The alphanumeric keypad that is underneath the navigation key, is unique and features mirrored circular keys that overlap each other like fish scales. This makes it difficult to distinguish between them at times, and if you have large thumbs you might press find it awkward to press the correct keys.
Underneath the alphanumeric keypad are two more keys. The bottom left gives you access to shortcuts, calendar events and WAP browser bookmarks. The bottom right is the power button. We found both of these keys are rather small and would have preferred it if they were bigger.
Features
At first the Z530i seems like a very similar phone to its predecessor. The camera has a 0.3-megapixel (VGA) sensor identical to the Z520i's that can take still shots and videos. Other features that haven't changed include SMS and MMS messaging, infrared, Bluetooth, GPRS, voice dialling, speakerphone, WAP browser, email client, polyphonic ringtones, wallpapers, themes and exchangeable covers.
We were pleased to see that Sony Ericsson has addressed one of our major complaints -- the Z520i only had 16MB of internal memory and no memory card slot, so you couldn't make the most of its multimedia features. The Z530i has 28MB of internal memory and an expandable Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot so you can store up to 1GB of music, photos and video on it.
Although this might seem like a small change, the addition of a memory card slot is significant. We liked the fact that the Z520i had so many connectivity options but cringed when we saw how little storage space it had. There's no point being able to transfer files in a variety of ways if there isn't much space to store them.
Performance
Audio on calls was clear and there was no muffling or distortion when making or receiving calls. When we made a test call the person at the end of the line could be heard clearly and they could hear us clearly too. The speakerphone is loud enough to provide a decent hands-free alternative and could be heard clearly in the office.
The camera picture quality was poor and images appeared blurry and discoloured. When we took a picture there was a blue halo that seemed to surround any object near a light source. On-screen the images looked blurred and pixellated.
Battery life is quoted at around 540 minutes talk time and 400 hours on standby.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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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.
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