is on the bottom half of the set. Initial impressions of the buttons are generally good with decent tactile feedback. The sound of typing on the keypad is a tad louder than most handsets we've reviewed, but that's a minor issue and it could also be due to the technical set being an early prototype.
Downside
The W306i is marketed as an entry-level handset, so naturally we weren't surprised to see only a 1.3-megapixel camera. The odd part is the module lies on the bottom half with the phone open. So when taking pictures, you will have to hold the handset upright. As a result, the LCD screen that doubles as a viewfinder faces at a downward angle, which makes framing a little less convenient.
Outlook
The R306i is a very basic and simple handset targeted at the entry-level market. While it offers a built-in camera and Bluetooth connectivity, note that these are secondary. More importantly, if the price is right, it could be a hit with the lower end of the market by providing over-the-air entertainment sans external peripherals (that can potentially increase cost).
The triband clamshell phone is expected out in Q3 in selected Asia-Pacific markets and will be available in Coffee Black and Champagne White colors.
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