Sony Ericsson C905 Review
Phone rating: 
In a nutshell: The C905 raises the bar in camera phone capabilities,
with an 8.1 megapixel camera with a powerful xenon flash. In our opinion
this is the best camera currently available in a mobile phone. It's
also equipped with GPS, a media player, FM radio with RDS, 3G HSDPA
with video calling, WiFi, and up to 8 GB of memory. However, it isn't
the perfect phone: the tricky keypad, poor battery life, lack of video
calling and tendency for the speaker to fail make it a disappointment.
Review: October 2008. Updated June 2009.
The C905 is the first Sony Ericsson phone to break the 8 megapixel
camera barrier, and launches in the UK in the second half of October.
The C905 is a slide design phone, unlike the classic-shaped Sony
Ericsson C902, and is quite a bit thicker and heavier than the 5
megapixel C902. It's still smaller than its arch-rival, the Nokia
N96 though. It's available in a choice of colours: Night Black,
Ice Silver (pictured) and Copper Gold. We've got to say that it's a
very nice-looking phone, with a distinctive Sony Ericsson style - both
square and curved at the same time!
Not only is this the first CyberShot phone with an 8 megapixel camera,
it also brings back the xenon flash, which disappointingly was missing
from its predecessor, the C902.
Xenon flashes are considerably more powerful than LED flashes, and are
used on "real" digital cameras, so it's nice to see that feature
restored in the C905. It means that night photography is much less likely
to end up as a murky blob (unless you were pointing the camera at a
murky blob, of course.) There are so many settings and options on the
C905's camera, that it can take quite a while to work out how to use
it at its best - it will certainly appeal to keen camera buffs - but
on the other hand all of these tools and gadgets make it easier to get
a good photo even if you don't understand the principles of photography.
As a CyberShot phone, Sony Ericsson have borrowed technology and features
extensively from their range of market leading digital cameras. The
camera has autofocus with face detection, plus an image stabiliser and
red-eye reduction. A new feature introduced in the C905 is Smart Contrast,
which automatically balances light and colour (a bit like the Auto Levels
option in PhotoShop.) If you're still not confident of getting a decent
shot with all this stuff helping you out, then BestPic™ will automatically
take a series of 7 pictures, so that you can choose the best one!
Of course there will always be someone keen to point out that just
having 8 megapixels and a load of gadgets doesn't make a camera that
can rival a dedicated digital camera. That's true of course, and Sony
aren't going to destroy the digital camera market with the release of
this phone. However, if you have a camera this good built into your
mobile, then we think that you'll be pretty satisfied with the results.
Buy an expensive digital camera if you want to get the best possible
quality by all means, but this beauty can match many of the mid-range
cameras currently on the market.
As well as the 8 megapixel camera, there are a whole load of goodies
packed inside the phone. Assisted GPS is a new addition, and it means
that you can use the C905 for satellite navigation, either as a pedestrian
or on the road. Google Maps is included, and a trial version of the
Wayfinder Navigator software is bundled with the phone. This is more
advanced than Google Maps, giving you turn-by-turn navigation, suitable
for use in a car. The GPS also enables geo-tagging of photos, so you
can identify exactly where your pictures were taken.
A fully functional media player is included, even though this isn't
a Walkman phone. The media player will play music in MP3 and AAC formats,
and is a well featured iPod substitute, supporting album art, playlists
and high quality stereo sound. You can listen to music through the integrated
speakers or using a stereo headset or a Bluetooth wireless stereo headset.
Other music-related features include TrackID, which can identify a recorded
song by track, artist and album. PlayNow lets you download premium content
such as ringtones, although you have to pay for these.
The built-in memory isn't huge, at 160 Mbytes, but is adequate, and
you can add a Memory Micro Stick to increase storage up to 8 GB - enough
for 2,000 MP3 tracks.
As well as the usual features that you'd expect from a high calibre
phone, there are a few new things that Sony Ericsson have introduced
into the C905. The mobile email experience has been improved with Exchange
ActiveSync, which synchronises with your Microsoft Exchange mail server.
The auto rotate feature switches the display between portrait and landscape
mode when you turn the phone around - great for photos and videos.
Another feature that got us quite excited is the addition of WiFi support.
This augments the standard connectivity options of Bluetooth and USB.
You can use the WiFi connection to connect wirelessly in WiFi hotspots.
You can also easily move data between the phone and a PC equipped with
WLAN. The C905 is also a 3G phone with HSDPA supporting data transfer
speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. This is fast enough to enable near-broadband
web browsing, file downloading and video streaming. You get a personal
blog site with the phone, so you can use the 3G connection to upload
photos and videos to your blog. Software is built into the phone to
make it dead easy to blog or to send photos and videos to friends via
MMS.
The C905 delivers most of what we were hoping for. If there's one spec
we would have liked to change, it would have been the amount of built-in
memory. Still 160 Mbytes is pretty respectable. The keypad is tricky
for texting too, and the battery life is below average. Video calling
is also missing, which is a bit of a disappointment, and a number of
users have complained that the speaker broke within the first couple
of months of ownership. Sony Ericsson continue to struggle to get all
the details right, and we'd probably advise you to steer clear of the
C905.
Features of the Sony Ericsson C905 include:
- 8.1 megapixel camera with xenon flash, face detection autofocus,
smart contrast, image stabiliser, red-eye reduction and 16x digital
zoom
- Video camera (30 frames / second) with video stabiliser, video light
and video calling
- Display: TFT, 262,144-colour, 240 x 320 pixels (2.4 inches)
- Media player
- FM radio with RDS
- MP3/AAC ringtones
- Speakerphone
- Voice recorder
- Assisted GPS with Google Maps
- Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email
- 3D Java games
- Animated wallpaper
- Personal organiser functions
- Flight mode
- Vibration alert
- Memory: 160 Mbytes plus support for Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
(up to 8GB)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB mass storage, WiFi, DLNA support, modem
- Internet: Web browser, RSS feeds, blogging, HSDPA (3.6 Mbps)
- Quadband (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) plus 3G (UMTS 2100) HSDPA
- Size: 104 x 49 x 18 mm
- Weight: 136g
- Talktime: 4 hours (3G) - 9 hours (2G)
- Battery standby: 360 - 380 hours
Sony Ericsson C905 User Reviews
Love your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review this
phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a forum, so
please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear words or offensive
language, and please, no advertising!
Average rating from 105 reviews: 
Reviewed by sameera gunathilaka from sri lanka on
14th Jun 2012
now i use c905 it's very use full for me.i like it.
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Reviewed by john from uk on 5th Feb 2012
My favourite ever phone! but short battery life, survived a swim in
a pint though. I really do love this phone, great display, excellent
features and a great design. Probably more efficient phones on the market
now but for me this phone is great. I use another phone now but i still
have my 905. Can't get rid of it coz i love it.
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Reviewed by chawanzi from Zambia on 2nd Jan 2012
i got my c905 in august n within weeks, the speaker was dead. Managd
to get it fixd bt the sound wasnt perfect. Bt nw, when i woke up on
new years day, i noticed that wen i slide open my phone, i hav to wait
for about 30 seconds for my screen to go on. Also wen am using it, if
the back light goes off, i hav to wait for similar time afta pressin
a button for the screen light to go on. At the same time, my speaker
is dead. My camera oso stopd workin. Any body else eva hav such problems?
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Reviewed by jupiter from ghana on 23rd Dec 2011
The c905 is a very good reliable phone.i use mine as a modem,a digital
camera.
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Reviewed by Enid agnus dei from England on 23rd
Dec 2011
Was very upset when the screen died on mine, however i replaced it myself
and the might C905 lives on, if this had been any other make of phone
i might well have binned it, the reason i didn't is because i love the
old thing, i'm a photographer and the camera on this is amazing given
the fact it's a phone, ok the video quality isn't good but i hardly
use it for that but the rest of the phone i can't really fault.
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Reviewed by Taco from Indonesia on 2nd Jan 2009
I was always a fan of SE, and just the other day bought a Samsung U900.
