Renowned for its highly-specced cameraphones, Sony Ericsson's Vivaz packs an impressive 8 megapixel camera with 720p HD video
Editor's Review of the Vivaz
Physically bursting with pizzazz, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz may come clad in galaxy blue, cosmic black, moon silver or venus ruby casing. Its curvaceous design and practical features resembles the Smartphone handsets in its range, which include the Sony Ericsson Satio and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10. Running on Symbian operating system, it is easy to carry, weighing a total of 97 grams and measures 107 x 52 x 12.5 millimetres. This mobile phone enchants with its 81.28-millimetre TFT HD touch screen that displays picture wallpapers in 16 million colours on 360 x 640 pixels. It comes with an array of pre-installed MP3 and AAC ringtones.
Ideal for frequent travelers, this mobile phone supports quad band coverage. It works on GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, HSDPA 900 and HSDPA 2100 networks and supports global roaming if provided by the user's service provider. This handset also offers the Flight Mode option.
This mobile phone is a 3G HSDPA device which assures its multi-tasking capacity. It allows users to access their favourite Web sites through its pre-installed Internet browser. Users may enjoy bookmarking and utilising Web feeds when browsing through the World Wide Web. The built-in Wi-Fi technology allows on-the-go users to go online in designated hotspots. Transferring files to or from compatible deviecs like personal computers, laptops, other handsets, printers and scanners is possible through the microUSB facility. This handset is also equipped with Bluetooth A2DP technology that allows users to share data with compatible gadgets that are 10 metres apart, at most. The Sony Ericsson Vivaz also comes with EDGE technology that support faster data transfer rates.
This handset offers SMS or text with Predictive Text input, and MMS or multimedia messaging services. It also allows users to communicate through chat via its instant messaging support. Users may also check their e-mail messages through this mobile phone. A phone book, calculator, calendar, alarm clock, vibration alert option and document viewer make up the organiser tools of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz. It also has GPS technology with support for Google Maps, as well as Wisepilot navigation support that allow users to check directions and view location maps right on their mobile phone. To easily make or take calls, users may utilise this mobile phone's built-in speaker phone.
Entertaining users is this mobile phone's cup of tea. It has an 8.1-Megapixel camera with imaging features of auto focus, image stabiliser, 4x digital zoom, smile detection and face detection to assure photo output precision and clarity. This camera also works as a video recorder with video light feature. Users may view or stream video clips using this handset. In addition, this handset works as a portable flash light. As a 3G handset, it also supports video calling through a main camera.
A media player is built in this mobile phone to allow users to enjoy music in MP3 format. It also offers album art display. Users will be able to manage and recognise their music files through the Media Go music data organiser. This feature also enables users to transfer songs to or from their personal computers with ease. Adding to the entertainment features is the built-in games in 3D and Java formats that users can play all day on this handset. Downloadable games are also supported by the Sony Ericsson Vivaz.
This handset enables users to store contact details, photos, videos and other data with its 75 Megabytes of internal memory, which can be expanded to up to 16 Gigabytes using a microSD memory card. It offers a maximum of 13 hours of talk time, and can last up to 430 hours on standby on a fully charged battery.
Unsatisfied users of this handset find that its lack of a camera flash is a major downside. They also contend that this camera's photo outputs, even in daylight, are not of superior quality. Its vibration alert is also poor, according to some users. On the other hand, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz is appreciated by happy users for its high resolution display and reliable connectivity features. Others also commend this handset for its rich entertainment features.
User Reviews
I have recently upgraded from c902 to vivaz and found the music sound on the phone to be much worse than my old phone. I have been trying to find options for this but to no avail! Otherwise, great!
Buy it now, you don't need lots of minutes or texts, just a good internet package so you can send limitless emails instantly.
all works well on the inside. I don't agree about the software issues, except that the included Twitter app is a bit rubbish, but there are other options like just using the web browser. My own issue is that I keep finding it in photo mode when I put it in my pocket, because of the buttons on the side. Only a niggle really, I just need to use a carry case.
Don't do it. There are better options around. Get the HTC Legend or something like that, or wait for the new Google phone or even spend on the iPhone, but don't waste your time with another Sony Ericsson. The Vivaz is sort of good in some ways with a great feature set, but it feels like they just didn't bother to finish it. The software and firmware are rubbish and the touch screen is not good enough, the flash is just a light bulb and the speaker is poor for both music and listening to phone calls, which is the whole point of the device. I know it's not terrible, so maybe it's unfair, I just do think that I should have tested it more and that there must be some better options out there.
I'm a bit stuck on this one. I chose it as my new work phone so it's not the only one I will use. The camera is great, the included 8gb memory card is a nice touch, music player is fine, and well, it's a phone. The whole thing seems to be a bit of a mess while you're learning how to use it and find different apps, and I don't like using a stylus, although I don't need it as much as when I first received it. Overall, if you're getting a new mobile, it should definitely be a touch screen phone, you only need a keypad if you're texting crazy, and even then you should just get one with a touch screen and a QWERTY keypad.
really great for what it cost me (free with a new contract). very happy.
don't know why people are complaining about the software. what matters is that it works fast, does what the feature list says it does, and doesn't crash like my old sony did. the vivaz is still great value for money if you get a cashback deal and obviously get an internet package with your mobile contract ? it's not worth having it without one.
not good enough compared with htc or even lg touch screen phones. the features are fine but the software is a mess, and the selection of apps is not that great compared with android and nothing compared with iphone. I didn't realise that I would have to keep taking out a stylus pen all the time, rather than just using my finger.
