The title sums it all.
Why did I purchase a Sony Ericsson? Simple. I am a fan of the brand. Besides, the offerings are unmatched. I have used Nokia 3310, 3315, 3100, Engage QD, 3220, 1600 Samsung C100, C210, C200, R220, Motorola L6 and Sony Ericsson K 300 i{twice}. Of all, I have found Sony Ericsson highest on all parameters except speaker volume and sound reception. Nokia and samsung is demonstrably better in the first parameter and marginally better in the second.
I had had my SE K 300 I stolen twice, so I left using SE. Yaar, do baar chori ho gaya! Anyway, I was on the lookout for a set in the range of 5000. I considered the following: Nokia 3110, 6300 as well as a few others, Motorola L6i, L7i and Sony Ercisson K 510 i. Among these, no set matches this feature for feature. Fact.
So what does this have? Read on.
Talktime: 180 to 210 minutes
Keypad: Well spaced raised keys, easy to access and press.
Navigator joystick: a little tight but only as compared to Nokia 3110
Colour: A cool matte black combined with a flat screen bordered by a shiny ebony black border, giving a truely great look
Sound: Better than average - even excellent, but crtainly not best in class
Handsfree Speaker Volume: could be better
Ring Volume: Nice and Loud
Ringtones: Plenty to choose from, and fabulous. Completely different from K 300 I tones
Camera: 1.3 megapixel. Great results
comes equipped with bluetooth, infrared, USB cable{with the set, that too}
Internet: Nice and fast. The set is very responsive, and the sites come up well due to the smart fit function. I am using an airtel unlimited plan @ 32 KBPS actual, and believe me, the results are very fast. Best in class at this level
Size: Very compact, fits in your pocket, is not at all bulky or large in any dimension - length, breadth or height. Perfection
Calling: Nice and easy. Has voice functions. Just press corresponding key for a second on the keypad, and the phone automatically goes to the relevant contact straight from standby mode! Example: to reach contacts from "d", just press key "3" for a second
Themes: Limited with the set. But plenty are available for free on the Sony Ericsson site. and they are mind-boggling
Graphics and colours: Awesome. Better than any set in its price range, as well a few thousand above
In short, WOW!