Because of the low ring volume I went back to a SE. C905 is twice the
price (almost) as a U900, and although the C905 is generally good, it
has some big disappointments specially for the price. The first disappointment
is that the camera for video calls is at the back of the phone which
is totally useless. So, if you make a video call you will not be able
to see each other at the same time. The other disappointment is the
modem function. This can only be used in my case if you switch of the
3G phone function. U900 was much better here. The last disappointment
was with obtaining the settings for the phone on the internet. SE tells
you on their site that they will sms this to you. I tried this by using
various (countries) sites, but untill now I did not receive any settings.
Obviously this service doesnot work, I hope SE will improve on this
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Reviewed by Hannah from England on 2nd Jan 2009
Ive had the C905 now for 2 months and i am now on my 4th phone, all
of my 3 other phones have had the same problem they work fine for a
week or 2, then when i go to make a call i cannot here it dial and i
cannot here the person on the other end but if i turn on the speaker
fone on i can hear the perfectly.. all my 3 fones have done this, ive
had my 4th for only 3 days and its done the same!!!!!! orange keep sending
me new ones out but they do the exact same, ive always had Sony Ericson
fones but this has been a huge let down, i wish i never upgraded to
it because ive had nothing but problems. And after reading some of the
reviews on this page, i think alot of people are having the same problem
with the phone. I also dont think the camera is all that good, its a
8.l but i think the pictures are blurry alot of the time, ive played
arond with all the settings and they are still blurry.. but its more
the fact that in 2 months im on my 4th phone and thats broke after less
than 48 hours of having it!!! So im gunna have to get a 5th sent out
to me. I would be careful buying this phone.
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Reviewed by adrian from uk on 31st Dec 2008
got this phone when they first came out.first one died within a week
earpiece went,second one seems ok apart from the camera which is a joke
,gave up a n95 for this one and am deeply disappointed cant seem to
get a quality shot no matter how u set it up .battery life is dire,
1 day with a bit of web browsing and i mean a bit.first se ive had and
my last not impressed at all
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Reviewed by Tara from England on 30th Dec 2008
Brilliant camera! Brilliant phone! Would recommend it. It's a bit bulkier
than I'm used to - but you've got to put all that technology somewhere!
Battery life is no worse than any other phone I've recently had (Samsung
D900, SE K770). I use the phone primarily for photos and texting and
it's fab!
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Reviewed by sassymom from HK on 30th Dec 2008
i found this phone great.the camera is exceptionally marvellous,the
kind of camera phone i wanted, until the audio/earpiece died. i cant
take any phone calls due to the earpiece not working.i've had this phone
for less than 2 weeks only. i took it to their customer service center
and they kept on promising me dates when i can pick my phone but never
delivered. their service people sucks and very rude in Mongkok, HK.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by G from UK on 29th Dec 2008
I have had this phone as an upgrade from the K810i. I am very pleased
that they have junked the joystick that SE was known for. They break
within weeks! I love this phone I have had no probs as yet got it 5th
dec I think. But reading these I'm waiting for the 5 week mark! Lol.
Anyway - Camera is better than my actual dig. cam! Haven't had a prob
with keys took to them quite quickly. The only thing I would say is
that the K810i had voice clarity on calls to hear the receipient better
this doesnt seem to have that so sometimes it can be hard to to hear
what people are saying not good when getting directions!! But other
than small non important things it's great!! Battery last 3-4 days depending
on how much I use so v. pleased with that - Oh yeah and to Bob I can
customise all directional buttons must just be you -)
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Reviewed by Doc Marney from UK on 28th Dec 2008
Had this phone for going on 5 weeks now and I have to say it is one
heck of a phone! The camera quality seems to get better each day. The
first couple of days using the phone was a bit 'iffy' but this is because
of the transition from my previous Samsung. When this transition period
is over and you know you way around this beast then you understand the
power it has. As I said before the camera quality is superb, although
it is best kept on autofocus, face detection is a waste of time. The
video quality in my opinion is great, I know this contradicts professional
reviews but I think the video quality is good and so do my friends.
Moving on to the application side of things: Google Maps is class and
is FREE, well it does cost 1p each time you go on for the connection,
but oh well; radio is okay, but I can't seem to tune BBC Five Live,
maybe this is common with all phones, I don't know because this is the
first phone I have had with FM Radio. Anyway lets talk about the keypad,
yes it is hard to use, but you will get used to it in a matter of days,
I am a heavy texter and so I got used it fast, I am sure you will too!
The general feel of the phone is one of a sturdy long lasting phone,
and the rubber casing is a joy to hold. Also the weight of the phone
helps when taking photos as you have the balance there. Battery life
is good I get 3 days of it, which is pretty good going for a application
packed phone. 3G is ultra fast too so the internet is quick when browsing
by Wi-Fi or 3G. Contrary to other reviews I have had no problems with
ear piece, it is in fact very loud. So if your thinking of buying this
go for it!!!
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Reviewed by Craig from uk on 25th Dec 2008
Am currently on my 4th C905 in about 6 weeks!! The first 2 had problems
with the earpiece and loose/wobbly slider (amongst other things), and
the 3rd developed spent one week freezing/rebooting before i sent it
back to get my current 4th. The 4th is even worse than the first 3 with
all the problems combined. Hopefully my network will allow me to get
rid of this junk so i can choose a different phone instead. Surely four
dodgy handsets is enough to give them a hint that THIS PHONE IS A WASTE
AND ISN'T EVEN WORTH THE PLASTIC IT'S MADE OUT OF. I mean, i know that
Sony Ericsson is well known for producing buggy and poorly made handsets,
but i didn't think it would happen to me. This is my first and last
Sony Ericsson. My Samsungs and Motorolas were always reliable (as expected).
AVOID THIS PHONE AT ALL COSTS!!!
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Reviewed by Kelly from UK on 24th Dec 2008
On my 4th in 8 days due to earpiece problems what a waste, also my new
one has lost all themes and I can't be bothered to take back yet, i'll
wait for earpiece to pack in AGAIN! Any ideas how i can download dusk
setting theme - the one thing I do like about the phone and its gone??!!
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by debbie from uk on 23rd Dec 2008
having similar problems with my phone with regards to the speaker has
broke after 5 weeks and also find texting an absolute nightmare due
to the layout of the buttons and being too flat. would drive you mad!!!!!don't
think i would buy another sony ericsson phone as my last one (K850i)
needed replaced 5 times and this phone is turning out to be just as
much a pain in the backside. DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!
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Reviewed by Wayne from Slough , Uk on 23rd Dec
2008
I'm wait for my 5th C905 with in 2 months now the build quitely is not
very I it's very bad from SE I'm am think of change to a diffent phone
my new is not that good but it is a grate phone when it works .
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Reviewed by Pippo from UK on 22nd Dec 2008
On my third phone in two months as the ear piece keeps breaking. Very
dissapointed. Waste of money.
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Reviewed by Ronnie from UK on 22nd Dec 2008
Nice phone,very user friendly but a bit bulky , and also poor on battery
life,
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Reviewed by Kieran from Monaghan on 21st Dec 2008
Had this phone for 2 months now, while on a call earlier i couldn't
hear my friend, turned on the speaker and could hear them, now the ear
piece won't let me hear the other caller at all. DISGUSTED at the amount
of people this is happening to, its meant to be a phone first and foremost
afterall and now i can't even use it as that. All other features are
excellent and was loving the phone, but now its not much of a phone
at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Reviewed by Bob from Mansfield, UK on 19th Dec
2008
Nice phone in many respccts BUT I don't like the fact that the left
and right selection keys can't be customised - unlike the N95. Also,
the non-existent backlight timer.
