We were disappointed that Sony Ericsson hasn't updated the Web browser, because it simply can't cope with non-WAP Web sites and doesn't have a desktop mode, so you can't view pages as you would on your computer's Web browser. An alternative is to download Opera mini on to the K810i -- it's a much better browser.
Performance
The camera performs identically to the K800i's, producing great shots (relative to other camera phones), particularly in low light using the xenon flash. The only problem we had is there's a small amount of shutter lag when you take a shot, which causes blurring if you don't hold the camera still until it's finished.
There is one small hardware feature change, but again it's not the improvement we expected. When you activate the camera, the 1, 4, 7 and asterisk keys turn into camera hard keys and give you direct access to some of the camera settings. These are marked out by small blue backlit icons. You can adjust picture quality, macro mode on/off, timer and flash.
Most of the other features on the K810i are pretty straightforward and again identical to the ones found on the K800i. There's Bluetooth (including support for A2DP), infrared and 3G connectivity, a VGA camera on the front for video calling, an MP3 player, an expandable Memory Stick Micro M2 slot, support for POP3 and IMAP4 email accounts, an RSS feed reader, an FM radio and a Web browser.
The MP3 player sounds good, as does the FM radio. Unfortunately, you don't get a 3.5mm headphone adaptor in the box so you can't plug in your own pair, but you could always buy an adaptor. You can also listen to music wirelessly via a pair of stereo Bluetooth headphones, which also sounded good.
The speakerphone mode works as expected. Battery life is good, lasting for over two days of moderate use before we needed to recharge it. Sony Ericsson quotes up to 400 hours of standby time and 10 hours of talk time. We did find that the battery life drained faster using 3G, but you do have the option to switch to GSM only.
Conclusion
Aside from the awkward keypad, which might not suit everyone's texting tastes, this is a good camera phone -- but there's something missing. Yes, it has a better camera cover than the K800i, some fancy blue lights and a glossy makeover, but that's the problem -- it's only a makeover and nothing has really changed.
We rated the K800i as being one of the best camera phones we had seen so far -- and gave it an Editor's Choice award -- and we expected its successor to blow it out of the water with some new fancy features, which the K810i hasn't produced. Basically, if you own a K800i then you might as well keep it.
Alternatively, you could have a look at the Nokia N95 and its whopping 5-megapixel camera, or the Samsung U600, which also boasts a 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus. Or you could simply wait to see what's next from Sony Ericsson, since there'll definitely be more camera phones to come.
Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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alvis_90 4 April 2010
Good: The design and the camera!
Bad: There is nothing i don't like about this phone!!
Comment: I fell in love with this phone the minute I saw it. I love the design and the fact that it looks a bit like a digital camera. For the past 3 years I haven't gone anywhere without this phone. The built in 3.2 mega-pixel camera has replaced my digital camera and has served its purpose well! I recommend this phone to anyone who loves taking photos and playing around with different photo options such as panorama or using frames etc. The video camera is also great however in comparison to the photo-quality not as great. Over the years I must admit that the video-quality has decreased but this is not so surprising as i have used it almost everyday.
cupcake87 4 August 2009
Good: texting, camera, layout
Bad: the buttons and the faults
Comment: Having had a SE walkman phone and loving it. . . fantastic phone! when it came time to upgrade i was reluctant to say the least but thought might as well. . . my bf had the SE K800i and while unwilling to copy his phone choice. . . was sold by the fact it was such an awesome phone . . good camera, good enough music player for me (camera is more important for me i rarely listen to my music on my phone) really really comfy buttons to use combine that with SE brilliant menu layout, your option to be able to change pretty much anything with regards to look layout and sound and i was convinced. . . however when i went too upgrade i got informed there was an upgrade to the K800i out . . . . thats all that needed to be said i was on it. .
Unfortunately somehow SE screwed up royally. . . they took an amazing phone . . did next to nothing other than change the outaide and add one minute feature and completly messed the phone up. . . .
The lack of new feaures didnt bother me too much it was free had all the essentials i wanted and didnt look identical to my bf's so no risk of muddling up. . the problems came when it started to go wrong. . .shocking as its predecessor is describe as indestructable by many people.
First the joy stick (not a huge suprise and not one i minded too much, as a phone used plenty during the day i accepted minor mechanical fault)
However, the freezing of the screen, the inablility to turn it back on when it had run out of charge until you had put a good 45 mins charge into it was annoying to say the least.
The time when it would receive no sinal at all only "emergency calls" grr repaired bt still highly inconvenent for a good two and a half weeks, the joystick then going repeatedly every few month. . (my bf uses his phone as much as me. . to and from texts etc and NEVER had to have his K800i repaired once! and he had it a good deal longer as well)
Combine all these faults with the sheer uncomfortableness of the buttons which is a total turnaround from the ultra confy buttons of its predecssor . . . . they took an awesome phone and made it suck. . . .a talent yes. . . but not a good one. . . . if your looking at this and liking the features go for a K800i . . . identical apart from look and "best pic" which i might add i NEVER used. . . identical expect for one thing. . . . the K800i is 10x less likely to ever give you a problem!
achilles_ds 11 July 2008
Good: clean looks
Bad: camera is unsharp compared to the older K7501i
Comment: phone looks very well finished but its a poor performerin many ways.sluggish...many keys are too small...
i bought it specially after my fantastic experience with the camera on the K750i. i think i just wasted my money on this piece of junk. even the software update form the service centre didnt help.thoroughly dissapointed!trying to get rid of it asap. SE wake up!!
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