Sony Ericsson W995

Recently, I got an upgrade from the K850i to the W995. Initially I was looking to get the C905, but after hearing that this version comes with 8GB memory, I was sold. So far after two weeks of use, I've found it to be one of the better ones I've used in a long time. Being a fan of Sony Ericsson since the K700i a couple of years ago, I got used to the phone's interface very easily. I found it easier to get use to this version more than when I upgraded from the K800i to the K850i a year ago.

Of course, even though I love this version, it does come with its drawbacks.

PROS:

1) Games - my phone came with loads of games courtesy from Orange and I've already spent many hours having a crack at some of the games.

2) Memory - The phone comes with a tiny 126MB memory, but it also comes with an external 8GB card which I've literally filled with music files. It still leaves me with enough space to enjoy my photos and videos.

3) Camera functions - there is a quick modifications function to 'correct' photos that appear too dark called photo fix which I found quite handy.

- There is also a comic strip function which I've dabbled with to give loads of laughs.

4) Music - The phone came with a Speaker + Headphones that provide very good sound quality, which is understandable as the W995 is one of the walkman versions from Sony Ericsson.

5) Video - The video quality was exceptionally good compared to the previous models and even when enlarged on a computer screen it looked very clear.

6) Keypad - This was a joy to use compared to the maze the K850i had with the semi touch screen function which was many a laugh to people who tried using my old phone.

7) Flash - The LED flash was downgraded from Xenon, but is acceptable. At least this time, they managed to put the flash in a sensible position unlike the previous model.

8) Applications - They have some really zany applications on this phone, which is bound to keep me entertained for hours!

CONS:

1) Slide - I'm not a big fan of slide phones. I always expect it to falter sometime sooner than the old phone and you need to slide it open for better quality sound (talking and listening) while on the phone.

2) Battery - I'm delighted with the functions of the phone, but I just don't seem to get the mileage I used to get with my old K850i. Previously I had to charge my phone once every 2 or 3 days, while now the battery is almost down in 1 day - although this is attributed to the amount of time I've spent playing around the games, music and applications.

3) Service - Compared to the K850i, this phone has a lower range of service. Where I stay, I usually get full bars of service, but with this new phone, that range has been halved. Also, in my office, I'm facing times when my phone has no service at all! The seeking of service possibly contributes to the lost of battery throughout the day too.

4) Earphones - Right. SE has provided the phone with a 2 part earphone. No doubt, the quality of the music is very good, but when detached and hooked into the jack for 'walkman' mode, the earphone line is just too short. So, unless we have a spare pocket on our shoulders, it would be very difficult to place while using it this way.

5) Camera - a minor qualm, there is no cover for the lens.

6) Music list - I've just loaded a bulk of music (1400+ files) onto the phone, but navigating through the songs is a bit cumbersome. Probably I'm used the ipod so I'm still having trouble looking for certain songs.

Some other needless facts of the phone:

1) Size and weight: 97x49x15mm and 113g

2) 3.5mm headphone jack (see earphones in CONS)

3) LED flash instead of Xenon flash

4) A small metal flip stand

5) LCD screen with 240x320-pixel and 262,000 colours

6) Connectivity

7) GPS

Verdict:

As I said before I really like this phone, so ignoring all its cons, I'll just say yes please, thank you very much!