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Reviewed by JonnySniper from England on 17th Dec
2008
Good camera, usual SE interface, like it or loathe it. Had no problems
with battery life. Wifi was temperemental to say the least and then
the dreaded problem... Earpiece packed in after 3 weeks. Replacement
on the way so I have my fingers crossed it was a one off but seeing
how many people have had that problem I'm not confident! Just seen some
previews of the N97, looking forward to that, though only a 5mp camera
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Reviewed by Simon from Leeds on 17th Dec 2008
I visited this site as I have been having problems with the earpiece
on my c905 and see that it seems to be quite a common problem. Although
it hasn't failed all calls sound distorted and sometimes it is impossible
to make out what the other person is saying. Hands free and loud speaker
are both fine though. The sales man tells me this is because my voice
clarity setting is turned off although I can't find this setting any
where in the phone!! Can you help? I would also agree with the people
who are saying it is difficult to text and has a short battery life;
I use my phone as an alarm clock and was late to work last week as it
had died sometime in the night so the alarm never went off. My previous
phone (k800i) lasted MUCH longer. Apart from this, features wise it
is a fantastic phone, especially the camera and media functions. Unfortunately
it doesn't seem to be that talented at simply being a phone which, ultimately,
is it's purpose, therefore: 3 stars.
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Reviewed by c barber from uk on 16th Dec 2008
i got one on a upgrade and it went wrong within 2days,ear pice viberated
badly, was sent another and this also went wrong slider was loose and
the ear pice went wrong again,as for the phone it self i found it not
very good for texting to top heavy and that pice of metal which the
strap goes though sticks in to your finger the wifi is total rubbish
as it keeps dropping out .if you want a good camera this is it, but
if you want a every day phone this is not it,i have gone back to a c902
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Hopper from middlesbrough on 16th
Dec 2008
great phone picture quality is unreal ive also got mine from cpw and
my earpiece has blown but i cant make calls at all cos my mic has also
failed apart from these i hope little problems the fone is excellent.
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Reviewed by james from dumbarton on 15th Dec 2008
waste of money its just for the camera its the same layout as every
other sony ericsson so 2 stars
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Reviewed by reza from indonesia on 15th Dec 2008
very good
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Reviewed by Steven from Liverpool on 14th Dec
2008
I can’t see how anyone could find it so difficult to text with
this phone, it’s so easy. I mean, the K850 was a nightmare to
text with because of the raised numeric pad. The C905 is an awesome
phone. I have had mine for 5 weeks now, and I haven’t had no problem
with it at all. I personally think the C905 is the best phone Sony Ericsson
have made since the W900i. I am giving this phone 5 stars, I wish I
could give it more stars.
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Reviewed by Ben from England on 14th Dec 2008
I had a K750i before this, and decided to go for something with a good
camera, which this is great for. It's fantastic for taking photos, and
really easy to use. Texting on the phone is not impossible by any means,
it does take some getting used to, and isn't the easiest phone to text
on, but it's not that hard. Wifi works well, I haven't had a problem
with calling, the speaker is loud and clear. Don't be fooled by the
video calling though, there is no front camera, so you have to use the
one on the back. (don't quite know how that works...) I haven't really
tried the GPS, but Google maps works fairly well, and considering this
is all on a phone, i think it's fantastic. The only other small complaints
I have about it, are the price (but what can you expect?) and the fact
that there is no light function to make use of the LED light and the
Xenon bulb as a torch... Other than that, I think the phone's brilliant.
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Reviewed by Ian from UK on 14th Dec 2008
Bought from Car Phone Warehouse 6 weeks ago the ear speaker has packed
up already and CPW tell me it will take 6 weeks to repair they wont
exchange or refund !!. Great Phone but reliability problems so DONT
BUY FROM CPW
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Reviewed by phil from england on 11th Dec 2008
This phone is awful thats the only way to describe it,the keypad is
the worst I have ever used its almost impossible to text fast,the camera
is also a complete let down dont be taken in by the 8.1 meg(like I was)the
pictures I have so far managed to get out of it are in many cases of
a lower standard to those of my 5 meg nokia n95 which is a great camera
phone.all this dosent really matter though as it is currently having
the faulty lcd screen repaired which packed in without warning I really
wouldnt buy this phone look elsewhere.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Sue from England on 10th Dec 2008
I have had my C905 since the release, but now my screen has gone rainbow
colour, something about the lcd, screen or something so I am told, has
any one else had this trouble.
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Reviewed by ami from uk on 9th Dec 2008
i was really impressed until the speaker died....i currently cannot
take any phone calls due to the earpiece not working....i've had this
one for under a month!
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Reviewed by Wayne from Enland , Slough on 6th
Dec 2008
The C905 is a very grate phone takes grate pics if your arftere a phone
for calling & textn & for taken pics then this phone is for you the
barttey life is grate one of the best if had , but on that note I have
had some problems with mine the AGPS dose not work in cars unless you
have it up by the windowscreen of the car & the lower screen fickers
when use the d-pad iv been told that's ok by vodafone , but arftere
than that it's a grate phone it's worth a try .
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Reviewed by Otis Brown from UK -- Cardiff on 6th
Dec 2008
can someone please help me here ?? i have had the C905 since its reslease
date on T Mobile. on the first handset all seemed ok but then after
2 weeks the earpiece failed meaning i couldn hear anyone except through
the loudspeaker. Tmobile sent me another brand new c905 and the earpiece
has packed up again after 2 weeks ??? this phone is an excellent phone
but dont know if i can deal with these annoying defects. is anyone else
having the same problem ?
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Reviewed by Mark from UK on 5th Dec 2008
Fantastic phone, excellent camera, great internet access, keypad grows
on you. Camera keeps coming on when you open slider though, gets irritating
and what about the battery life (what battery life did you ask)?? A
day at best and thats with about 10 mins internet, 15mins worth of calls
and maybe 10 mins gameplay. Won't swap it but think Sony Ericcson should
look into improving the battery life as my w810i would last for 4 days
getting far more use.
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Reviewed by steve from uk on 3rd Dec 2008
I have recently got this phone as a replacement for the samsung omnia
which i had for a month and found in my eyes impossible to use in day
to day life, i was unsure of which phone to get as a replacement and
the C905 caught my eye with the 8 megapixel camera and its wi-fi capablities.
I've had the phone just over a week now and have found it to be one
of the best phones i have ever had as alot of people have said the falt
key pad does take alot of gettin used to but it is certainy not a reason
to steer clear of this phone, the wi-fi is great and i've had no problems
using it in fact it is better than the omnias wi-fi the mp3 is in my
opinion as good as it could be without it being a walkman phone its
a good robust phone and if your looking for a new phone this is a great
all rounder, 10/10 in my review i would definitely recommend it
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Reviewed by Salina from hong kong on 3rd Dec 2008
ok fone to tell the truth¬
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Reviewed by kimbo from uk on 1st Dec 2008
Texting is a pain Ear peice packed up after 2 weeks battery life rubbish
DONT GET THIS PHONE
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Dave from Wales on 1st Dec 2008
Very disappointing. I had the k850i and that was one of the most unreliable
phones ever. But the camera was superb (when it worked) and after reading
mobile-phones-uk review i decided to accept an upgrade an got the c905.
I was really excited when it arrived. 8 megapixel camera, wifi, gps...it
had everything. The camera is fantastic. The shots make even an amateur
like me capture some great pics! Wifi was also great. Easy to connect,
and quick to load. Didnt get a chance to use the gps. However, whilst
these features are unheard of for a mobile phone, they merely paper
over the cracks. If, like me, you want a phone for ringing people and
texting then you will no doubt want to smash this handset. TEXTING IS
NOT POSSIBLE. Not only is the keypad too flat, all the keys are joined
and so if you press slightly off centre of the number 5, you will end
up with 2, 8, 4 or 6. Doesnt sound a problem, but when you are dialling
in a hurry or are trying to text it drives you mad. As for texting,
well you cant. The lip on the bottom of the phone (which the slider
fits into) makes texting with your thumbs impossible. On paper this
phone has the lot, but dont be fooled (like i was) by the camera. If
you need an 8 megapixel camera go and buy a proper one. If you want
a phone for texting and calling...stay away from this one.
