Sony Ericsson C702 Preview

Introduction:

C is for Camera. That is the main idea of one of the new phone line announced by Sony Ericsson this year. Like the G-series, the first two models presented are positioned in the high and middle class.

Subject to this preview is the youthful C702, equipped with a 3.2-megapixel Cyber-shot camera with autofocus and GPS. On top of that, it is resistant to dust and humidity.

Currently, all versions (globally) of the phone are prototypes and that’s why we are previewing it instead of giving you an in depth review. For our full detailed testing, we always use only final versions of the product, to make sure the results are impartial.

Design:

C stands for cool-looking-candybar. This, on the other hand, was our reaction when we first saw the phone. Despite it not being the lightest and slimmest possible, it easily catches the eye thanks to the extravagant colors and rounded edges. Its design is similar to that of the T650 on a protein diet - bigger and buffer. It is divided in two, with the upper part being occupied by a 2.2-inch display, having a 240 x 320 pixel resolution. In the bottom part, we have the keyboard. Similar to K850 and the previous Cyber-shot phones, one of the rows of the numeric keypad has additional symbols, indicating their camera functions. In case it’s activated they light up in blue, and the rest remain dark.


The Camera shutter is located on the right where is the volume rocker, which of course, is used for zoom in/out. On the other side, is positioned only the M2 card slot and a GPS marking, which is there as if to remind us that this is only the second phone of the manufacturer with a built-in navigational system. The charger/data cable/headset connector is located on the bottom, and the power button is on the top.



On the back, we have the 3.2-megapixel camera, covered by a protective lid in the style of К800/К810, instead of C902 or К850. Unfortunately, the flash is not Xenon, either „PhotoFlash” (as in C902), but is simply a dual LED, similarly to the four generations older К750. The battery lid is rugged for a better grid. It is held by a locking screw, which is done to make the device resistant to dust and humidity. That doesn’t mean that you could follow the path of Jacques Yves Cousteau, snapping underwater pictures of sharks, but you’ll be able to take part in the musical „Talking in the Rain”.

So far, the color schemes available are Cool Cyan and Speed Black, which fit the youthful character of the phone. Knowing the strategy of Sony Ericsson, if the model is successful, there will be more colors available in the future.

Interface:

C702 uses the interface we know from the latest SE phones, with a few minor changes made necessary by the presence of the GPS system. In other words, it is identical to the design of the W760.


If for any reason, you feel lost or you want to know where you’ve ended up after a long night, you’ll have to use the location services. The phone offers support for GoogleMaps, Navigation service and tracker (which can help you understand how well you are doing with your jogging exercise). By using the favorite place option, you will easily store preferred restaurants for example.

There are some changes in the media menu as well. Besides the standard shortcuts, leading to the photo gallery and the media player, now, there are icons giving you access to games, web feeds and TV online streaming. In other words, you have all things necessary to spend a good time only in the company of your phone, gathered in one place. We only wondered why, the FM Radio has not been invited to the party.

It is natural for the camera to be accented on in a Cyber-shot branded model. It offers a rich set of functions, which can be set by using the four shortcuts on the keyboard. The interface is identical to the K850’s and lets you change the shoot mode, the white balance, the focusing mode, also allowing you to add different effects. Another innovation seen here is the GeoTagging function, which stores information (on every photograph) about the location a picture was taken at, acquired via the GPS.


Overall, the phone is the right choice for the individual, having an energetic lifestyle. The device is massive and resistant to dust and humidity, but its roughness is cute in a way.