| Sony Ericsson Z1010 |
| General |
| Network | Umts / Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 |
| Announced | 2003, 4q |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 98.5 X 54.5 X 29 Mm |
| Weight | 144 G |
| Display |
| Type | Tft, 65k Colors |
| Size | 176 X 220 Pixels, 35 X 44 Mm |
| | - Second Display 101 X 80 Pixels, 4-level Grey Scale - Wallpapers, Screensavers |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic (74 Channels), Mp3 |
| Customization | Composer, Download, |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | 10 Fields, In Shared Memory, Photo Call |
| Call Records | 10 Dialed, 10 Received, 10 Missed Calls |
| Card Slot | Memory Stick Duo, 16 Mb Card Included, |
| | - 32 Mb Shared Memory |
| Data |
| Gprs | Class 10 (4+1/3+2 Slots), 32 - 48 Kbps |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | No |
| 3g | Yes, 384 Kbps |
| Wlan | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, V1.1 |
| Infrared Port | Yes |
| Usb | Yes, Miniusb |
| Features |
| Messaging | Sms, Ems, Mms, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Browser | Wap 2.0/xhtml |
| Clock | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
| Games | Yes + Downloadable, |
| Colors | |
| Camera | 2 Cameras Vga, 640x480 Pixels, Video |
| | - Mp3/mpeg4 Player - Java Midp2.0 - Syncml - T9 - Organizer - Image Viewer |
| Battery |
| | Standard, Li-po 1000 Mah (bst-15) |
| Stand-by | Up To 450 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 4 H |
|
Sony Ericsson - Z1010Heavy-duty with the Sony Ericsson Z1010
Major features
Dual-mode GSM 900/1800MHz compatibility and UMTS
3G network video-talk compatibility
Streaming media support
Memory Stick Duo™ support
32mB internal shared memory
176 x 220 pixel 65,536 colour TFT LCD display
101 x 80 pixel 4-level grey scale external display
VGA resolution still and video camera
MP3/MPEG4 multimedia playback
Bluetooth Wireless technology
Infrared and USB connectivity
74-chord polyphonic ring tones with MusicDJ
SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail messaging
Java games and applications
Themed user interface
Advanced PIM applications with voice features
Problems/Issues?
Cannot take photos with internal camera
Grey scale external display
Sales package (should contain):
1 x Sony Ericsson Z1010 handset
1 x Standard BST-15 battery
1 x Travel Charger
1 x Stereo headset
1 x Z1010 product CD
1 x USB data-cable
1 x 32mB Memory Stick Duo
1 x Memory Stick Duo adapter
1 x Carry strap
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 is one of the most highly-anticipated handsets from the company in many years. This is mainly due to the fact that the Z1010 is the first 3G-capable handset from the merged company; it’s their first high-speed, high quality multimedia driven handset.
The Z1010 is a dual-mode GSM an UMTS handset, so it’s compatible with almost every network on Earth. The high-speed data capabilities and dual-cameras, with a clam-shell design top off the whole handset. With connectivity and expandability options in every kind, the Z1010 feature list doesn’t leave anything untouched.
3 Hutchison, the only 3G service currently available in Australia have kindly given iMobile.com.au the Z1010 for review. There were many myths associated with this handset before it had even been released, so I hope this review helps erase any doubts you may have! :)
New/outstanding features
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 is an outstanding phone from the company in everyway, being their first 3G compatible handset. The handset has twin digital cameras, UMTS (3G Network) and GSM compatibility, Memory Stick Duo support, streaming media viewing in the MPEG4/MP3 player, MP3 and polyphonic ring tones, and Bluetooth, USB data-cable, and Infrared connectivity. There is also the somewhat new user interface which is in other new Sony Ericsson models, like the K700i.
The twin digital cameras on the Z1010 both have very different functions. The one inside the phone, below the display is used only for video calls. The external camera is capable of video and still capture, and has a night-mode function, photographic effects and can capture images up to 480 x 640 pixels in size. The internal camera can’t be used for video capture, and will stay dormant until you initiate a video call – but it does have the night-mode function too.
The phone is a dual-mode device, and works on the GSM 900/1800MHz frequencies and also the UMTS service. The UMTS service allows high-speed (384kbp/s) data downloads enabling 3G functions like video talk and direct streaming media. GPRS Class 10 can be used when a UMTS connection isn’t available if you are out of the 3G service area, which is expanding very quickly all around Australia.
