Display and Camera

internal keypad reveals itself the moment you unfold the phone. It is pretty big and features large spaces between keys, which makes typos impossible. Unfortunately, the buttons are a little bit illegible if not exposed to good light conditions, and a little bit hard to press.

The layout of the keypad is the usual, embedded into all Sony Ericsson's handsets, with one exception: the power button that can be found right under the big D-pad. There are also 2 contextual keys, the Back key, the C (Correct) key and 2 dedicated keys that gives the user direct access to Internet browsing and Task manager. If you press the upper part of

the big D-pad (marked with the 'w' letter) it will open the MP3 player application, but you can also designate other shortcuts for the rest of the D-pad (left, right, down). The clamshell features a small prominence at the base right under the keypad, which hinders any possible contact between the 2 parts of the clamshell, thus keeping the keys clean and safe from scratches.

The opening mechanism is sturdy enough so you will not feel any jog even after heavy use. The only drawback I have noticed is the back cover, which opens by inserting your nail into a small gap found on the left side of the phone, right above the volume key. Because the back cover is made of pure plastic and is very slim, this action might seem very dangerous when executed in a hurry and repeatedly. Basically, every time you try to pull out the battery to put in a different SIM or want access to the M2 slot card, you have about 50% chance to severely damage the back cover. Overall, Sony Ericsson W380i is one damn good-looking clamshell, which might seem unusual for the low mid-level handset.

If you are used with Sony Ericsson's latest Walkman series handsets, then you will be a little bit disappointed by W380i's display performance. Besides the fact that it is rather small (1.9 inches), the TFT main screen only supports 176 x 220 pixels resolution, but 262k colors. Benchmarks revealed that both latest SE models – Z555i and W380i features the same kind of display, thus scored similarly in performance.

Compared with other phones launched by other brands, SE W380i's results are below average, but seem to be better than devices like Nokia's Prism collection or Samsung's mid-level handsets (e.g. SGH-U100). While the internal display is barely visible, the small mono OLED (128 x 36 pixels) external display is totally useless when exposed to strong sunlight.

The 1.3 Megapixel camera features 4x digital zoom, but only when you choose the biggest resolutions (QVGA 320 x 240 pixels or VGA 640 x 480 pixels). The camera lacks autofocus, flash, and video recording capabilities.

There is no doubt about it: Sony Ericsson's W380i camera is not meant for taking pictures. I believe that the only reason this phone has a camera is for the Gesture Control feature, which requires it.

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W380i specifications

The Sony Ericsson W380i, launched in early 2008, is a notable addition to the company's Walkman series, designed for music lovers who appreciate on-the-go entertainment in a stylish form factor. This clamshell phone combines advanced features with a sleek design, making it a popular choice for consumers at the time.

One of the key highlights of the W380i is its dedicated music capabilities. The phone is equipped with a robust media player that supports various audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and WMA. Users can easily access their music library through a dedicated Walkman button that provides instant access to music functions. The W380i also features a built-in FM radio, allowing users to tune into their favorite stations wherever they go.

In terms of sound quality, the W380i boasts impressive audio enhancements. It supports stereo Bluetooth using A2DP technology, enabling users to connect wireless headphones for a better listening experience. The phone also comes with powerful speakers and a feature called TrackID, which allows users to identify songs by recording a short sample and sending it to an online database for recognition.

The W380i is designed with a 262K color display, offering a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, which is adequate for viewing images, videos, and navigating through menus. The clamshell form factor not only protects the screen but also adds to its portability. Additionally, the phone has external music controls, allowing users to change tracks without opening the device, making it convenient for music playback.

Camera-wise, the W380i features a 2-megapixel camera capable of capturing decent quality photos and videos. While it may not compete with higher-end smartphone cameras of today, it offers essential shooting features like digital zoom and a self-timer.

The device provides expandable storage through a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, allowing users to save additional music, photos, and files, which was a significant advantage for those who required more space for their media.

Battery life is another highlight, with a talk time of up to 9 hours and standby time extending up to 400 hours, making it suitable for extended use.

In summary, the Sony Ericsson W380i blends style, functionality, and music-oriented features, making it an attractive option for users seeking a portable multimedia device in a compact form while enjoying quality sound and reliable performance.