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Reviewed by Boro from Belfast on 1st Dec 2008
Just a heads up there is a fault with the C905 Earpiece, you will hear
no sound but the caller can hear you the only way around this until
you get a replacement is loud speaker check out o2/vodaphone and the
internet forums for this fault mine went dead after 15 days
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Richard C from Fife on 30th Nov 2008
Just upgraded to the C905, was worried at first after reading some of
the other reviews with regards to battery life. I was faced with a choice,
the new nokia n96, samsung soul or the sony c905. I was undecided for
weeks, but after playing with all three, the n96 crashed on me while
in the store, the Samsung was ok, but didn’t like the touch screen
or the camera, as for the sony I couldn’t really find anything
to fault it on, other than maybe the flat keyboard. It’s a real
nice looking phone, I was advised to run the battery out before giving
it its first charge, that took some doing? I was on the phone, on the
net, taking pics, downloading games and so on. Day two, I used it a
fare bit as I did the night before and when I went to bed it still had
a quarter battery. So clearly the battery is not all bad, charge it
every other night and it shouldn’t let you down. Moving on, the
camera dose have a lot of settings and some make the pics blurred, but
after messing around for a bit I got it setup ok and the pics are fantastic.
I noticed the phone came with a good few games installed. But you only
get to play them once and then you must buy them, unfortunately if you
don’t like the game or don’t want to buy it you can’t
delete them witch is just plain annoying. However this could be down
to my network and not sony themselves. Wi-Fi, well I found it to be
a little temperamental. When I first set it up it would run for 5 or
10 minuets then kick me off, and I would have to connect again, but
I used it the other night there with no problems, was playing around
with bbc news, you tube and so on. Could just have been teething problems?
The slide is very smooth, unlike my friend's n95. The screen is a little
smaller the n95, n96 but the phone is smaller and lighter and in my
book that’s a plus point. I haven’t tried the satnav as
I have a tom tom and I can't see the mobile replacing that, but it might
come in handy at some point. The mp3 player is just what you would you
expect from sony, fantastic. So far I can’t really fault the phone.
I would highly recommend it.
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Reviewed by David from Cardiff (UK) on 30th Nov
2008
Well, What can I say? Sony Ericsson have excelled themselves with this
phone. I must say this is the best phone that Sony Ericsson have produced
to date. The camera is amazing, as it’s not a Walkman phone, the
MP3 player is good too. I find it a pleasure to text with, the screen
clarity is amazing to. I like the fact it has a scratch resistant display.
Connecting to WIFI is excellent to. The camera is so good on this phone,
I think it should be sold as a camera with a built in phone. I am not
saying this is the best mobile phone on the market, but it excels the
disastrous Nokia N96. also, this phone is You Tube friendly too. So
People, if you want a phone that doesn’t crash all the time, and
a phone with a very good camera and a decent MP3 player, this is phone
is the one for you. I wish I had the option of giving this phone more
than 5 stars, it deserves 10 stars.
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Reviewed by Thomas from England on 30th Nov 2008
Has anyone experienced a wobbling problem on the upper slider
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Reviewed by thumper from holland on 28th Nov 2008
i bought this phone while i was visiting the uk , and have a 16gb m2
card , the phone supports up to 16gb dont understand why the review
states 8gb as the max. bought mine from carephone warehouse for 400
pounds and thats much cheaper than here in holland , one shop though
said sony ericson block uk phones used abroad with a non uk sim something
thats not happened and so far i cannot find anything on that subject
on the internet, the only problems i have had is there seems to be a
max of apps that can be installed as i get memory full please delete
an application , maybe a bug , but overall a good phone
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Reviewed by Luke from England on 27th Nov 2008
I've had this phone a couple of days now and am very impressed with
the quality of the camera on it. The music player, although not quite
that of the Walkman phones, is also very impressive and matches the
capabilities of the W850i. Just a couple of minor let downs in my mind,
one being the keypad, which is taking me a bit of getting used to. I'm
sure I will pick it up eventually, but I would have preferred individual
buttons like the keypad on the W850i (which I liked!). My other gripe
is the memeory card, why have a slot for the M2 card (current max 4GB),
when they could have put a Pro Duo slot there instead (current max 16GB)?
It might have made it a little bulky I s'pose!! Other than that, the
phone is packed with features and doubles as a digi camera & MP3 player,
so I'm happy.
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Reviewed by JayJay from England on 27th Nov 2008
good phone, simple to use good camera with excellent resolution, can
zoom pictures with still good quality.. motion sensor games are quality,
videos and music spot on also. remembering that it is mainly a camera
phone you cant expect too much in terms of Walkman features. sat-nav
is a bonus but not used yet not sure if any extra charges are induced.
all in all great phone. probably would have that extra edge on photos
and picture quality if it had a carl zeiss lens, still its good. cant
complain (although people always do!)
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Reviewed by chud from scotland on 27th Nov 2008
had the phone for 12 days and sent it back. didn`t like it at all. textin
was a pain. couldn`t get used to the slider. but worst of all was the
camera!! 8.1 megapixel but the pictures seemed to be blurry. played
with all setting but couldn`t get good pics. nokia n95 i thought were
much more natural and better colour. wi`fi was temperamental to start
and wouldn`t connect, but eventually did. battery life was pathetic.
dunno where they got the 15 day standby from.
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Reviewed by Jack from england on 27th Nov 2008
The C905 is an amazing phone. I recently purchased one from mobiles.co.uk
after being indecisive about what i actually wanted for a whole month.
I have to say im very impressed with my choice. The useability is second
to none and its not over complicated by 3G applications. I wanted a
simple phone, with good working features, a decent music player and
above all else an excellent camera... which the C905 delivers on without
fail... ... best phone ive ever had!
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Reviewed by Ryan from Wales on 26th Nov 2008
Ive owned the w810 k800 k810 and k850 which were all great phones but
the c905 raises the bar in a massive way simply sensational
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Reviewed by Leanne from Scotland on 26th Nov 2008
Just got this phone today. Its very nice looking and the camera is fantastic.
Its quite chunky so good if you want a phone that feels like a phone,
I upgraded from a u600 so it will take time to get used to the thickness.
Also I find it can be quite slow to repond sometimes but other than
that its a really good quality phone.
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Reviewed by Shirley from uk on 26th Nov 2008
I've had this phone for nearly 3 weeks, and initially was quite worried
about the battery life. It would only last a day, after a full recharge,
and also had problems with Wifi. I popped into an 02 shop and was advised
to take the battery and sim out, and put back in, which very surprisingly
made all the difference. I wouldn't say the battery life is anything
like stated in the official bumpf, but it is tons better. The Wifi is
now connecting after cleaning the sim. On the whole, I'm quite happy
with this phone, much better than the Nokia n73 which had a mountain
of probs for the start.
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Reviewed by Simon from England on 25th Nov 2008
This is a good solid phone. The general functioning is quite slow but
thats not a big deal. The only other drawback is the buttons, they dont
have a smooth feel to them. The camera is top notch but only if you
use it properly, using the right setting for the right shot. The media
player is good. And it's a proper good lookin phone!
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Reviewed by Donna from United Kingdon on 24th
Nov 2008
I have had this phone for just over a week. the phone was great for
the first couple of days and has a very good camera. However the battery
life is terrible. i have had a replacement battery and charger but still
same. Also calls keep dropping out mid conversation. If you can put
up with this without throwing it out of the window then the phone is
fine. replaced with blackbery storm - fingers crossed
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Reviewed by Betty from Newzeland on 21st Nov 2008
I am glad with this phone! Go for it! Cheaper for the 5GB! Personaly,
I went for the 8GB, as I'm using this phone as a camera! Very cheap
too!
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Reviewed by Nikki from UK on 21st Nov 2008
Hey guys, I work for Vodafone and have also upgraded to the C905 - the
battery life is much improved if you set it to use 'GSM only' rather
than 3G or dual mode. Hope it helps!
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Reviewed by caz from uk on 21st Nov 2008
one word....PERFECT!!!
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Reviewed by Chris from UK on 20th Nov 2008
I've had the phone on 3 for a couple of weeks now. It's my first high-end
phone so maybe I'm easily impressed but I love it... * The phone software
is well organised and fairly reliable (just the occasional glitch).