A 32mB internal memory on the Z1010 can be used to store everything from pictures and videos to audio clips and animations. This memory can be expanded, using the 32mB external Memory Stick Duo card, which is included in the sales package. Other Memory Stick Duo cards can be bought to further boost the memory. The external memory cards can hold everything and anything.
The Media Player on the Z1010 can play video and audio files, from MPEG4 video to MP3’s and 74-chord polyphonic ring tones. The Z1010 supports MP3 ring tones and the 74-chord polyphonic ring tones too – which sound great! The internal and external memory can accommodate all your music and video files, and the UMTS support will enable great quality streaming media in the Media Player.
For connectivity to other devices, there are several different options. You can use the wireless technology, also known as Bluetooth for connections to headsets, PC/laptop’s and other supported devices, or Infrared for connections to other devices including PC’s and other mobile devices. There is also a USB data-cable in the sales package for you to connect to a PC/laptop and transfer files or synchronize with.
Physical aspects
Sony Ericsson only very rarely releases clam-shell based phones. There have been a few in the past, but they were more entry-level handsets. The Z1010 is much more than an entry level handset, and is still a clam-shell phone. The handset comes in two different colour combinations, and doesn’t have removable face plates. You will either receive the grey and silver Z1010, or the red and silver Z1010. The first mentioned colours cover the front and back sections of the phone, the rest is all silver.
The less curved lines of the Z1010 make it look quite large when compared to the NEC e616V, when in fact they are very similar in size, the Z1010 just a touch larger in some aspects. For comparison, the Z1010 is 99mm x 54.5mm x 29mm and the e616V is 103mm x 53mm x 26mm. The Z1010 weighs 144 grams, and the NEC e616 131 grams.
From the outside of the phone, there are several input ports, buttons, and distinguishing features. On the left side of the handset you will find the Memory Stick Duo input slot, and above that two volume buttons (up and down). The right side of the handset has the dedicated camera button and headset port, behind a small plastic protector. Both the Memory Stick Duo and Headset port protectors are attached to the phone and won’t come loose during everyday use.
The back of the Z1010 houses the first of the two digital cameras. It is positioned just near the hinge of the phone and has a chrome plate next to it, to give an estimation for self-portraits. This is an unusual spot for a camera, and is a little less functional than if it was on the front lip, but works the same never the less. There are some rubber stoppers on the back so the phone doesn’t slide around too.
On the front of the handset is the small 4-level grey scale display, displaying the phone’s vital status. Below this is the “Three” logo, like you would find on any other “Three” phone. Above this is the familiar Sony Ericsson logo, on top of a silver backing. The main display, when you open the phone, is a 65,536 colour TFT LCD.
The middle of the phone, viewable when it’s open, is the same colour as the sides of the phone (the bit where the colour you have received stops). All the buttons inside the handset are very large, and separated from each other. From large to small fingers the buttons are in reach! Everything is evenly spaced, and the small video talk camera is located below the display.
The selection buttons in the top section of the phone are chrome, the rest are a lighter silver; all the buttons have a white backlight.
User Interface & display
Take a closer look!
The Z1010 uses the same type of interface like other new handsets from Sony Ericsson, with the familiar 12-icon menu. Some of the older handsets had 9-icon menus, but the format is still the same. The tabbed interface with spot-light effect is also back on the Z1010. A full colour (65,536 colours to be precise) 176 x 220 pixel display is the viewfinder for the camera as well. Theme support on the handset brightens up the Z1010 to your tastes and desires.
First up when you open the handset the ‘idle’ screen is displayed. This shows the time, date, battery life, reception, and any other icons at the top of screen. Most of the display will have your defined background or the theme’s background, depending on what you have selected. Small sections of the top and bottom of this idle screen contain parts of the theme, like the bottom with the labels for the soft keys.
The middle button the directional keypad is used to open the main menu and make selections – it’s like a “yes”, or “accept” key. When opened the Messaging icon is selected, just like most other phones do. Around the Messaging icon you will see many different icons, all of which are self-explanatory. The text-label for each icon is situated at the top of screen when the icon is selected. The most used icons are closest to the messaging icon for convenience, like the camera, Media Player, File Manager and Internet Browser. When using the menu I had K700i flashbacks, as the same spotlight effect is used on selected icons, and the enlargement effect too.
The top left-hand corner of the main menu has the special “3 Services” menu, which when opened will connect to “Three”’s main page where you can download multi-media in every shape, size, and type!