Dare I give a verdict at the start? Good, could be better. That's what I'm feeling after spending the last 2 weeks with my sony ericsson vivaz. The picture quality from the camera is great, especially for the price, but why is using the flash such a hassle? The music player on the device is really good as would be expected from all sony ericsson phones now, but don't bother trying to listen to music on the speaker or on the headphones that come with it, you have to use your own for half decent sound quality. Web browsing is fast and I'm always relieved when there is wi-fi, but it doesn't compare to the ease of the iPhone when it comes to actually browsing pages, especially as you often have to use the stylus. Symbian works fine and seems reliable, but the layout is a mess and keeps changing on different menus and different apps. So at the end of it, whether or not it's worth getting will severely depend on the price.
my friend had a sony satio that had to go back. I'm so glad I waited and go the vivaz instead because it doesn't have all the bugs and I got a better price, really just because it has an 8 megapixel camera instead of a 12 megapixel camera. has a nice photo gallery browser aswell. true the shell is a bit plasticy, but not bad ? it's still sturdy for a lightweight phone. I agree that the lack of a normal flash is a quite annoying ? really my only complaint.
Bought this just over a week ago and I can't get enough of it. I've been browsing the web for symbian apps ? you're not limited to the sony ericsson ones. found an app that I prefer to the included twitter one. Awesome photos and really decent video recording considering it's just a mobile phone that fits in your pocket.
amazing ? love it
love what the vivaz does. works a treat. only problem is that sometimes it unlocks while I'm carrying it, and sometimes it's in the camera mode when I take it out, because of the camera button on the side. Not sure if a new carry case will help, so there's one on the way. Performance is however just fine.
I use the phone for calling, texting and internet. No issues of course with calling and texting. As for the internet, there are a few pros and cons. First of all, you can either use 3G mobile connection or wifi, which means you get the best speed possible, and the webpages load really fast in the browser. Also, it's easy to navigate most websites. On the other hand, you do sometimes need to use the stylus pen to make sure you click on the correct link, which is a bit annoying when compared with other touchscreens. Also, just because it's Symbian, there aren't as many downloadable apps as there are for the iPhone or for Android models, although there are more than just those on the Sony Ericsson store.
The Sony Ericsson Vivaz is just perfect. Beautiful curved design compared with the older Sony Ericssons and great texting and web browsing on 3G or Wifi. I use wifi at home and the browser makes life so convenient to check my gmail anywhere in the house.
good pda, bad phone. I can't keep a signal anywhere that I could get one with my old samsung. it's definitely the mobile phone and not the network because I shouldn't get worse reception with a new phone. this'll have to go back if they'll take it.
compared to the nokia touchscreens, they've made a mess of the symbian software with the dumb sony ericsson interface. but the features of the phone are fantastic for what it costs with good photos, wifi, included 8gb microSD card and a normal headphone jack so I can plug in my own headphones (don't bother spending any time on the included sony ones)
i've only had it for a day now but so far i think it's awesome. really light to hold and I've been playing the snowboarding app more than anything else
This phone is all about the digital camera. 8 megapixels with results that actually look like they're from an 8 megapixel camera. And the video quality is awesome, although it does eat up battery life if you have it in the largest HD resolution. The only issue I have with the camera is that you need to toggle the light on and off, rather than having a flash that responds as soon as you take a photo. On the other hand, it does make it easier to see where you're aiming if you're at a party. I haven't used that many of the other features and the menus aren't iPhone level user friendly, but I got the vivaz as a mobile with a good camera, so I'm happy.
Sony Ericsson Vivaz News
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo appears in fresh shots
New images of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo have hit the web, just days before it’s expected to make its official début at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress. The device, originally codenamed the Vivaz 2, lands with a similar form factor to its older Vivaz sibling, although offers a more high-end experience with its beefy specs and Android [...]
Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2 gets previewed, Android 2.3 onboard
The successor to the Sony Ericsson Vivaz has undergone its first full preview, and looks set to ditch Symbian for Google‘s Android OS. Although currently dubbed the Sony Ericsson MT15i Vivaz 2, the handset’s Xperia branding suggests it could launch under a different guise. According to reknowned blogger Eldar Murtazin, the Gingerbread-equipped handset will launch with [...]
Sony Ericsson abandons Symbian in favour of Android
Sony Ericsson have announced they won’t be using Symbian as an OS for their smartphones in the near future, opting for Google’s Android platform instead. Aldo Liguori, a spokesperson for Sony Ericsson, confirmed the news in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, stating: “We have no plans for the time being to develop any new products [...]
Other Recent Releases (March 2010)
This month we see Samsung stepping into the world of Android, Sony Ericsson trying to win back its supporters with a brand new smartphone and Motorola going back to basics with a budget bar phone. Samsung Galaxy Portal i5700 Samsung has become one of many manufacturers who are trying to introduce the mainstream mobile consumer [...]
Sony Ericsson Vivaz Specifications
Size
107mm x 51.7mm x 12.5mm
Weight
97 grams
Display
Full resistive touch screen
Type: TFT LCD
Scratch resistant
Size: 3.2 inches
Resolution: 360 x 640
Input
Keyboard: On-screen
Operating System
Series 60 5
Storage
Internal: 75MB
External: microSD up to 32GB
Included: 8GB microSD card
Miscellaneous
CPU: 720MHz
A-GPS with maps
Internet
HSDPA
Up to 10.2 Mbps download speed
Up to 2 Mbps upload speed
3G
3G data speeds
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
Connectivity
Audio: 3.5mm stereo jack
Data: Standard microUSB
Quad Band
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 2.1
A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
Camera
8.0 megapixel camera
Auto Focus and LED Flash
720p Video Recording
At 24 fps
Face Detection
Power
Battery Capacity: 1200 mAh
Talk Time: 780 minutes
Standby Time: 440 hours
Multimedia
Radio: FM
Social
Social Networking Features
Twitter and Facebook Widgets
Email Access