* The battery lasts me up to two days with heavier use and up to about
four when I'm not taking lots of photos and using GPS and wifi. * The
camera and camera software are just fantastic! That was my main motivation
for buying the phone and I'm not disappointed. * I've had no trouble
connecting to wireless networks with wifi. It's great to be able to
download larger files on wifi rather than at 3's data rates. * I've
just started playing with the GPS. It takes a very long time to get
a lock the first time but it's much quicker after that. I've installed
GPSed to make GPX tracks and started contributing to OpenStreetMap.org.
* In fact, I've installed quite a few J2ME applications (GPSed, Opera
Mini web browser, Music Mate), all of which has been very strightforward.
* The PC software is good - I'm regularly synching my calendar with
Outlook. And file transfer via the normal Windows folders is quick and
painless. * On the whole the phone seems fairly robust. The scratch
resistent screen is great. My only concern is whether the camera cover
will last a couple of years - it feels slightly more delicate than the
rest of the phone. * And finally, I just love the feel of the phone
- the materials, the design, the weight, the camera buttons down the
side - it's just a well designed object.
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Reviewed by John from UK on 19th Nov 2008
Had the phone for less than a week now and have generally been very
impressed. As many have already mentioned the battery life is terrible
- the worst I have ever seen on a phone. I fully charged this morning
and having made two calls and already it's down to 25% battery after
12 hours. I'm sure I read on the SE website that standby time was over
300 hours so I'm not sure if I have something configured incorrectly.
Will give it a couple of days before I call up to report this as an
issue and see what can be done. (Some on here have mentioned great battery
life so please say what you are getting between charges, and if you
have use/configure any features). As also noted by other people is the
battery indicator is unreliable. Thought I had plenty of charge the
other night (over 25%) but yesterday morning the alarm didn't even go
off as the battery had run flat over night so now has to be kept on
charge over night. Very annoying! It took a while to get the Wi-Fi working
correctly (may have been user error here) but this seems to be working
well now, although being on Vodafone it is not possible to connect to
Vodafone Live! over Wi-Fi and instead have to press up at the main menu
to enter a different web address. This is due to Vodafone customisation
though rather than SE. Have read Simon's comments regarding photo tagging
and although I've not tried this I believe the incorrect tagging is
due to the phone having two different types of GPS (GPS and A-GPS).
A-GPS is assisted GPS which I believe uses the phone masts to estimate
position (rather than true GPS) and I'm sure I read this is what is
used for photo tagging. I'm sure there is some more information on this
online. I wasn't sure if I was going to liekt his phone to start with
but after some time with it I have grown to like it - a lot. The major
downside is the battery life - if this seriously has to be charged every
day then I will certainly consider sending it back.
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Reviewed by Simon from UK on 18th Nov 2008
Had the phone around 3 weeks now. Love the camera pics and anti scratch
screen. Wi-Fi is handy. This is my first "slider" and its takin a bit
of getting used to. Texting is also a pain. I don't have "sausage fingers"
and have owned a K750/800/810 all uased all to text with ease - however
I find the 905 is terrible. Keypad is too "flat" and this means placing
the finger on the right spot is very hit miss. This leaves you with
6 loetters on the screen when you thought you had only pressed 3 keys.
Maybe it will improve with time but its annoying. Battery life as noted
before is poor compared to my previous SE's (one and half days) Last
week I used the camera a fair bit one day and made almost no calls but
sent a few text. I also turned the flash OFF too when taking pics and
it still died on me - something I have NEVER had in 12 years of owning
a mobile. Went out with a full charge too. Another thing (maybe someone
can help here) I set the GPS to note the location of wh ere photos are
taken. However when the photo has been taken (with a GPS lock) when
I go to view it on a map the actual "pin" marking the photos location
is about 500 meters away from where I know it was taken. For example
stand outside my house and take photo (with GPS) and the map will show
its location as being 3 streets (Or more away) On a more general note
the software is still very sluggish when looking for a contact to add
to a text thats to be sent and then suddenly "catches up" and races
through the screens. Also slightly annoying is when viewing contacts
in the list you used to hit the ok key to dial - now you must hit the
dial button otherwise the ok button just takes you into that contacts
details. The lanyard hook is quite sharp too. Love Camera, Screen, Wifi,
Music player. Hate Battery life (comapred to other SE's), Texting is
awkward (miss pressing keys), Only supports up to 8GB M2 cards (not
16GB).
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Reviewed by Christopher Christoforou from UK on
15th Nov 2008
I like this phone a lot. The Photo's are not up to the standard of my
Nikon, but I have photo's I couldn't have taken with the Nikon, because
it isn't in my pocket all the time. I have not been able to make the
wi-fi work at home yet, the instructions are very basic. The software
(pc suite) is really good and erasy to use, linking up with Microsoft
Office Outlook. The Battery Life is absolute rubbish! Must be charged
daily.
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Reviewed by David J from UK on 15th Nov 2008
PHONE OF THE YEAR! forget the iphone, n96, samsung phones because this
so easy to use phone. everthing you want from a phone without been a
smartphone op with it. because all the phones ive said are miner upgrades
for people where as the C905 has same as most but better with out been
smartphone. i consinder any phone when i come to deciede chosen one,
but this one is great, wifi which works, best carma phone you can buy.
it is a sliding phone too which i love about. People should look at
spec before buying it as ive seen people having been moaning about video
calling so who cares about that video calling is rubbish and expensive.
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Reviewed by Skates from England on 14th Nov 2008
Had the C905 just over a week now, I found the battery life to be terrible.
My old K800i seemed to last forever. I'm lucky if I get 2.5 days with
this one. (on 2g not 3g to get more life) I'm sure the fireware needs
a tweek or two, as I find the menu slow, sometimes it shuts down and
restarts when changing from 2g to 3g. This morning couldn't get it to
connect to my bluetooth until I took the battery out and put it back
in. (menu just locked up). I've had several SE phones, and although
this feels a quality phone, it's disappointing SE hasn't ironed out
the little bugs before release. Getting back to the battery life, I
also find the icon indicator seems to show a nearly full battery, however
on pressing the side key to get battery info, it shows around 50% mark
- again a fireware algrithum problem I think. Even when left on charge
for 4-6 hours, phone says fully charged, phone info never shows 100%,
only 98 or rearly 99%. On the positive side, phone is packed with features
(no forward video camera though) and a reasonable camera (not a massive
improvement over the k800i though)
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Reviewed by Mr Fish from UK on 14th Nov 2008
phone looks great and camera look great shame about the GPS Orange leave
you with orange maps and have removed the wayfinder software. no point
in having an internal GPS receiver and putting internet based navigation
on the phone. Shame on you Orange. I almost sent it back as the navigation
software is something i use on my n95 (which is fab by the way as we
all know) then i had a thought. the N95 still works as a camera and
sat nav works without the sim card i. so long as nothing happens to
the memory card with the certificate on I am going to use the N95 in
my car as a sat nave as there is still 15 months left on the nokia maps.
and the C905 as a camera phone. best of both worlds. By the time the
Nokia maps subscription runs out mabee Nokia will have an even better
phone or the network providers will have got the message about us not
wanting sh1$Ht own brand navigation software.
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Reviewed by Tony from UK on 14th Nov 2008
Great phone. Go for it.
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Reviewed by Max C from UK on 14th Nov 2008
Sent it back with much regret. Phone cannot cope with being a phone
(ie connecting to a network) AND being a Wifi receiver/GPS navigator
at the same time. Wayfinder (and it's free 3 month trial) is removed
by the networks so you are forced to use (and pay) for their crummy
navigation software - they keep this quiet! Added to this the lack of
front-facing camera and surprisingly limited battery life (using Wifi
or GPS for very small periods) and you have a phone that looks incredible
in theory, but disappoints in practice. If you want a great camera (5MP
is decent) and don't need Wifi, get the C902. You can always buy a cheap
bluetooth GPS attachment when you need it. Alternatively, wait four
months for the Networks and Sony to iron out all the bugs - which was
supposedly the reason for the launch being delayed from Sep 08 to November
08.
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Reviewed by Kevin from England on 13th Nov 2008
Ditched my LG Secret for this phone and am not disapointed! Very good
camera and very easy to use. Minor gripes are only 2 of the 4 shortcuts
can be set and the case is a little bit loose but not much. Typical
Sony phone, easy to use, great battery life and great camera. Should
never have left Sony after my k800i.
