Sony Ericsson have launched two new phones, and for once, they're notCyberShot or Walkman phones! The Sony Ericsson G502 (above) and Z780are low to mid-range phones that are similar to the Nokia 5320 and 5220in that they bring super-fast HSDPA connectivity down to an affordablelevel. Although both phones are different in appearance, they're verysimilar underneath, offering 2 megapixel camera, MP3 player, HSDPA andGoogle maps already installed.
The Z780 is the slightly more advanced model, though, in that itcomes with aGPS, letting you navigate easily across Google Maps (eitherroad view or satellite view). It also comes with a weather applicationthat takes advantage of the high speed Internet connectivity andbuilt-in GPS to tell you what the weather will be like in your area forthe next three days.
Neither model will set the world on fire, but in terms of goodquality phones with a good range of quality features, all for anaffordable price, they'll be hard to beat. With the addition of HSDPA,they're also another indication of how the mobile Web is steadilycoming of age.
More details and pictures of the Sony Ericsson G502 and Z780 after the jump.
Sony Ericsson Z780 and G502
From the press release:
Sony Ericsson today introduced two new HSDPA phones into itsline-up; each clearly designed to take its range of web-enabled phonesin a different direction. The Z780 expands the company’s range ofdevices for markets outside of Europe and the compact G502 brings thepower of the web to a mainstream audience.
"These two phones are quite distinct, yet both have the potentialto introduce more users to the world of web on your mobile," saidMartin Winkler, director of global marketing and head of multimedia webat Sony Ericsson. "Being able to check your email whenever you like orsurf the web when on-the-move should not just be the preserve ofprofessionals. The Z780 and the G502 will appeal to anyone juggling abusy life"
The Z780, a sister product to the recently announced Z770, is setto broaden the range of web-enabled phones into more markets across theglobe. It packs tri-band 3G and HSDPA into its stylish clamshell frame,letting you receive email or browse the web at high speed in countriesacross the world. It also introduces built-in aGPS, giving users theopportunity to carry their navigation solution with them on theirphone.
The new G502 is the latest in an established line of classic SonyEricsson phones that cram a wealth of time-saving features into anaffordable, pocket-sized phone.
The G502 is the first such model, however, to feature high-speedHSDPA capability. This means that more users can now benefit fromfaster browsing and downloading capabilities in a phone that has afeature-set that is impressive and incredibly easy to use – perfect forthose who want to stay in control of their lives.
In touch, on the move
Both the Z780 and the G502 come with the latest version of Google™Maps for Mobile. This application allows you to view high quality mapsthat give you a satellite view of the local area and view listings ofthe restaurants and hotels, complete with any reviews or ratingsavailable. The built-in aGPS functionality of the Z780 means thatwherever you are, you’ll always be able to find what you need – whetherlocating the address of your friend’s party or finding the quickestroute to your next meeting. Google™ Maps for Mobile then enables you toreceive turn-by-turn directions that help you to find your way withoutcomplication.
With the G502, you just enter start and finish locations, andreceive point-by-point directions of how to get to your destination.Plugging the GPS Enabler HGE-100 accessory into the phone adds GPScapability here as well, making sure that you need never get lostagain.
Easy email, simple setup
Sony Ericsson Z780 mobile phone, closed
Accessing your emails on the Z780 and the G502 couldn’t be morestraightforward. An easy-to-follow ‘set-up wizard’ guides you through aseries of very easy steps so that your existing webmail account can bedirected to your phone. Or if it is push email that you need, then theG502 and Z780 also support Exchange ActiveSync® for your security andcomplete mobility.
What you want, when you want it
Accessing your favourite websites is now four times faster thanwith standard 3G (UMTS), thanks to the HSDPA speeds of the Z780 and theG502. If you use one particular website more than others, you canselect an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed that will give you1-click access directly to this page from your phone’s desktop. What’smore, the pre-loaded weather forecast application on both of thesephones allows you to check the weather before you head out, so you’resure to be prepared for any unexpected rainstorms.
The Z780 is a UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Grand Onyx andAmethyst Silver. The Sony Ericsson Z780 release date is scheduled forQ2 2008.
The G502 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phonethat will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel. The SonyEricsson G502 release date is scheduled for Q2 2008.