Just when you thought Sony Ericsson phones couldn't get any cooler, the s710a comes along, sporting an elegant, rotating design, support for high speed data networks, and a powerful integrated camera. Add these to a jumbo screen, Bluetooth, and support for expandable memory, and you've got one serious contender in the race to deliver the coolest of the cool in the high-end phone category.
Design
Click the image to get a closer look at the s710a's features. |
The s710a's swiveling design means that the keypad is only revealed when you need it. Because of this design, the phone more resembles a digital camera, with a massive 240 x 320 display on one side and a pronounced camera system on the other. There's even a grip on the back for holding the phone sideways when capturing photos. The camera unit, which is protected by a lens cover, features 1280 x 960 resolution (1.3 megapixel), as well as an LED flash. Meanwhile, a five-way directional button on the front of the device controls most of the phone's menus and features. A Memory Stick DUO slot is provided on the right side for easy memory expansion, and the phone ships with a 32 MB card included. In addition to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the s710a also has an infrared receiver for data synchronization.
Calling Features
The s710a's phone book can hold up to 510 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. The phone's voice activated dialing makes calling up to 50 of your contacts as easy as saying their names, while the built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included and there's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there's a vibrate ringer mode.
It's a 1.3 megapixel camera! |
No, wait, it's a media viewer with a massive 2.3-inch screen. |
Oh my gosh! It's also a phone! |
Because the s710a is Bluetooth-enabled, you can use a variety of headsets and handsfree kits for total wireless freedom when you're on the go.
Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you're looking for a mobile office partner, the s710a has you covered. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via SMS or MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols (Cingular messaging charges apply). Cingular has generously pre-configured email account settings for BellSouth, SBC, and Earthlink. There's also a built-in Web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
Getting on the Internet is easy with the s710a, as it supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. Enjoy broadband speeds in EDGE-enabled service areas.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the s710a, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the s710a's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your s710a.
Imaging and Entertainment
As mentioned, the phone sports a powerful 1.3 megapixel camera and flash. The camera also features an 8x zoom capability, as well as support for video capture. You can capture as much video as you like, as long as there is available memory.
The s710a is a powerful gaming companion, too, with support for enhanced, Java-based 3D gaming. The phone comes preloaded with several games and more are downloadable from both Sony Ericsson and Cingular's MEdia service. Lastly, the s710a has a nifty MP3 player, so you can load up your memory card and listen to tunes while you're on the go.
Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson s710a weighs 4.83 ounces and measures 4.23 x 1.93 x .96 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of digital talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
s710a handset, lithium-ion battery, travel charger, user's manual, application software.
1 Best Phone Ever
This is one the best phone that I have owned so far. The screen is unmatched and the speaker is loud and clear. Reception is comparable with Nokia which are known for the best reception in GSM. I like this phone a lot. Menu speed doesn't bother me and I am sure that a firmware release will remedy this. If you have used Nokia, Motorola, or any other GSM phone, do your self a favor and step up to this phone. It will blow everything else in the water. Swivel design is great and the camera really shines for a camera phone. Plenty of on-board memory and you can use Memory Stick Duo cards up to 128MB each if you need more space for pictures and MP3s. A lot of built in functions like calendar, timer, stop watch, notes, etc. Themes can be downloaded to make the phone look unique. There are plenty of free themes available at Zedge online. All you have to do is register for free. You can them transfer them to your phone wirelessly if you have a Bluetooth adapter. Sony Ericsson phones are known for their fully functional and excellent Bluetooth. Apple Macs and Sony Ericsson phones were made for each other in the Bluetooth world.
2 Best Phone I have ever had!!!
PROs: Great Camera (Best I've seen yet on a phone); Swivel design is awesome and comfortable; MP3 Player rocks and sounds great; bluetooth makes it so much easier syncing with your computer and other devices, included 32MB memory internal PLUS 32MB memory stick duo makes taking pictures and videos and transferring them fun and easy; the screen is big, crisp, and clear; 3-D gaming is wicked hot -- look fantastic; Tools are great and easy to use; Music DJ ring-tone maker is fun.