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Reviewed by mark from england on 12th Nov 2008
got the sony erricson last week and up to now its been great battery
life has been amazing and what i am going to say so has been the camera.
ive started taking more photos than i did previously and then geotagging
them with the gps connection. was going to sell it on ebay but i think
i will keep it now as this is truly groundbreaking technoligy all the
other compainies are so far behind SE especially on battery life
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Reviewed by OwenO from UK on 12th Nov 2008
I have been using this phone for 4 days. After the pre-use charge of
14hours, the battery only lasted for 24hrs or less including 80mins
of calls plus a few photos, 5 mins wifi and accustomisation to the handset.
This second charge has lasted longer, but then I've only had about 25
mins of calls in the last 2 days (quiet Sunday :D). Everyone knows about
the great positive features of the phone, not to mention the cool factor
of the Dusk Setting theme where the accelerometer influences a scrolling
panorama. The biggest and most disgusting negative of this phone, is
the lack of front facing video call camera; wow, what an atrocious oversite!
How now will I see my honey whilst she ogles me? Also, previous phone
was a k800i, installed SE PC Suite 4.0, but would not let me transfer
contacts as they were formatted. How clueless are these developers?!
I'm desperately considering switching to the Samsung i8510, only problem
there is the multiple negative reviews of dust getting into the screen.
On paper however, it does seem to beat my c905 with hands behind it's
back... (hands-free, get it?) 3*s because of it's poor stature compared
to the INNOV8.
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Reviewed by Stuart from England on 11th Nov 2008
2nd SE after the excellent W910i and was a welcomed upgrade from 3 Network.
Phone looks the part, feels solid and upto now, has been superb. No
lockups or hang ups and packed with more gadgets than Q from bond! Camera
is the business and some of the photos taken have been excellent, I
no longer need a digital camera for everyday "family" photos etc. Well
done SE, may you long continue....
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Reviewed by Chris from England on 10th Nov 2008
Had the C905 for a week now after upgrading from the SE W910i (great
phone). This is a feature-packed phone with lots of goodies. The downside
is that these come at a cost which is the brick-like weight. Very good
for taking clear stable images with the excellent camera, but a bit
tedious after texting for 20 minutes. The shiny keypad takes some getting
used to but is okay. My main gripe is the light meter for the camera
is located very close to the edge of the casing and if you let your
fingers stray ever so slightly around the edge of the case it fouls
the meter resulting in over-exposed images. The battery cover is a big
let-down after the perfect design of the W910i - it is very difficult
to remove without opening the slider. The camera lens cover is also
difficult to slide open if your fingers are dry, there's no grip on
the smooth surface. Right, gripes out of the way, this phone is tremendous.
The speaker sound quality is leagues ahead. The media player is as good
as any walkman phone. But why oh why did SE get rid of Facewarp on a
flagship phone???? Battery life has been very disappointing so far -
only a day before re-charge, but the phone has been tested to death
and I haven't given it more than a 3 hour charge so far. Beware if you
get a Vodafone handset - they remove the fantastic Wayfinder Navigator
software and fill the phone with all the usual Vodafone rubbish that
no one asks for. Still haven't decided if I'm going to keep it yet.
The Samsung Omnia looks a good proposition if only I could stray from
Sony Ericsson. Verdict: Lots of toys, heavy phone, great camera, great
call clarity, could have been better designed.
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Reviewed by Jamie from UK on 10th Nov 2008
Brilliant phone. Simple to use, very responsive, good volume, wi-fi,
excellent applications, fantastic camera (video pretty good), nice design
and stylish looking, not too heavy and absolutely bug free so far as
I have found. Only downer is the video playback is not as good as I
hoped it would be and a minor point is that it is relatively chunky.
Still, it is without doubt the best phone I have had. Knowing people
who have the Iphone (and hate it) and the Nokia N95/96 (and hate them)
I have to give this 5 stars.
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Reviewed by Noghar from UK on 10th Nov 2008
Having been anticipating this phone for a month or two I could not wait
for a network upgrade and bought an 'unwanted upgrade' from Ebay. I
like this phone very much and in the four days I have been using it
I have found it slick, reliable, powerful and versatile. I didn't like
the Orange branding and resented the way Orange try to make you go through
the WAP interface for everything online - even when the phone has a
WiFi connection - so I got it 'debranded', and I'm glad I did. The interface
is much cleaner and less... orange. If I had to carp about the phone
I would mention that the keys do not give as positive a 'click' response
as my old k800i; also that the upgrade in megapixels on the camera does
not seem to have made that much difference to the quality of the photos
compared to the 3.2 on the k800i - but then I haven't used it outside
in daylight yet! It's much faster than the k800i and the joystick in
particular (or 'joypad', I should say) is much more responsive. The
handset is fatter than the SE c902, yes, but then it carries a lot more
electronics - GPS and Wifi - and it's actually a little smaller than
my old k800i. I am still exploring the WiFi potential and haven't tried
the GPS in anger yet, so can't offer an opinion on those. But so far
I'm giving it 5/5 for being a good, solid, well-made Sony phone with
impressive battery life. I must say I am mystified sometimes by the
way this site gives 'outstanding' verdicts to buggy, half-baked phones
like the Viewty, which I gave up on after a week. The SE c905 does all
it promises, efficiently and reliably. It's packed with gadgets without
being flash or ostentatious and without eating batteries. I'm delighted
with it.
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Reply by Mobile Phones UK from UK on
10th Nov 2008
Glad you like the C905, we like it too. Our users liked the Viewty too,
so I think that you're in a minority there, Noghar! Anyway, thanks for
the informative review!
Reviewed by James from UK on 8th Nov 2008
Upgraded from the K800i and I am generally pleased with my choice. I
especially love the slow motion function on any videos I make with the
excellent camera. Call quality is crisp and clear and as yet no sign
of freezing or call dropping. The key pad was a little weird at first
but soon became familiar and comfortable particularly as it is larger
and easier to use than that of the K800i. If there is a downside it
is only that the backlighting for the keys can at times take a second
or so to come on after you open the phone but aside from that it's well
made and fun to have and use. Thoroughly satisfactory replacement for
the K800i.
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Reviewed by Gary from England on 7th Nov 2008
I got this phone as a replacement for my trusted Samsung. I have to
say that I am very impressed with the way it feels, looks and works.
Sound quality if excellent, keypad is lovely and the screen is excellent.
The camera is without doubt just great and this alone makes the phone
worth getting. If I have any issues - it has to be with the fact that
the phone does keep switcing to camera mode when trying to escape from
the menu pages - but this is a small issue and might be down to my chubby
fingers. A great all round phone that will be hard to beat.
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Reviewed by Sian from England on 6th Nov 2008
Wow what a phone. This is the 1st Sony Ericsson phone I have ever had.
I have been a Samsung person for the last 5 years or so but didnt like
the new i-phone type phones that samsung have brought out. The key pad
is very easy to use so if you are an avid texter like me it suits very
well. The camera is easy to use and is very good quality. The sound
on the phone is amazing aswell and plays tracks very clear. All in all
after using this phone for 5 days I absolutely love it and would recommend
it to anyone. The only thing I would comment on after reading other
reviews is the videocalling. I cant actually get mine to work and my
partner cant get his to work either on the C902 but maybe thats user
error
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Reviewed by melvin from uk on 6th Nov 2008
I Love it!!!!!!!! The camera is ace and the music is soooooooo good!
Recommended! BUY IT!!!!!!!
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Reviewed by Chris from England on 6th Nov 2008
The phone I've been waiting for. Having spent a long time deciding between
C905 and Samsung I8510, I am very glad I chose the C905. The camera
is very good, GPS works fine (though not yet used for navigating as
not something I specifically chose the phone for), music player is great,
and at last I have a decent sized Code Memo in which to store my numerous
passwords, something I severly missed having had the wallet on an old
Nokia. Got unlimited web bolt on, so I now actually use the phone for
the internet. This phone has everything I wanted from it, and performs
them all well.
