The Sony Ericsson Z530i is the upgraded version of the Sony Ericsson Z520i. Both phones have the same form factor and loop aerial, along with similar specs, but this handset has a new keypad and expandable memory slot. We're not convinced by the fish-scale design of the keypad but we're over the moon about the increase in storage space.
The Sony Ericsson Z530i is available free on contract from Carphone Warehouse, O2 and Vodafone.
DesignThe front section of the Sony Ericsson Z530i features an orange monochrome screen that displays signal, date and time, battery life, incoming calls or messages and the title and track time of a song. The screen is surrounded by a reflective silver border featuring the Sony Ericsson logo and the model name of the phone.
Above the screen is a 0.3-megapixel (VGA) camera and portrait mirror. The rest of the front section consists of a black rubber-like cover that can be removed and changed, allowing you to customise the phone. On the top left side of the phone there's a large volume button and on the top right side is an infrared port.
The back of the phone houses the loudspeaker and a black battery cover that can also be removed. On the top of the back section is a loop aerial that is very similar to the Z520i's, but rounder and smoother. The charging port is located on the bottom of the phone and doubles up as the headset and USB port.
Once you open up the phone, you'll see the 128x160-pixel screen that is surrounded by a silver border similar to the external screen and also displays the model number and Sony Ericsson name. The hinge that attaches the screen to the keypad is particularly chunky and looks out of place.
Just below the hinge is the four-way navigation button with a mirrored OK button in the middle. We found the navigation button easy to use but the OK button was too small and squashed to be used comfortably. Although we managed to select the right options with it, we couldn't help tapping the navigation button at the same time, which was annoying.
Either side of the navigation key are soft keys -- the top left key gives you access to call information and the top right takes you to the menu. The bottom left soft key is takes you back one page and the bottom right is the cancel key.
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User reviews3
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klj005 21 October 2007
Good: Easy to use
Bad: Low volume
Comment: I think the phone is excellent value for money. I have had it for a week and have had no problems at all. From day one I found it easy to use with the windows like layout, you don't even need to read the instructions, just turn it on and play with for awhile and your set. The camera and video funtion is easy to use but which has been previously stated not top quality. However I did not buy it for that reason and prefer my didital camera instead. The key pad layout works well and I don't understand the critism here either, and I do like the look, no better or worse than others I have used and certainly up to texting. The phone feels as looks quality having a nice feel and finish to it. Not at all cheap and plastic like so many available now. Battery life is very good compared to my previous phones and only needs a charge every few days under heavy use. Downloading MP3's via the IFR worked seemlesly and was easy to set up although downloading speed was a little slow. I have not tried the USB as I have to purchase a cable but would say that it would be much faster in USB2.I think it would have been nice for Sony Ericsson to include a cable instead of having to buy one!
Voice dialling is a nice touch and works well and is easy to set up, just say the name of the person you want to ring and the phone dials the number. Speaking clearly is the key to that function. On a down side the the ring volume is not quite loud enough and could be improved but that can also depend on what ring tone you are using, but yes more volume would be nice. As an MP3 player it is easy to use but you will need to purchase an M2 memory card to hold all your favorite songs. Once you have the card just connect your phone via USB, IFR, Bluetooth and download direct to the card, it is as easy as that. All in all I would say that the Z530i is an excellent all round phone, it's not top of the range nor is it at the bottom by any means.
It seems that most critisms of this phone are from people who want top of the range quality and extras for minimum dollars spent. You get what you pay for and this phone delivers that and a bit more!!!
Mehdi Azhdari 28 February 2007
Good: Has Bluetooth
Bad: Not very pretty
Osie Jalloh 17 July 2006
Good: The features
Bad: The camera
Comment: This phone is very good and cute for its price. I think that it should be bought by all of you out there 'cuz it isn't that bad if you give it a chance.
See all 3 user reviews