The entry-level Sony Ericsson T303 certainly brings a dash of class to the budget pre-pay scene. Its surprisingly quality metallic build and mirrored display belies its lower division status, proving to be a stylish option for those hit in the pocket by the crush of the credit crunch.
As a budget phone it ticks all the boxes you’ll want from a mobile - t’s small and compact and this 93g lightweight slider is ideal for popping away in your pocket. Of course, it’s impossible to avoid feature compromises at this level and the T303 slider travels light. The only noteworthy features include a 1.3-megapixel snapper, Bluetooth and FM radio - it’s clearly dinning out on its cool looks and dinky ultra-pocketable design. That said, the slider mechanism is nicely weighted and spring assisted with only the overly plastic pressure pad keypad and the poky 1.8-inch display reeking of cost cutting.
The T303 does the basic T&T well. The bare bones 1.3-megapixel snapper is really only good for wallpapering and picture messaging hi-jinks while Happy Slappers will undoubtedly be miffed at the lack of any video capturing moves. This means it’s left to the FM radio and Java games to provide the casual mobile entertainment.
Although perhaps to be expected, the one major disappointment is the lack of a memory card slot. With only a meager 8MB of internal memory, you’re incredibly restricted if you want to hoard multimedia gubbins like MP3 tunes and photos. It pretty much makes a mockery of the built-in music player.
Verdict
The cute T303 offers style on a shoestring budget and is not without its charms. Perfect for the younger first time buyer.
Best features
Dinky size
Metal build
Built-in FM radio
Not so good
Small screen size
No 3G
No memory card slot to expand memory
Check out the Sony Ericsson T303 photo gallery:
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- This 93g slider-phone is something of a budget offering
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- The 1.8-MP camera is fine for fun snaps but there is no video
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- Thin and slim, this is a hghly pocketable phone
Closest rivals
Samsung E250
This similarly priced and stylish Samsung slider may offer a weaker VGA camera but its larger screen and memory card slot makes up for this megapixel shortfall.
Nokia 5000
Look familiar? This slimline candybar is basically the 5310 XpressMusic stripped of its music creds. Like the T303 it features a 1.3-megapixel snapper and built-in FM radio.
Vodafone VF725
This network-branded candybar offers incredible value for money, delivering a two-megapixel snapper, QVGA-quality display and 3G for under 50 quid on prepay.
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