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Reviewed by Danny from UK on 6th Nov 2008
I got one of these on 3 for which they force you to take £12 per month
(120 mins) of video calling. Fair enough as the rest of the contract
starts around £15 p/m so still the cheapest overall option. However,
I (perhaps foolishly) assumed that for Sony's flagship phone it would
have a forward facing video camera but it doesn't and this is very disappointing.
Very poor form from Sony I'm afraid. Yes the photo camera and the rest
of the phone are pretty good but to have all those connectivity features
and be let down like this is pretty daft. 2 stars from me I'm afraid.
ps Fair play to 3 - I had used the phone hence how I found this out
and no fuss from 3 in cencelling off the contract.
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Reviewed by Louis from England on 5th Nov 2008
To all "texters" out there!!! I have to agree with Joseph on this one.
Ive been waiting for the C905 since I got wind of it many months back,
even denying other contracts until it was released by my provider last
week. Ive owned a K800i for the last 2 years and pretty much touch type
a full text, holding the phone from any angle, without looking. Maybe
it might take some getting use to, but it seems my thumb keeps on getting
in the way of the buttons on the C905. Since there arent any individual
buttons on the keypad (the keypad is almost completely flat), cant feel
your way around the keys, and often you press two buttons instead of
one. The top is a little heavy, which makes it a little difficult to
hold on to. Right, Ive had my moan about texting, which frankly is one
of the only problems Ive had with this phone. They seem to have thought
about everything, the layouts are great, and the picture quality is
amazing. A handsome, sturdy phone which will stand head and sho ulders
above the rest!!!
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Reviewed by Simon from UK on 5th Nov 2008
I had a K750 for several years, and this is an amazing upgrade from
it. I'm generally very pleased - only big disappointment is that, unlike
the K750, there is no manual/SOS torchlight offered within Organiser
function. Why ever not? The Xenon light is there, so it should only
be a simple mod to the software to make the light also work under manual
control. FYI - the C902 has also lost the torchlight facility - very
disappointing.
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Reviewed by Adam Sabir from uk on 5th Nov 2008
I have to say it is my first time changing from a good nokia. thought
it try the c905 bt i personally found it to be poor. The battery life
is not great at all which supposedly sony is meant to have a good battery
life and the phone freezes in the middle of a call. the slide mechanism
seems week. to be honest i would stick to nokia
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Reviewed by Nick from England on 5th Nov 2008
Excellent phone with amazing amount of features. I especially like that
its got Wi-Fi and allows me to use it as another browser in the house.
(If you're trying to connect to Wi-Fi and have a vodafone handset you
must not go direct to the Vodafone "live" site as its not available
via the general internet, which is what you're using. Instead from main
screen push centre button up and enter web site you want to access).
Camera is very good and the main reason I got the phone. MP3 player
also very good. I've just had a walkman phone and I was a bit concerned
that the sound quality might not be as good - but I cant tell any difference.
As long as I dont encounter any crash problems that I had with the W910i,
I think I'll be very happy with this.
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Reviewed by Ryan from UK on 5th Nov 2008
I have recently upgraded from a K800i and I am very happy with the C905!
I was able to upgrade in September but waited until the C905 was released
in October so I could upgrade to it instead of the C902! Layout is pretty
much the same as my previous K800i so it's easy to navigate to features.
Camera is amazing, as is sound quality. I got a 2GB memory card with
the phone which I was pleasantly surprised about! When I got my K800i
I only got a 512MB memory card! I am surprised that there is no sleep
clock mode on the C905, but I think this is because of the new type
of screen on this phone. I haven't used all of the new features yet,
but I am impressed with everything that's available on the phone. Battery
life is pretty similar to that of my previous K800i so that's pretty
good. Transferring of files is easy, either by using an m2 USB adapter
or using the software provided with the phone. This is my first slide
phone and the slide mechanism on this phone is very good. The only downside
I've encountered so far is that it can be slow to start up and then
become unresponsive. Apart from that, it's a brilliant phone that deserves
5 stars!
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Reviewed by mark evans from england on 5th Nov
2008
WOW!! what a phone, had the 905 for a few days and am impressed, having
come from a k800 and n95 it had to be good just to compete with my last
phones and boy dose it do that!!! pics are outstanding (in any light
conditions),in fact they are as good as my 10mp kodak camera! vidios
are far better than on previous SE phones, the mp3 player is top notch
(and its actually a walkman one too). the best all round mobile out
there, go get one
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Reviewed by JOSEPH from UK on 4th Nov 2008
11/10 I mark this CAMERA, err phone it realy is comparable to a mid
range camera, I chose this phone instead of buying a new camera to take
pictures of our new baby due dec. I was truly amazed by the quality
of pictures even in poor conditions. 5/10 I mark the GPS sat nav, as
a profesional driver it does not meet the userbility standard but for
occasional use as a cheeper alternitive to buying a sat nav. it does
what it says on the tin 0/10 WI-FI first few attempts to connect failed
9/10 PC SOFTWARE for sync, DATA,ETC excellent 7/10 VIDEOPHONE ok so
there is no face camara, no big deal when ever I video phone its to
share my experience not to broadcast my ugly mut 8.5/10 phone USERBILITY
9/10 BATTERY with so many features it still lasts the day out 10/10
STYLE
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Reviewed by William from UK on 3rd Nov 2008
Just got this phone for 100 pounds with a 20 pound 18 month contract
with 3. It has a light sensor so the the screen goes bright and dark
too often (and you can't turn off the sensor which is bad). The lens
cover looks sleek but a bit flimsy. Typing needs a bit of adjusting
especially if you got big fingers, the top three buttons (1,2 and 3)
are quite close to the slide up of the phone. 8.1 mp is as close as
you can get to a real camera but the auto focus for macro shots is not
too good. But other than that, no regrets getting this phone. If you're
a sony user previously, everything would seem familiar. Haven't try
the GPS or the Wi-Fi yet. But surfing on the net with HSDPA has been
good. Takes good pictures and videos. Excellent music. Great games.
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Reviewed by Hon from UK on 1st Nov 2008
I had been waiting for this phone since it was announced. I got it on
Saturday 25th Oct on Vodafone. On paper, it sounds really good, 8 Megapixel
camera with Xenon flash, A-GPS, HSDPA, Wifi... Unfortunately, after
using the K800i for 2.5 years, I really couldn't adjust to this. The
weight really lies at the top end (and it IS quite heavy) so texting
and just using the keypad can be quite uncomfortable. The camera quality
was good, not brilliant as I'd hoped though. I'd say that the firmware
could still do with a bit of tweaking for speed and to make navigating
the camera menus a bit slicker. I couldn't actually get the wifi to
work at all on my phone (possibly firmware issues again) which was disappointing.
The phone did lock up a few times which also ruined the experience.
It's definitely a very solidly built phone, just let down by a very
flaky early firmware that takes a lot of the polish off what is sure
to be a very popular phone. Also Voda use a custom firmware that locks
the Top and Right shortcut keys to their own items (very annoying if
you actually liked setting your own shortcuts) and the phone's Bluetooth
only works with a Voda sim. A weird quirk! I returned the phone and
cancelled the contract. It was disappointing for a phone that ticks
so many boxes. It just lacks the feel of the K800i which in my opinion
has the best ergonomics of any phone I've owned so far! (Owned 7 and
in addition returned 2 - the other was the SE M600) Hon
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Reviewed by terryq from uk on 31st Oct 2008
Had this phone a couple of days now... oh hang on the screens gone black.
It is a very good and solidly built phone... oh hang on the screens
gone black. :) sorry i think u get the picture, wots with the blacklight,
it has no timer from wot i can see. anyway back to my thoughts. The
c905 looks good and feels good, its by far one of the best phones i
have had in along time. Picture quality is fantastic and from wot i've
seen so far the video quality is not as bad as most people seem to say,
but that might just me having worse in the past. Not played on many
of the other functions yet, but if there as good as the functions i
have tried then i'm in for a real good time. The c905 is highly recomended.
