Design and Looks
The Sony Ericsson K850i sports the same dimensions as the K810i. But that's the only similarity between the two. The K850i looks entirely different from its predecessor and boasts better functionality. What makes it different not only from the K810i but also other Sony Ericsson bar phones is the D-pad that is integrated into the alphanumeric keypad and the three soft keys that are just below the display. The differential in pressure that must be applied when pressing the D-pad in contrast to the soft keys can be disorienting at first but users can adjust to it.
The reason for this questionable change in keypad layout is obvious; while the phone features similar size as the K810i, it has a slightly larger screen (2.2”), this implies redesigning the keypad and the navigational and softkeys to fit in a much more compact space. The design is executed wonderfully and users shall have no problems navigating around the menus.
The keypad is composed of small rubber keys set wide apart. They are comfortable to use and the spacing between adjacent keys is large enough to cancel out the possibility of typos. This new layout will appeal to the masses that aren't comfortable with regular SE phones. The keys on the right column of the keypad serve dual purpose as dedicated keys for the camera function.
Coming to the 2.2” display once again, it is of QVGA resolution and offers excellent colour representation and screen brightness. The display also offers reasonable legibility under direct sunlight but it is still no Nokia display. Keypad illumination is even and wave-like adding to the aesthetic beauty of the phone.
On the software front, the phone is loaded with excellent applications. The Media Center takes the cake. It offers a one-touch access to the phone's multimedia applications; pictures, music and video. The music player embedded here is similar to the Walkman Music Player 3.0 featuring the ever-popular MegaBass equalizer preset. The player naturally offers good audio quality even when played over the loudspeaker. The picture gallery features an intuitive interface; there is an option to play slideshows of your pictures with music in the background. The transition style between pictures reflects the mood of the song being played. The video player is excellent and takes support from the phone's accelerometer letting you auto-rotate the video to fit landscape or portrait mode.
Of course all media can also be accessed through the file manager but this means a loss of extra functionality such as no fancy slide shows or advanced music playlists and video options.
The phone's most exciting feature is obviously the 5MP camera with autofocus and xenon flash. On the outside, the lens is protected by an automatic camera cover in addition to being recessed into the phone's back surface. The camera interface is provided by the Cyber-shot 2.0 also seen on Sony's T series digital cameras. Among the options available to enhance the users' camera experience are automatic shooting mode, scene options, picture sizing, self-timer, ISO metering mode, white balance, and effects. The phone is also the first Cyber-shot to feature ISO settings. Users can choose among four of these light settings: auto, ISO 100, 200 and 400.
There is an added Photo Fix application that lets you to apply basic touch-ups to photographs on the phone itself. Add to that the phone has HP Print pre-installed, so you can print provided your HP printer has a Bluetooth adapter installed. Bluetooth on the phone also be used as a Bluetooth modem, or for A2DP wireless audio support, or as a HID device to control other Bluetooth enabled devices and naturally for data transfers.
The phone is excellent on so many fronts. It can serve as a standalone camera device and yet perform other media and phone features just as well.
Features
- 5MP camera with autofocus and Xenon flash
- Dedicated camera keys
- Automatic camera lens cover
- Cyber-shot camera interface
- Innovative D-pad and new soft keys
- Dedicated call and end keys
- 2.2” 256K colour QVGA display
- Dual memory card support (Memory Stick Micro (M2)/micro SD)
- Multi-tasking support
- Secondary camera for video calls
Accessories
- Bluetooth Headset VH310
- Video Viewing Stand IM920
- Clip-on Bluetooth Handsfree VH300
- Snap-on Speaker Stand MS410
- Outdoor Wireless Speaker MS500
- Bluetooth Car Handsfree HCB-108
- Courtside Case IDC-31
- Bluetooth Watch MBW-200
