As a Cyber-Shot phone, the Sony Ericsson C903 is expected to fit in a considerably good camera module. Surprisingly, though, the onboard optics set is average at best. In actual use, the handset shines most as a do-it-all device, touting a variety of hardware features that put it in a competitive position against other phones in the same range.
While the 5.0 megapixel sensor manages to wrangle up a good amount of resolution, image quality doesn't raise the bar enough in comparison with Sony Ericsson's more high-profile camera phones. Colors are good, but details tend to fizzle out in close-range shots with plenty of clarity issues on images from high-contrast scenes. Overall, photos fall in the average range with other 5.0 megapixel phones.
It uses the same souped-up camera interface as most other Cyber-Shot models, which offers a good deal of options in settings, scenes, focus and controls. There's also video support for up to 320 x 240 resolution at 30 fps with decent quality.
Physically, the phone sports an attractive slider form factor, with the slide-out back panel doubling up as a protective cover for the lens. Overall body construction is made of plastic, though build looks sturdy enough. The glossy finish does make it sort of a magnet for finger marks and dirt, though.
Display is a bright and crisp 2.5-inch panel with a 320 x 240 resolution. It fits in a 12-unit T9 keypad that's about standard fare from regular Sony Ericsson devices. The rest of the control array works well enough.
Despite the Cyber-Shot branding, the C903 comes with a bevy of features that peg it as more than just a camera phone. It supports HSDPA speeds, allowing for fast page loads on the proprietary XMB browser, along with full support for a wide range of broadband services. There's also an onboard GPS (with a few preloaded apps), stereo Bluetooth, an FM radio and full media playback (above-average quality). The lack of Wi-Fi and a 3.5 mm headset jack might prove an issue, however.
Call quality is topnotch, with good, natural-sounding voices coming through on both ends of the conversation. Overall, the Sony Ericsson C903 is a high-quality all-in-one phone, with a decent camera module and fast internet connectivity. It's not the Cyber-Shot to go for if you're hoping for the best set of optics possible, but it fits the bill for those in the market for more versatile talents.
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