The directional key has four small dots around it, and the middle dot which I have already explained. The four small dots are the direction keys, which will move the selection on the phone to the left, right, top, or bottom. There are two soft keys on the Z1010, and the back key is below the left one. Other buttons on the keypad that perform special functions is the key on the left hand side of the keypad, with the handset icon and video clip. This is the video call icon. On the other side of the handset in the same position is the web browser button which will instantly open the browser.
Some sections of the user interface are tabbed, like many Symbian interfaces. This allows quick movement between lots of options, like in the settings menu and camera application, where you can change from images to video in a single button press. The UI of the Sony Ericsson Z1010 is very fast and responsive. With the size of buttons being perfect for any sized fingers working with the handset is a pleasure. Text input it also very fast!
This internal display is bright and very clear, and there are many settings in the display section of the settings menu to get it working just the way you want it. Video, images, and just the general user interface of the Z1010 are a treat to look at on this display. There is an external display as well, a 4-level grayscale 101 x 80 pixel one which will display simple things, like the time and date, and reception/battery levels. The smaller display has a bright blue backlight, and can be activated by pressing the volume up/down keys.
Making and receiving calls
The Z1010 supports two types of calling, video talk and the normal audio talk. The video talk feature is a 3G only function, supported on the only 3G network in Australia at the moment, “Three”. The second video camera in the Z1010, below the display, is used only for video-calls. It is perfectly aimed at your face so your call recipient will get the best view of you all the time! There is a stereo headset port on the Z1010’s right side, which is ideal for video-talk calls when you can’t hold the phone to your ear.
The Z1010 is a dual-mode device, and works on the GSM 900/1800MHz frequencies, and the UMTS network. The UMTS network allows high-speed data transfers, therefore allowing a video and audio stream to be sent and received on your handset in real time.
The Z1010 has a video talk button, so there is very little fiddling around when you are trying to make a video call or normal audio calls. The video call button, when pressed, opens up the video talk application. A small square at the bottom of the display will show the video that is being sent out when the call is in progress. The large black section around it is where the other party’s video will be shown. You can switch this to the other way round by accessing the menu with the button in the middle of the navigational key. Other options you get are to hide your small picture all together, mirror your image, or activate night mode on the camera. When in-call more functions are available.
Video talk is only available in “Three”’s coverage area; maps are available here http://www.three.com.au/coverage. When you have opened the video talk application you can either enter a phone number directly with the numerical buttons, or press the right soft-key, which is labelled “Look Up”. This will give you access to your phone book where you can browse for a name/number to video call. Once the video call is initiated, the phone will be put on the speakerphone function. This may result in bad audio, so the headset that is included in the sales package or a Bluetooth headset is probably the best idea for video calls. Audio can be muted in a call too, and video can be paused.
The video quality on the Z1010 3G handset was better than I expected. There are no quality functions for the video being streamed however, but the default manufacturer settings seemed fine with me. There is an added bonus of the night-mode function as well, something which is very useful in low-light situations.
When you input a number in the Z1010’s idle screen the left soft key is labelled “Call”, and when pressed will start a normal audio call. To start a video call to the inputted phone number press the dedicated video talk button or go to the options menu and select video call. The audio quality on the handset speakerphone and earpiece was perfect, and audio can be adjusted by pressing the volume up/down buttons on the side of the handset.
Messaging
Messaging on Sony Ericsson phones is always fun in my opinion. The messaging window is friendly and easy to use, and shows up everything clearly and simply. T9 predictive text is supported on the handset, and SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail protocols. The VGA camera in the Z1010 increases your fun with image and video MMS messages. Extra-long SMS messages are supported too.
When you take a photo on the Z1010 using the inbuilt camera, you can send the photo straight away by selecting the appropriate option. This is also the case with videos, which can also be sent via MMS to a phone number or e-mail address. Once you have pressed send by MMS on the image/video option, your video/image will be added to the message. You can add more aspects of the message here by selecting “More” and then “Add”. Text, images, videos, sounds, and animations are the supported features of MMS – everything!
SMS and EMS messages can be longer than 160 characters, and can be spread out over several single messages which are combined again on the receiver’s phone. The Z1010 will tell you when you are running low on characters in a single message, and a small box will pop up saying “SMS 2” if you move onto the 2nd text message. This will also happen if you move onto the 3rd message, except the two is changed to a “Three”! :) EMS messages can contain small images and sound clips as well as the normal text.
