rin29

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Basic phone; don't expect fireworks

Sep 6, 2009

Rating: 5 out of 10 (Average)
Pros: Slim, lightweight
Cons: Frequently restarts, poor camera quality
Opinion:
For use as a phone, the w890i performs all the basic functions that I need (calling, answering, alarms). Beyond that, the performance is disappointing; below average even. The phone restarts itself frequently; not only that, the restarts can be consecutive up to 3-4 times which is highly annoying. Some restarts are also accompanied by the message that the phone cannot detect my SIM card. This is the most frustrating aspect of the phone.

I was previously a Cybershot model user (I used my beloved k800i for more than 2 years) and so the cam quality of the w890i was a nasty shock. Pictures are often blurry and there is considerable lag. There is no flash and no macro function. The latter I missed very much as I enjoy taking very detailed close-ups. And you can forget about shooting at night. Even though there is a night mode for the camera, you need to either have a tripod or a super-steady hand when taking images. Even then, the image quality is dismal -- blurred, dim and with distortion.

I don't rely on the w890i for music as I already have an ipod. The music quality is so-so and my previous k800i, though not a Walkman phone, was able to perform just as well in terms of sound output.

In terms of design, some folks may love the w890i's super-sleek profile. But be warned that such small, slim phones like this will heat up very fast during extended conversations. The w890i will get so unbearably warm in my hand that I simply have to hang up or use the earpiece.

I need a phone with considerable bulk, so I'll be making the switch to the c905. I definitely look forward to having a good quality camera onboard. If you are on a budget and looking for a basic and no-frills phone, the w890i is for you, but cross your fingers you don't experience the restarting/freezing problem.