Sony Ericsson K660i review

While all the attention tends to go to the high-end handsets -- with a plethora of features that are rarely used -- it's worth having a look lower down the chain for hidden gems. A potential diamond in the rough is the Sony Ericsson K660i. It might not be laden with glamorous features, but its simplicity could just be what you're looking for.

It's currently available from 3, for free on a monthly contract starting at £15 a month.

Design
There's something very attractive about keeping things simple that the K660i exemplifies. Rather than opt for flashy design gimmicks, the K660i is understated, with a straightforward candybar layout that's easy to understand. The navigation keys and keypad are easy to press and its slim design ensures it'll slip into most pockets.

A silver frame, similar to the iPhone's, adds a touch of quality, but if you're looking for a large touchscreen you should go elsewhere, because the K660i's is modestly sized and not touch-sensitive. An interesting addition to the keypad is a set of shortcut keys, which give you quick access to certain browser features -- we'll discuss these later on.

The K660i's screen isn't massive, but the interface is simple and easy to use

Features
The K660i's simple design is reflected internally with a straightforward interface that's responsive and easy to use. It's not a super-phone, but the K660i does have some stand-out features, including HSDPA (3.5G), which allows you to browse the Web at high speeds. Its browser allows you to view full Web pages.

The keypad shortcut keys we mentioned earlier light up when you're using the browser, allowing you to quickly search Google, add a bookmark, visit the Sony Ericsson fun and downloads site and zoom in and out of a page, similar to Opera Mini. The browser works fine, but we prefer Opera Mini, which the K660i supports.