Is it a camera? Is it a phone?

The S700i is a special phone in itself. People always ponder whether this phone is a digital camera or a cell phone. There is a different between “a phone w/ a camera” and “a phone and a camera” and the S700i is a prime example of this. If you look at the actual camera parts on the back of the phone, it actually has a lens cover like a digital camera. Just move the slider to open the cover to reveal the 1.3 mega pixel. If you guys are still wondering if this phone is a GOOD (digital) camera phone, believe me when I say IT IS!!! The phone is "anywhere universal"; during the day (snap) and you'll get a beautiful picture and during night (snap w/ a flash) and you'll get a beautiful picture. The flash function is so bright that I can actually see a spider in the picture that I took at night BUT you guys don't have to take my word for it. Websites like GSMarena.com, mobiledia.com, and mobile-review.com and other people just like us (http://www.mobile-review.com/forum2/showthread.php?t=20217) agree w/ me that it is one of the best and if not, THE BEST camera phone that is around right now. The camera function out beats the Nokia 7260 and the much anticipated Samsung D500 (1.3 mega pixel phone also) not only in picture quality but also the number of camera functions and features. [Just google "Sony Ericsson S700 and Samsung D500" and find a website that shows the two phone head to head in a camera dual.]

Ok, the camera feature on the S700 is excellent, what about the phone function of the S700? Carrying the Sony Ericsson badge means a phone of true excellence in functionality and reliability. The phone reception is phenomenal; I use a S700i myself and it’s always at its maximum reception w/ T-Mobile. (I'm not sure about other places since I live in LA) For example, my friend and I were in an elevator in the Tuscany hotel and our room was on the 16th floor. By the 3rd floor, he lost his call while I was busy chatting w/ someone else straight until I hung up on them in my room. No more "hey, are you there" or "can you hear me" when using the S700.

Ok, good camera and phone quality. What about its functions? Functions are great. With Bluetooth (capable of pairing w/ 7 other devices) and IrDA, its easy to transfer music, pictures, etc. The phone can store up to 510 contacts which is more than enough contacts in a lifetime w/ 8 different numbers/information for one contact!! The phone has a 32mb shared memory which is alright if you're a gadget lover like me. But if you can opt for a 128mb memory stick duo like me, you'll have endless pictures. (This can vary, but my 128mb stick duo including some space on my phone can take over 5000 pictures at the smallest picture size and a little over 800 pictures for the bigger size... if you have any questions about this, please email me for the exact number) The phone can play mp3 which is alright because phones nowadays are beginning to be mp3 compatible (K500, P910, P900, SGH-D500, etc.) but what separates this phone from the rest is that you're able to listen to the radio. (Unfortunately its only the FM station .... too bad, no AM)

What about phone clarity? Its a Sony Ericsson, need I say anymore? To people that’s not a Sony Ericsson user, what I just said means that its top notch. The sound control works great wherever you're at. It’s suitable to hear the other person quietly, very much like a whisper, or really loud if you're in a big crowd. People on the other side can hear you better because the output is always strong, clear and crisp. I had some friends that say my voice sound clearer on the S700 than the P910 which is amazing because the P910 is NEWER than the S700. Pair w/ a Bluetooth headset and wow, does it works great! I was able to keep a strong connection between the phone and the headset (Bluetrek G2) from my room to the kitchen. Pairing w/ my laptop, I was able to transfer music and pictures to my laptop so that function saves me couple bucks from buying a USB to serial cable. Like I said, this phone is swamp w/ endless features that will actually save you money.

Anything bad about the phone? Yes, the battery life. Its better than any other phones especially Samsung but not as good as the Sony Ericsson P910. This reason is caused by the battery type. The P910 has a lithium polymer battery and the S700 has a lithium Ion. The capacity to hold power of the S700 is smaller than that of the P910. On a day to day use, I find myself charging the phone twice a week where as the P910 once a week. But hey, you win some you lose some. The S700 models all have couple bugs but don’t worry about it you guys. A good word from different forums and representatives are at their best to upload a brand new updated firmware which will make the phone perfect soon enough on the sony ericsson website. So you don't have to send in your phone to do this, this can be achieved at the comfort of your own room. Other than the battery and bugs, the phone is probably one of the best phones in its category.