Sony Ericsson T303 review: Small is beautiful

Connectivity, web browsing and applications

Sony Ericsson T303 is a tri-band GSM/GPRS phone. The only wireless data transfer option is Bluetooth v2.0. The handset will be available in two versions: T303i supporting GSM 900/1800/1900 and T303a for the Americas running on GSM 850/1800/1900.

The built-in java browser is usable, but has its limitations. We had a hard time browsing gsmarena.com, yet small or mobile-phone-optimized sites worked out well. The fullscreen and the text-only browsing views are at your disposal in case you don't like the standard browser view. Other settings like smart-fit and history are at hand too.

We can't help strongly recommending the Opera Mini browser.

The built-in web browser

Sony Ericsson T303 offers several time-management features: File manager, Alarms, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, Timer, Stopwatch, and Calculator.

The Calendar offers monthly and weekly views. When you enter a birth date in the phonebook, the phone doesn't prompt adding it to the calendar. As far as alarms are concerned, there are five alarm slots available. Each one offers a lot of options - you can opt to repeat the alarm on chosen days of the week. Text and a picture can be added to the alarm.

Alarms and Calendar

Tasks can be two types: simple Tasks and Phone calls. Notes are written similar to messages; the T9 dictionary can be used here as well. A nice feature is the option to display notes on the Home screen.

Tasks menu and Notes on the homescreen

The Sound recorder has no limit to recording length, making the free memory available the only - and harsh enough - restriction.

The Calculator is the regular Sony Ericsson application. It offers the basic functions, no bells and whistles.

There isn't much to note about the stopwatch and timer either.

Sound recorder • Calculator • Stopwatch • Timer

Final words

Sony Ericsson T303 is a good enough attempt to fill in the low-end portfolio of the company. We can't frown at the modest, yet nice looking and compact phone, with quality finish and reasonable functionality. Design the undoubted highlight, Sony Ericsson T303 offers balanced performance for its class with Bluetooth, stereo FM radio, Smart search and TrackID.

We cannot overlook its major weakness, storage. The limited built-in memory and no card slot make the MP3 and the radio recording capabilities useless. We could also go on about a tad better display resolution and better imaging quality. The lack of PC synchronization is another potential downer.

By the way, it's easy to get carried away and that would be unfair to the affordable and unassuming T303. Overall, Sony Ericsson T303 is a tempting low-ender - it's sexy, it's mini, it makes sense.