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Reviewed by Joseph from London, UK on 31st Oct
2008
I bought this phone last week and I must say I am quite impressed. This
is my first Sony Ericsson phone (I used to have the slim Samsung U600)
so I didn't really know what to expect. With regards to the physical
aspect of the phone, well what can I say. On one side you have a phone
and on another you have a digital camera. Such a simple concept and
yet implemented so well. It was a bit of scare at first taking the plunge
with a phone that was so much thicker than what I'm used to but its
slim enough to still have in your pocket and not be annoying. Yes the
cover of the camera lens is delicate, and the sliding aspect of the
phone doesn't seem to be as robust as the Samsungs that I have used
before but all this does is more or less force you to respect the phone
more - and respect is one thing it certainly deserves. I purchased the
not-so-common bronze/copper coloured one and am extremely happy with
the way it looks. The buttons are not a match for my big thumbs but
then again most phones are not designed to suit the larger hands. Texting
is not a problem really, any adaptation that is required to get used
to the smaller buttons should be minimal. The user interface is terrific.
It's so simple to navigate and everything is so well organised into
appropriate logical segments. You don't need a menu map to find whatever
you're after, just common sense (if that). I am no photographer and
I'm not one of the kind that frequently take pictures. But I have to
say that this camera takes very good sharp images and I can understand
why one is inclined to call this a phone with a camera and not vice-versa!
Furthermore if you have a PS3-HDTV setup you can actually view the images/sounds
with DLNA support on your tv without using a TV-OUT (the phone can act
as a media server within a WIFI network and have its images/sounds stream
to a media player/client). Unfortunately it seems that the PS3 cannot
discover the mp4 videos stored on the phone. Messaging is designed well,
and the other features that come with the phone offer many different
capabilities. As mentioned there is DLNA support, but in addition one
is able to find their way around with GoogleMap and Wayfinder. There
are many other applications/games that come with this phone, all good
additions that improve it as a product. The battery life isn't too bad
either. After a 16 hour super-charge I've more or less recharged the
phone once every night for a couple of hours, and this after using all
the miscellaneous aspects of the phone. My only gripe is the fact that
they promote this phone for its capability of video calling. Unless
you're willing to employ a bit of physics and a couple of mirrors you
might as well consider its video calling feature void. The video calling
camera is the main camera of the phone which is at the back. Absolutely
pointless. It doesn't do what it says on the tin so for that I'm giving
this phone 4 stars. In short this is an excellent camera-phone with
an eclectic range of features and DLNA support.
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Reviewed by emma from newport,south wales on 30th
Oct 2008
Continuing on from my previous review. Here is a tip for people who
want to use any tone for a message tone instead of default, as this
phone is set up slightly different so like me not completely sure how
to do it.Press menu, go down to organiser press select, go file manager,
scroll to music press select then scroll thru tones till find one u
want, press key under options then scroll down to use as then select
message tone, will confirm it has been done and voila. hope this helps.
it took me a while to work this out as file manager isnt the media file
like u wud think its in morganiser folder.By the way im still lovin
this phone, perfection.
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Reviewed by abzrich from scotland on 30th Oct
2008
i've only had this for about 24 hours, so i'm still getting used to
it... but so far so good. the camera is everything i was hoping for
and having upgraded from a k800i it's easy for me to get the hang of
it. however, i'm not overly keen on the keypad so far, but i'm hoping
my fat fingers will get used to it. it's not all that easy to navigate
back to the homescreen from an application and i've yet to work out
how to use the gps. the games look great but you have to buy them. all
in all though this is by far the coolest phone i've seen.
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Reviewed by Jess from Uk on 30th Oct 2008
Got this phone the other day its great...brilliant camera...only problems
are dim backlighting and the tacky keypad on the front of the phone...other
than that i love it!
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Reviewed by Wayne from U.K on 29th Oct 2008
Well well sony ericsson have appeared to have pulled their finger out
with this phone! Having spent a year using the troubled K850i i decided
to take the plunge and go with the C905 and so far im glad i did! This
phone is beautiful, the camera takes great pictures, everything works,
the sound quality from the music play is a vast improvement on the K850i
and so far no crashes!! Just one little thing that appears to be missing
are the little animations you can use to jazz up your texts but thats
personal taste and doesnt impact the actual use of the phone! All in
all im super happy with my purchase and im glad sony have woken up and
listened to their customers and worked out that simple designs are best!!
Well done sony!!
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Reviewed by raj from uk on 29th Oct 2008
Well actually fairly disappointing. The slider mechanism appears to
be very very sensitve and simply sliding the phone open is not enough.
Have to force the top part of the phone up otherwise it just locks itself
and the backlighting on the keyboard is terrible. Never on when your
txtin and think its linked to the slider mechanism. Absolutely poor
phone and not worth the hype its getting in the media.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by emma from newport,south wales on 28th
Oct 2008
Well done sony ericsson, u listened to the public and ironed out all
problems seen on k850i and turned out what i think will be the phone
of the year. This phone is more than awesome. The camera is perfect
in every way giving excellent qual pics every time, and the smart contrast
setting is brill,the flash is bright and does what its meant to unlike
the k850i. I dont want to say too much about any freezing in case i
jinx it but so far nothing.I love se as they always have long lasting
batteries. Call quality clear with no muffling or distortion. Mine came
with a 2 gig memory card so plenty of storage, although that was a nice
surprise as it didnt say anywhere that a memory card was supplied. You
can use any tone u want as message tone as u always have been able to
with se. just go to music file u want press select then use as message
alert.The wifi is brill no dropouts and u get a 3 free mnth trial of
sat nav with voice guided directions. Havent tried that part yet. Texting
is a joy to do on this key pad as all keys responsive and comfortable
to type on. I bought the bronze one on payg at 350 quid as i didnt wanna
have another contract and it works out half the price less getting it
that way. So i am a very very happy camper and think that every1 shud
buy this phone, its perfect.
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Reviewed by The Prophet Zarqwan from England on
28th Oct 2008
This phone does everything you need and more. However I have had to
rate it just 4 stars for the following reason..............................
.....NO SECOND CAMERA FOR VIDEO CALLING......... You will notice a hole
in the fascia as if there should be one, but it is a folly. You can
video call using the main camera...but that makes it a bit pointless.
Other than that, it it top notch.
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Reviewed by poc from uk on 27th Oct 2008
after pick up it love it so much
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Reviewed by Cal from England on 27th Oct 2008
Fresh out of the box the first thing I noticed were the tacky looking
keys on the front of the phone, something or nothing but I expected
more from a £400+ phone. After a couple of days everything thing seems
to work OK and with Bluetooth and 3G turned off the battery life is
excellent. Apart from the cheap looking keys other niggles are the wishy
washy 'themes', the jutting and quite sharp strap holder, the exposed
charger/USB connector, the fact the latest Sony Erics no longer go directly
to iPhoto when connected to an Apple Mac computer, and, unlike the super
slim C902, the all singing, all dancing, top of the range, super duper
8 megapixel C905 camera phone isn't equipped with 'Face Warp' technology,
bizarre! All in all a nice piece of kit, but, if photos aren't high
on your list of priorities you'd be better off buying the C902.
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Reviewed by MonkeyHarris from UK on 27th Oct 2008
Picked up my C905 friday and after a weekend of playing with it, I'm
suitably impressed! I've been on the hunt for a new phone since July
and have finally settled for the C905... First impressions are good,
with a high build quality and solid feel. The matt black casing has
a nice comfortable feel and the chrome trim give it a classy finish.
The slide on mine feels solid and satisfying. The camera is miles ahead
of either the N95 or the K850. The 3g connection is good but the WiFi
is better! all in all, a comprehensive package without putting up with
the bugs and glitches that come with (so-called) smart phones... Well
done SE!
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Reviewed by Buba A. Basu from Nigeria - Borno on
27th Oct 2008
This phone is more than amazing, is the kind of phone people have to
deliver it very execellent, looking at the camera 8.1 megapixel, but
most of this product or phones they doesn't resist in battery once the
original battery have gone that will be the end of them. For you to
get the battery in the market of nowadays it will be very difficult.
Why doesn't we get this type of phone in our local market, such of this
United Kingdom phones.
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