Sony Ericsson T715 review

Sony Ericsson know mobile phones and the Sony Ericsson T715 is testament to that fact. Sure, it may produce a huge variety of devices, such as the K, T and W Series handsets for example, but at least you've got lots of choice!

So, how does the Sony Ericsson T715 shape up amidst the masses of choice you have with Sony Ericsson?

Well, the good news is: if you're interested in a Sony Ericsson T715, you're certainly barking up the right tree – it's easy to use, packed with features and is an extremely affordable device.

But what about details? Well, It’s a no-nonsense phone with an attractive black and silver look to match. Unlike the previous T-series slider phone, the T303, the T715 doesn’t let this design ethic result in an unattractive phone. The Sony Ericsson T715 is low-key, but good looking enough to hide its low cost from all but the most critical of eyes.

There are some slight design issues. For starters, the metal backplate has a different finish to the plastic body surrounding it. It’s not something that leaps out at you, but once you’ve noticed it, you’ll keep on noticing it. Worse though is the damage you can do to this backplate by innocently trying to put the wrong end into the phone first.

As this backplate is made of metal, it deforms when put under too much stress, which is what you have to it under to get it out, should you put it in the wrong way. Questionable design can make strength a weakness. Pay attention and you’ll be fine though.

Aside from this slip-up, the T715’s build is as strong as its looks. The keypad has fully-separated keys, and while it’s on the small side and doesn’t take up the full width of the phone, it’s comfortable to use.

The sense of sensible, good quality workmanship extends to the screen too. Next to many of Sony Ericsson’s other budget phones, the T715’s screen is great, with excellent viewing angles and overall clarity. It does have a couple of quirks though. Even after lighting up, the backlight doesn’t reach full brightness until a second or so after you’ve woken the T715 from its slumber. That may not sound long but it’s longer than we’re used to.

Plus, there’s a blueish tint to the screen that robs colours of their vibrancy a little, although that should only really be a concern if you’re planning on watching videos on it, which we really wouldn’t recommend. Watching movies on a 2.2-inch screen just isn’t a good idea.

Head into the phone menu and it’s business as usual. There’s a built-in FM radio plus Sony Ericsson’s usual media player software. With only 80MB of onboard memory and the usual iffy earphones provided, you’d really have to shell out on a memory card and some Sony Ericsson earphones – or at least a proprietary to 3.5mm jack converter - to turn the T715 into a decent music player.

Similarly compromised is the T715’s camera. Although its 3.2-megapixels may not sound all that wimpy for an afforable device, like many of it rivals the T715 doesn’t have an autofocus function – a recipe for slightly out of focus images. There is an LED flash, which will make it suitable for a bit of casual party photography, even if that is somewhat out of sync with the T715’s sensibly sleek looks.

More impressive than its musical and photographic skills are its online credentials.

The Sony Ericsson T715 doesn’t have Wi-Fi built-in, but it’s still quick off the mark thanks to its 3G connectivity. Although it doesn’t shout about it, Google Maps, Facebook, Weather and YouTube apps are installed as standard – they’re nestled within the phone’s menus. So, considering this is essentially a budget phone, it’s not at all bad in connected terms. Once again, the T715’s best features aren’t loud or brash ones.

Considering the low cost of the contracts the Sony Ericsson T715 is currently available on – from £13.50 a month at the time of writing - it’s something of a bargain if you’re after a low-key phone that’ll cope with your emails just as well as your text messages and calls. Just make sure you treat that metal backplate with care, or you’ll regret it.