The Sony Ericsson C905a represents the cream-of-the-crop of the company's Cyber-shot line (at least, until Satio comes around). With a high-resolution 8.1 megapixel camera, a stylish modern design and the latest features you can expect from higher-end models, it's among the most attractive camera phones available with carrier subsidy in North America.
Like all Cyber-shot phones, there's really no place to start dissecting the C905a other than its souped-up optics module. Among the camera's offerings include four different picture resolutions, numerous photo settings (five color effects, five white balance choices and two quality types), macro mode, an image stabilizer, an infinite focus mode (for long-distance photos), phototagging and various shutter sound options. Suffice to say, there's plenty to play around with when using the camera's very good UI.
Photo quality is among the best we've seen in today's range of 8 megapixel camera phones. It's personally my favorite out of every one I've tried (e.g. LG KC780, Nokia N86), capably producing images with bright colors, rich tones and plenty of detail. A built-in camcorder is also on-board, although it pales in comparison to the still shooter, only able to come up with very average-quality images.
From the back, the C905a looks more like a camera than a phone, largely because of the sliding lens cover. It's a bit bulky than most newer phones we're used to, but it's a moderate sacrifice for a very capable camera handset. It sports a slider form factor with standard T9-style keys. Overall build, including the sliding mechanism, feels solid.
Sony has always been good with display panels and the 2.4-inch LCD on the C905a is quite stunning to look at. Interface should be quite familiar to users of many of AT&T's feature phones - it's good, but nothing particular noteworthy.
As a phone, it offers excellent voice performance both on the handset and the speakerphone, with a standard set of call and messaging features. Users can expect SMS, MMS, IM and mobile e-email (with a good set of supported providers, although no Exchange support).
Most notable of the C905a's other features are the 3G connectivity (which allows for decent web browsing, as well as support for AT&T's wide range of broadband services), an excellent music player (almost as good as some of their Walkman phones), and a slew of built-in apps and games. One glaring sore thumb, though, is the lack of a 3.5mm headset jack.
The Sony Ericsson C905a is an excellent phone, especially if you're in the market for the best camera handset you can get your hands on. Available from AT&T for $179.99 with a two-year contract, it's also pretty competitively priced.
 |