CONs: Price for regular consumers is outrageous; menus can be slow.
Overall this is one outstanding phone. I would suggest is to anyone that is looking to get onto a GSM network. (...) Some people also say that the menus are too slugish and are a pain in the butt, but whats everybodies rush, just cuz something doesn't happen 1 second faster than it should people get all upset. All my friends thought the phone was amazing when I whipped it out and they are all in the process of picking one up. (...).
3 good phone - Amazon got sucked into cingular 2 yr contract
The phone is really quite good, swivel looks very cool and impresses everyone strangers included. Sony always has had a bit of a software bug, but it never bothered me. Even the best laptops freeze once in a while, so whats wrong if a phone does it.
used to be that Amazon was one of the few places that you got a 1 year contract. But amazon fell into the cingular trap and now only offer 2 year contracts with cingular. Also their prices don't compare with other retailers (such as..I can't say) whats going on Amazon, please go back to who you were and give competitive prices and reasonable contracts (2 years is a looooooong time)
4 To clarify the s710a mp3 player
Some people unintentionally overlook this feature, but you need to create a NEW FOLDER in the mp3 player (please see instruction manual). Then you can play your mp3s without having to listen to the ringtones also.
Regarding the phone itself, it is different in a good way. I personally like the phone because it is big and has some weight. I don't like the current trend of phones being so small and light (ever see "Zoolander"). Also, the screen is so very vivid. Sometimes people are negative about the phone because price is an issue for them. Almost every negative interview I have read usually boils down to the phone being too expensive. "Sometimes, you just need to spluge every now and then."
5 Very Good Phone, A few Drawbacks
First off, I like the phone very much. It is...
1. A mobile phone
2. A 1.3MP camera
3. An MP3 player
The phone is reasonable. Reception is pretty good. Buttons are a bit strange, but nothing one can't get used to. The operating system is typical Sony Ericsson. It does sync with Mac OS X, though you have to pair from the device to computer first. Then you have to pair from the computer to the device. iSync then recognizes the phone.
The camera is pretty good, though not great. It a a big improvement over previous Sony Ericsson phones. Resolution is about 1280 x 960. There is a "flash"; really it is a light, but it works well. The camera has spot metering, rapid capture, movie capture, multiple resolution settings, etc. Great for blogging and quick snapshots that you may want to print out. Obviously this is not a replacement for a better, higher MP, digital camera.
The MP3 player is very good, though simplistic. It lists all songs on the memory card then all MP3s on the phone itself. I will that it would exclude MP3 ringtones, but it does not. Fortunately, it plays the songs on the memory card first... then it plays MP3s (ringtones) on the phone.
In all, it is a very good phone. The games one can buy are better than ones on the 610/616. I give it 4 stars just for capabilities and simplicity. I took one star away because the MP3 player seems too simplistic.
6 Sleek Phone, lacks some items....
This phone has a really great "cool factor" and the screen, and camera are both very good. My reception is only so-so. However, the main problem with the phone is the battery! The life is really bad and you should plan on charging it alot. Also, the buttons are really hard to get at sometimes, as they are quite slippery! Another bad feature is that the thing can play MP3's but because it only takes Memory Stick Duo, it can only play 128 megs of songs! Thats really not going to do anybody that much good. If you are looking for a really sleek looking phone with a nice quality camera, then this phone should be at the top of your list. Everyone else, however, who is looking for quality and battery life among other things, keep looking!
7 Sony Ericsson S710a Cell Phone Review
I bought this a few nights ago and I have been enjoying this cell phone. I had another Sony Erisson which was pretty old so I ditched that one and got this one. This phone has a really cool design. All you do is just turn the screen open and you are ready to go! This screen is HUGE and the color is exceptionally well! The phone has megapixel technology with about 8x zoom. The reception is very good and I am always at five bars. Like other websites I do agree that the buttons are a bit slippery and a bit small but that's no a big setback. The battery life is okay and usually about 2-5 hours on a normal day. Cingular Wireless is okay and I would look into this phone. A lot of websites have been rating this a very good phone and so do I.
8 S710a Returned
I've been waiting a while for this phone and just got it yesterday. Most everything is the same (except for the design)as the 610. The menu is almost identical. With the exception of an MP3 player and better camera that's really it.
The reason I am returning mine is because I planned on using the phone as an MP3 player. Unfortunately, the phone can ONLY use memory stick Duo (not PRO) which has a max of 128 megs. What the? Do a search for yourself and see that even Lexar and Sandisk only go to 128 for the plain memory DUO stick. What a bummer! Including a few photos brought over from my PC and 5-6 songs I filled the 32 meg card that was included. Oh well. Hope this helps.
Sony Ericsson consumer support had no idea why the phone doesn't use the newer version of the memory stick DUO. Even the new PSP from Sony will use the memory stick duo pro which opens up a whole other can or worms!
9 impressive but frustrating
keyboard is not illuminated; has a reflective surface that makes it hard to see
synchronization with macs is sketchy; strips company names out of address book
and replaces them with periods; only syncs up personal names
great screen, media features, impressive camera function
somewhat chunky, seems robust though
I wish I could pay $250 and get it without camera, mainly care about bluetooth and data features, but Cingular has you over a barrel since it is the only one that does that.... at least for macs
10 This is the phone to get for 2005...
I just bought my S710a and all I can say is WOW! Its eveything I had hoped for and plenty more. The phone's outter shell looks and feels great. It doesnt have that certain, cheap plastic feel unlike other phones like the Nokia 7610 which is a complete joke. The S710a has an absolutely gorgeous screen and the digital camera actually takes pretty decent pictures unlike all other picture camera phones that litterally look like junk. I highly recommend the S710a to anyone who's looking for a full-featured cell phone in a good lookin' outter shell. Definately worth the money unlike other high dollar phones like the Moto Razr which is another joke. The S710a from Sony Ericsson was well worth the wait.
11 the good and the bad
This phone has finally just come out, and there's some good and bad:
Pros
- The screen is amazing-- big and bright.
- The phone is as stylish as it gets.
- The 1.3MP camera is one of the best phone cameras on the market.
- It has EDGE and BT
- It has external memory
Cons
- The UI is surprisingly slow (much more so than the S700)
- There is a bug where you cannot type in a WAP URL. You can only use Cingular's WAP portal or add a bookmark.
- The shutter sound cannot be turned off.
- It doesn't have the Symbian OS.
- It's bulky.
- No MS Pro support so you only get up to 128mb external.
- After delaying the release for 6 weeks, Cingular decided to raise the price to $450 with a 2 year contract.
So perhaps the s710a hasnt lived up to the hype. Right now this phone is not worth the cost, but hopefully they can fix some of these issues with updated firmware. If they can speed up the UI, fix the WAP URL bug, disable the shutter sounds, and lower the cost back to its original price, this phone would get 5 stars. Many of these technical issues were already fixed once for the S700i, so why they werent fixed for the S710a is disappointing.
12 cingsucks
this is a great phone i have used the s700i wich is basicly the exact same thing only in silver rather than black, and dosnt have the EDGE updated card inside.. its also got an fm player but thats pretty much worthles to me (maybe not to some of you). this phone is ready for purchase but cingular is holding onto it becuse they dont want it to interfear with their marketing campaign for the moterola razr phone.. its really a sad thing.. i wholy sugest buying this phone unlocked and useing t-moble or some other company besides cingular to provide your service.. infact im on hold right now with cingular just trying to find out if they have announced when they are finaly going to release this product and i have been on hold for about 15 minuets.. never have i been so insulted by a company than when i have to deal with cingular..
great phone.. bad situation.. terible company that has rights to it
sony ericsson is great.. cingular, bad.
