Aimed at outdoor types, the Sony Ericsson C702 is described as dust- and splash-proof and packs a 3.2-megapixel camera and GPS. Is this sturdy phone more than just tough looks? It's currently available from several networks for free on a monthly contract or for about £200 on pay as you go.
Design
Before we go on to describe our experience with the overall design of the C702, we have to point out how difficult it was to initially remove the battery cover. We don't normally have any problems opening battery covers, but the C702's cover presented a real challenge. First, you have to unlock the cover and then pry it open to the point that you think you're going to snap it in half. Aside from keeping the battery very secure, we're not sure why Sony Ericsson opted for this type of cover and hope not to see it again.
Fortunately, the rest of the C702's design isn't as trying as the battery cover. It's not a chunky phone and it fit in our pockets very easily, but it's large enough that it feels solid and robust. A relatively large screen is good for reading text messages and looking at apps such as Google Maps.
The keypad isn't the nicest we've ever used. The keys could be more well defined, but it's functional and adequate for tapping out messages. It might also have been a consideration to make all the keys on the phone much larger and better defined for use with gloves, for example. Equally functional is the C702's sliding lens cover that protects the lens and makes it easy to activate the camera.
As a rugged phone, we found the C702 to be fairly solid and will put up with dust and rain. Still, we didn't find the C702 particularly tougher than any other Sony Ericsson phone. If anything, we thought the company could have gone even further with the C702's ruggedness and made it sturdier, perhaps featuring a metal frame and a completely waterproof design.
Features
As a Cyber-shot phone, the C702's 3.2-megapixel camera is its key feature. Flick the lens cover open and the camera is activated along with four blue lights, which appear on the right side of the keypad and give certain keys camera-specific functions.
The camera starts up quickly and there isn't a lot of shutter lag, so taking pictures is a fairly pleasurable affair. As for picture quality, images taken in daylight came out well. They're not as good as the K850i's, which has a better camera. Both, however, lack a xenon flash.
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User reviews2
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gyrwe 4 January 2009
Good: Good interface, efficient phone, good feature set.
Bad: As supplied GPS crashed the phone - all sorted by updating the phone software.
Comment: Bought this to replace a K750i because I needed HSDPA. I use it for email, text, photography with geotagging, radio, music. Great little gadget. Just wish it was as small as the K750.
GPS lock ups should be fixed with the latest software update - Sat Nav/Google maps is fine for walking but no use for driving - speaker is not loud enough and the screen is too small.
shopmobiles4u 23 July 2008
Good: latest camera technology
Bad: Only 3.2 magapixel
Comment: The Sony Ericsson C702 Cyber-shot is packed with the latest camera technology. Its unique design means its both splash and dust resistant. Combine this with steady-grip materials and a wrist-strap provided in-box, and the C702 is perfect for an active lifestyle. The 3.2 megapixel camera has autofocus and a mechanical sliding cover. Face detection is also enabled, as is red eye reduction. The Sony Ericsson C702 also integrates GPS. A range of location-based imaging services add a new dimension to your photos. When you take a picture, information about where you are in the world is added to the image. With built-in GPS, the C702 supports Google Maps, enabling you to roam free with confidence. Use GPS to pinpoint your location and then get turn-by-turn voice guidance to your destination. Other features include FM Radio, Stereo Bluetooth and 160MB memory.
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