E-mail messages can be downloaded and sent on the Z1010, when you have set up your mailboxes. “Three” offers an e-mail service which needs to be set up with them before it can be used. Your home or work e-mail service can also be added to the phone for downloading and sending of messages, just as if you were at work/home!
Connectivity
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 supports UMTS, for high-speed data transfers enabling rich multimedia to be delivered instantly to your handset. GPRS Class 10 is also supported, but UMTS wins hands down speed wise. Other than over-the-air connections, the Z1010 has Bluetooth, Infrared, and USB data-cable support. A USB data-cable is even included in the sales package!
UMTS can reach speeds of up to 384kbp/s in 3G areas, enabling the video talk and streaming video/audio functions of the Z1010 to be clear and smooth, not jumpy. These data speed capabilities are the basis of 3G networks which need to have large amounts of bandwidth to live up to the expectation of a luscious array of multimedia content for the consumer to download. The 3 services menu on the main menu of the handset has everything you could possibly want, from ring tones to pictures, videos, horoscopes, move times, and much more.
GPRS Class 10 can be used when a UMTS connection is not available, enabling data to still be transferred for things like e-mail downloading or sending/receiving MMS messages. The Z1010 also has an inbuilt WAP 2.0 browser which will make use of either the UMTS or GPRS connection, depending which is available. The coverage maps of “Three”’s services will indicate where GPRS is supported and where it isn’t.
The Connectivity menu on the Z1010 has everything the handset can use to connect to other devices. It also has settings for Java applications and streaming video, synchronization, and network settings. The infrared panel on the Z1010 is located above the charging/connection ports, next to the small white circle. It can be turned on, on for 10 minutes, or off. Data can be received using the port once it is turned on and sent straight from the options menu of the file.
Bluetooth protocols supported on the Z1010 are: dial-up, file transfer, Handsfree, headset, imaging, object push, serial port, and synchronization. Headsets can be used for wireless audio conversations and files can be transferred to and from the handset from a compatible PC/laptop or device.
Build quality
Although a clam-shell form factor phone, the Z1010 performed fine in this area. The hinge of the handset clicks in and out when the phone is open and closed, and doesn’t move about.
All of the plastic port covers are attached to the phone as previously mentioned, and the Memory Stick Duo slides into place without much hassle. To remove it just push it in and then pull out! The battery and USIM are simple to get in and out, and the back cover simply needs to be pushed in then slid downwards.
Battery life
I wasn’t very impressed with the battery life of the Z1010, which would need a good charge every night to keep it on top of things. This low-battery life factor is very common in most 3G enabled phones, and the 1000mAh battery maybe isn’t enough to handle the demands of the Z1010 at all times.
The included 1000mAh battery in Sony Ericsson’s opinion will last the phone for 11 hours of talk time, and 295 hours of standby time.
Camera performance
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 has two cameras, one for photo taking and one solely for use when performing video-calls, one of the many “trademarks” of 3G networks. The camera used for picture taking is positioned differently from other clam-shell form factor phones. The camera is not on the top flip, it is on the bottom flip above the battery cover. This caused a little bit of confusion but doesn’t affect the performance at all.
The camera can capture images and video, but the resolution has been swapped in this handset. Instead of the “normal” 640 x 480 pixel shot, the Z1010 will capture 480 x 640 pixel photos. This may be to match with the physical appearance of the phone, which is longer than it is wide. There are “Three” size settings for the images, VGA maximum at 480 x 640 pixels, medium at 240 x 320 pixels, and small at 120 x 160 pixels. Video can be recorded at the QCIF resolution, 176 x 144 pixels.
Using the Memory Stick Duo as the storage device you can store about 850 large VGA sized photos, but this all depends on what is stored on the Memory Stick already. That’s more than enough for any user! The average VGA picture will be around 40kB give or take a few. The video recording on the handset can be set to limited on unlimited. The limited option limits video to 10 seconds maximum, and the unlimited option is actually limited, but only to the amount of free-memory available. For MMS messages the limited option is your best bet.
When in the actual camera application, it will start up in your last used function – video or image. Whichever it starts off with you can select the other by pressing either the left or right directional key. To capture a photo, press the middle of the directional pad or the left soft-key. The right soft-key will open up the options menu, where you can change settings, apply effects or borders to the image, turn on the night mode/self-timer, reset the file number, adjust the picture quality, and change the storage device. Buttons on the keypad will also perform these features; 1 for size adjustments, 2 for night mode, 3 for different picture effects, and 4 for the self-timer.
