Sony Ericsson T715 Preview

Introduction and design:

You cannot even imagine how shocked we were to see a new model (announced after the Yari, Aino and Satio) with a name starting with T and not ending with aifun! Apparently, the manufacturer has decided its device naming policy won´t apply across the board. The nameless Sony Ericsson T715 turns out to be quite a likeable and compact cell phone. A quick look at its specifications reveals that it´s actually a slider version of the T700 that we reviewed already. The new form factor has made the handset substantially shorter (when closed) and rather podgier, being about 50% thicker than its sibling.






You can compare the Sony Ericsson T715 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

The phone sports a 2.2-inch QVGA display that is claimed to remain totally useable even in direct sunlight. The manufacturer promised to equip the device with large buttons and most of them are indeed. There is nice surprise, hidden under the aluminum battery cover – the T715 features a microSD slot, just like the Aino, Yari and Satio. We think it´s time that we all said “so long, dear M2 cards, it was (not) a pleasure…”

Interface and Functions:

The Sony Ericsson T715 and Yari utilize almost identical software that features active home screen (also found on other models of the manufacturer, say the S500) – it changes based on what time it is and if any of your contacts happens to have a birthday, their names will show on screen. As we mentioned, Sony Ericsson will soon discontinue shipping new models boxed with software CDs and the T715 is no exception – the second you connect it to a computer, it offers to install Sony Ericsson PC Suite. The user guide is accessible via the settings menu, but reading it on the phone doesn’t feel comfy. Unfortunately, the file seems to be well hidden and therefore, being unable to copy it on your computer means you will have to find it on the Internet.



Unlike the Yari, the audio player doesn’t offer different visual modes and comes with the previous design of the manufacturer. The lack of accelerometer doesn’t allow automated navigation in either the multimedia menu or the phone browser (as capable as usual) and alternative game control options are unavailable.



The device is equipped with the same camera as the T700, with 3.2-megapixel resolution, without autofocus and without… erm, with the very same LED flash we complained about in our review of the afore-mentioned handset. Take a look at the pictures, we have taken with the prototype, but yet again, we need to point out snapshot quality might be quite different when the T715 is officially released.






Even though the device lacks a built-in GPS, the handset comes preloaded with Google Maps v.3.0.0. The app offers interesting features, such as Latitude, which shows the location of all your friends using the same program on the map and provides traffic information.



Expectations:

The T-series devices of Sony Ericsson are not as popular as Walkman or Cyber-shot handsets, but all models have pleasing overall look and above all, compact size. The Sony Ericsson T715 doesn’t bring forth new or impressive features. Will it find its place in the overcrowded world of midrange handsets? Coming with a number of functions and good-looking design, the key factor that will ultimately determine its fate is the price it rolls out at.

Sony Ericsson T715 Video Preview: