Sony Ericsson W350i

The new Sony Ericsson W350i is a mid-level ranged mobile phone that adds to the Walkman series portfolio. As it has been a long time since a famous handset manufacturer launched a flip phone, W350i brings back the Sony Ericsson’s T series feeling. Revamped and improved, W350i’s design has that special retro look that will certainly make it as an ‘eye-catcher’ device. The public targeted is definitely going to love it, while those that are looking for a camera-phone or business-oriented device will probably hate it. In the end, it’s all about personal preferences.

Announced in January 2008, Sony Ericsson W350i was launched on the market in May 2008. The flip phone is available in four different color versions: Graphic white, Ice blue, Electric black and Hypnotic black. Those interested in a good-looking mid-level handset can acquire it for around $230 USD.

Design
The handset is made of pure plastic; it looks more like a toy rather than a cheap phone. The backside cover is made from a rubber-like plastic, while the rest is lusterless plastic. The device strongly resembles Sony Ericsson’s T series, with its flip clap and retro design. The thin flip looks really flimsy and features external music controls. These offer haptic feedback when they’re pressed. Actually, the user pushes the numeric keypad when using the external controls.

Even if the phone looks small and compact, I was disappointed by the flimsy flip, which can be easily damaged when frequently used. Above the flip, there’s a very small display protected by scratch resistant plastic. Near the bottom left of the screen, there is a small light sensor which adjusts the backlighting of the keypad. On right side of the phone, there is a dual volume key that can also be used to mute an incoming call (one press) or to simply reject it (two presses). The left side features a small dedicated button that will open up the Walkman interface when the flip is not closed or show the music player menu when the flip is closed. Lower on the left side, there is the proprietary Sony Ericsson port used to charge the phone or to attach the headphones in the sales package. On top of the device, there is a small key that controls the locking mechanism of the external music keys placed on the thin flip.

The backside of the phone features a small unprotected 1.3 Megapixel camera at the top and a small loudspeaker at the bottom. The back cover is so slim that you can actually see through it (I’m joking!). Even so, it is extremely flexible, thus reducing the chances to break it. When flipped down, the phone reveals a comfortable keypad, visible even under low light conditions thanks to the very good backlighting system. While the big D-pad controller is reasonably responsive, the keys offer an excellent tactile experience, which makes texting a smooth and enjoyable experience. Moreover, the phone’s flip can be opened with one hand, thus improving its functionality.

The phone is lightweight (80g including battery) and small in size (104 x 43 x 10.5 mm), which will surely attract fans of mid-level devices. Overall, Sony Ericsson W350i looks compact and slim, but also ‘old’ and flimsy. Its retro aspect has already attracted lots of fans, but quite some enemies as well.

Display and Camera
Sony Ericsson W350i features a very small (1.9 inches) TFT display that supports 262k colors and 176×220 pixels resolution. The screen is perfectly visible in strong sunlight conditions and may be reckoned as one of the best in its range. Unfortunately, its small size takes away all the fun and considerably limits functionality. Check out the various benchmark results scored by Sony Ericsson W350i’s display.