The top section of the camera viewfinder application will show the size selected and any other icons, as well as the amount of pictures that can be taken on the selected memory. When in the video mode these little notifications aren’t shown.
Effects can be applied to the pictures as you’re taking them, something most Sony Ericsson camera-enabled mobile phones have. The four effects on the Z1010 are Solarize, Black and White, Negative, and Sepia. There are two quality settings, you can select from either Normal or Fine. I didn’t see that much difference between the two different qualities.
Major features...
Dual-mode GSM 900/1800MHz compatibility and UMTS
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 is a dual-mode device, allowing it to operate on third-generation networks (3G networks), and 2/2.5G networks. This enables usability with the handset around the world without hassle.
The UMTS service, short for Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems is the world’s choice for 3G mobile communications. This allows direct connections between satellites and terminals (the handset used). Speeds of up to 2mbps are reachable with UMTS, so high-bandwidth applications can be used – like video talk and streaming video/audio. The Z1010 can communicate at around 384kbp/s.
3G network video-talk compatibility
As the Z1010 has UMTS support, it can transmit and download data at the same time at very high speeds. This allows rich multimedia services to be delivered directly to the handset, one of which is video-talk. Video-talk is only available in “Three”’s definite network range around Australia and the world.
The second built in camera on the Z1010 is located below the display, next to the “Video Call” label. This camera cannot be used for taking pictures unfortunately, like the LG U8810 could. When a video call comes through the caller will be able to see you and you will be able to see them, something previously unheard of. The camera is on the top flip so it aims directly at your face.
Streaming media support
The Media player on the Z1010 supports streaming video and audio, which can be accessed from the “Three” Services menu in the main menu of the handset. These come in many different forms, to live streaming from beaches around the world to the latest news headlines. The large display on the Z1010 presents your streaming video with top-notch quality.
Memory Stick Duo™ support
Sony Ericsson mobile phones that have external memory card support all use this format, the Sony developed Memory Stick Duo. These memory cards are also used in most Sony digital cameras. The slot on the Z1010 is on the left hand side of the handset, below the volume up and down keys.
A 32mB Memory Stick Duo card is in the sales package, along with a Memory Stick Duo adapter. The actual card that fits into the phone is reasonably shorter than the actual Memory Stick Duo’s, so it plugs into this adapter and can be read by Memory Stick Duo readers.
32mB internal shared memory
Although there is external memory card support, the Z1010 has a generous internal memory as well. Not as much as the 40mB of the K700i, but it’s close! 32mB of memory is shared across the board, with some space especially kept aside for certain aspects of the phone, like messages, contacts, etc
Most large memory using applications on the Z1010 have a setting where you can define which memory to use, like the camera application.
176 x 220 pixel 65,536 colour TFT LCD display
When you open the Z1010 the large screen comes to life. It occupies most of the top flip of the Z1010, and is extremely suitable for this type of mobile handset. The TFT LCD display is 176 x 220 pixels large and can display 65,536 colours.
The display is the viewfinder for the external VGA camera, and displays all your video-talk calls with the utmost clarity.
101 x 80 pixel 4-level grey scale external display
As always, being a clam-shell handset the Z1010 has an external sub-display. The one on this Sony Ericsson handset is different from most other clam-shells, as it has four grey scale levels. This gives the display a 3D look, and is very clear and easy to read.
The display is 101 x 80 pixels and displays, when the phone is idle, the time, the date, network name/reception, battery life and any other icons that may be activated, for example Bluetooth or Infrared. The bright blue backlight has a fade-out effect, and to activate it when it’s off simply press the camera or any other of the external buttons on the handset.
VGA resolution still and video camera
Although there are two digital camera’s on the Z1010, only one of them is capable of actually capturing video and still images. The external camera can capture 480 x 640 pixel resolution images, and QCIF video files. There are some quality settings in the camera application and effects that can be used to make your picture personalized!
The camera on the Z1010 is placed differently than other clam-shell phones; it’s on the bottom flip instead of the top flip. For more about the camera, and some example shots, check out the Camera performance section of this article.
MP3/MPEG4 multimedia playback
The Z1010 has an inbuilt media player which can be used to play back a range of different file formats, including MP3 and MPEG4 video. If you watch streaming media on your handset this media player will be used to present your media.
When you load up the application a list of audio files stored on both the Memory Stick Duo and internal memory will show up – any format that is supported. If you select the option button and then watch video, you will see a list of the video files. The application has an equalizer with 5 different settings, and you can view detailed information about the selected files too.
