When Sony Ericsson released W800i, their very first camera phone designed specifically as a lifestyle gadget with telecommunication capability. The W800i was put together in light of the popularization of MP3 players and a booming industry of online music stores. Although it was not the first camera phone to boast of MP3 playback functionality, it was however the first camera phone to leverage on the Sony ‘Walkman’ branding and along with it, the first ‘Walkman’ camera phone featuring a dedicated MP3 media interface, controls and impressive audio quality; for a phone.

Following months later, Sony Ericsson decides to give the “Walkman” makeover to the brand new W550i. Similar features include user-friendly MP3 playback interface, the signature orange theme, as well as the “Walkman” logo.

Basically, the W550i is a Walkman™ phone full of variety. The form factor is swivel action, and you can use the phone open, closed or angled. With music on the move, users can enjoy digital music with their favourite songs uploaded to the phone, as well as FM radio for quality entertainment round the clock.

Equipped with crystal clear LCD colour screen, the W550i has pre-installed with exciting and fast-moving 3D games. Dedicated gaming buttons and horisontal to-handed playing make users feel like holding a true game-console. In addition, with Bluetooth capability, multi-player gaming is possible with friends.

Of course, W550i comes with a built-in 1.3 mega-pixel camera with digital camera menu interface, defining true imaging capability. The physical feature looks like nothing less than a normal camera, and you can take pictures with an instant click.

Specification

Network frequency: Triple Band GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900

Integrated Antenna

Display
* 262K colors TFT
* 176 x 220 pixels

Storage: 256MB Onboard Shared

Address book
* Stores up to 1,000 contacts
* Supports Photo ID

Messaging
* SMS
* EMS
* MMS
* Email
* Instant Messaging

Imaging
* 2.0 megapixels CMOS Camera (1632 x 1224 pixels)
* Autofocus
* LED Flash Strobe
* Video Recording

Alerts
* 40-channel Polyphonic Ringer
* Vibrator
* MP3 Ringtones Supported

FM Radio

Hands free talking

Java Support

Mobile Internet Access: WAP 2.0

High Speed Data Transfer: Class 10 GPRS

Data Exchange
* Bluetooth
* Infrared
* USB Data Cable

Software
* Alarm
* Calendar
* Notes
* Tasks
* Calculator
* Picture Editor
* Image Viewer
* Flash Light
* Stop Watch
* Voice Memo
* Video Player
* World Clock

Games
* 3D Worms Forts: Under Siege 3D
* 3D Extreme Air Snowboarding
* Midway’s Gauntlet

Battery
* Stand-by Time: Up to 375hrs
* Talktime: Up to 8hrs

Weight: 120g

Dimensions: 93 x 46.5 x 22.5 mm (L x W x H)

On the whole, the new W550i is a pleasant camera phone to use. Some reviewers claimed that the phone has a long battery life, ease of use, high responsiveness, great bundle, and decent audio quality. Fora tidy sum of USD$358 and going as low as USD$298 (depending on carrier contract bundles), the W550i is quite reasonably priced too, except for some minor reception issue.