Modelled after the Walkman phone series, the W950i follows the W900i closely -- both are 3G phones optimised for music playback. However, that is where the similarities end.
Departing from the swivel design, Sony Ericsson has returned to the conventional candy-bar form factor for the W950i. Where its predecessor used the company's proprietary interface, the W950i chose the Symbian UIQ operating system, previously available only on the P-series phones such as the P910i and the upcoming P990i. In fact, at first glance, the Walkman smart phone closely resembles the M600i, minus the dual-function keypad of the latter.
Upside
What can we say? The colour and design of the W950i are such that you will either love it or hate it. The slim but squarish and purplish-looking phone is definitely smaller than the P-series mobiles and slightly more pocketable than the M600i, despite having a massive 4GB storage capacity while the latter has only 80MB. According to the company's Web site, the phone uses Windows' mass storage drivers and can double as a portable hard drive. As with most 3G phones, the W950i comes with USB, infrared and Bluetooth but not Wi-Fi, which is currently available in only a few selected handsets like the Nokia N80.
Sound reproduction through the speakers is rather good for our prototype sample of the W950i. A dedicated button brings you to the Walkman function and a rocker on the right adjusts volume levels. The jog dial on the left allows for one-handed operation -- a blessing considering the toothpick-like stylus. The W950i can pick up FM radio frequencies, though a wired headset is required as an antenna.
The large 262K-colour QVGA (320 x 240-pixel) screen is transflective and very bright, usable even in direct sunlight. The touch screen, a prerequisite for the Symbian UIQ platform, allows the handset to function closer to a full-fledged PDA. We like that the buttons are flushed into the phone keypad, giving it a rather clean yet sleek appearance.
Downside
Unlike the M600i, there is no memory expansion slot or document editor in the W950i. It may not be a big deal due to its massive storage, but it kills any hope for Sony digital camera users who want to view images directly from the Memory Sticks.
One feature the W950i and M600i share is a lack of a built-in camera. It may have been left out to keep the size down, but may be an issue for those who like to take impromptu shots.
Outlook
With its Symbian UIQ interface and music features, the latest 3G-capable W950i is usable in almost any country with a mobile phone network and perfect for those looking for a serious business handset. Yet it is also suitable for after-hours entertainment. The Walkman is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2006.
15%
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For UIQ3, a touch screen is not a prerequisite - it is designed to work in smart-key mode as well, similar to Series 60 phones.
I'm surprised to hear that the W950i is "more pocketable" than the M600i, since I was under the impression that they virtually share the same case, but with different keys.