Bluetooth Wireless technology
In the connectivity menu of the Z1010 you will see all the connections that can be established and used to transmit and receive data on the handset. One of these is Bluetooth. The Z1010 can connect to a heap of different wireless devices, including other phones/PDA, computers, and audio headsets.
A list of paired devices is located under the “My Devices” menu, and there you can also discover and connect to other devices in the supported Bluetooth range.
Infrared and USB connectivity
Also under the connectivity menu is Infrared. You can select to turn the infrared port on indefinitely, on for 10 minutes, or just turn it off.
The infrared port of the Z1010 has moved from the usual spot at the side or top end of a handset, to the very bottom, above the charging and connection ports. The infrared port is the thin, long black window.
74-chord polyphonic ring tones with MusicDJ
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 supports a new type of polyphonic ring tone, the 74-chord type. Most handset support around 4 to 32 chords, some a little more. The Z1010 can play up to 74 different tones at the same time, to really make your ring tones sound like the actual thing. The actual thing is also supported (MP3 ring tones).
The Sony Ericsson MusicDJ application can compose your own polyphonic ring tones with a heap of different instruments and music combinations which you compile yourself.
SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail messaging
SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail messaging are the most common used on mobile phones at the moment. Actual e-mail messaging is less common, more-so MMS messages to e-mail addresses as they take much less setting up. The Sony Ericsson Z1010 can connect to your work or home e-mail server and download all your mail as if you were sitting on your computer reading your mail; you can reply too!
MMS messages can contain video, audio, images, animations, and text. As I said earlier, they can be sent to an e-mail address or supported mobile phone handset.
All messaging on the Z1010 has T9 predictive text to make your messages super-quick. There is little lag as well, something I always give top marks for!
Java games and applications
A Java gaming and application environment is also included on the Sony Ericsson Z1010, enabling you to play some of the best mobile-based games available. There are two games already installed on the Z1010, which are locked to the phone and unfortunately you can’t remove. These are Extreme Snow Boarding and Q*bert.
More are downloadable from the Sony Ericsson website and many other websites or mobile-based pay services.
Themed user interface
Sony Ericsson mobile phones that support themes always blow me away when I download new ones and try them out on the phone. The whole user interface is given a face-lift when you apply a new theme, and the good thing is that the possibilities are endless.
Software downloadable on your computer can be used to create your own themes, and there are literally millions on the internet to download and transfer to your phone. Some are pre-installed on the phone, most of which are based on the ““Three”” icon, as it is a 3G phone!
Advanced PIM applications with voice features
The Z1010 has voice feature support, including commands, memos, and dialing. The organizer function of the handset has many features, including a calendar, note taker, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch, calculator and code-memo feature.
The full featured calendar can hold all your appointments, birthdays, and special occasions in the single application.
Problems/Issues?
Cannot take photos with internal camera
This isn’t a problem, more of an issue that was supported on other 3G dual-camera phones but unfortunately not this one. The internal camera, below the display, cannot be used to take images. This would have been good for self-portraits, which have to be taken with the external camera which has the chrome mirror, and doesn’t always get you in it.
Use of the internal camera, like the NEC e616V had support for would have been a nice treat on such a great handset.
Grey scale external display
The grey-scale external display is a nice change from old monochrome displays which didn’t have as much detail and clarity as this one. This said, the Z1010 in my personal opinion would have looked much better with a colour external display, capable to show an image or screensaver.
In Summary
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 is a great handset for anyone looking to make the move (or upgrade their existing handset) up to the 3G network and keep with a well known and respected brand. The handset is the first 3G one from Sony Ericsson, and they have done a very good job at keeping it up to expected standards.
The Z1010 supports video-talk with the small camera positioned on the inside of the handset. There is also another camera on the back of the Z1010 which is used for capturing still images and small video clips. UMTS is supported on the handset so high-speed data transfers are possible, including streaming video, internet and WAP browsing, and not to forget video talk.
The handset has two displays, a 176 x 220 pixel 65,536 colour LCD and on the outside a 4-level greyscale display. It supports a range of fun features including MMS, Java gaming, 74-chord polyphonic ring tones, MPEG4 video playback, and MP3 ring tones and playback.
The Sony Ericsson Z1010 is available now exclusively on Australia’s only 3G enabled network, “Three”. The handset has limited stock and is available on many different plans to suit every person. |
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