Sony Ericsson Vivaz

amazon Sony Ericsson Vivaz reviews

Samsung Omnia HD i8910 is the first model to revolutionize with 720p video recording capabilities. Sony Ericsson also started to market by Sony Ericsson Vivaz with similar capabilities.

The most notable features of Vivaz.

3.2 inch screen, 16 million colors, resistive touch screen, resolution of 640 x 360 pixels.

8 Megapixel camera with autofocus, LED, face detection, smile, focus and geotagging.

Record 720p HD video at 24 frames per second.

Symbian OS 9.4, S60 5th Edition interface with customizable Home screen, oriented to entertainment.

720p processor, dedicated PowerVR SGX graphics.

3G connectivity with HSDPA 10.2 Mbps, HSUPA 2 Mbps, Wi-Fi, GPS with A-GPS.

MicroSD card slot, swivel screen, stereo FM, TV-out, web browser with full flash support.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was one of its most distinguishing features. At a time when many smartphones were starting to adopt a more utilitarian and boxy design, the Vivaz offered a more organic and ergonomic shape. The device had a curved back and rounded edges, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand. The phone was also relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 97 grams, which added to its portability.

The build quality of the Vivaz was solid, with a combination of plastic and metal materials that gave it a premium feel despite its lightweight construction. The front of the device was dominated by a 3.2-inch resistive touchscreen, while the back featured a smooth, glossy finish with a prominent camera lens. The camera placement was slightly raised, which helped protect the lens from scratches when the phone was placed on a flat surface.

One of the design elements that set the Vivaz apart was the availability of multiple color options. Consumers could choose from Moon Silver, Cosmic Black, Galaxy Blue, and Venus Ruby. These color options allowed users to select a variant that best suited their personal style, which was a relatively unique feature at the time when most smartphones were available in only one or two colors.

The physical buttons on the Sony Ericsson Vivaz were minimal, in line with the design trends of the time. There was a dedicated camera shutter button on the right side of the device, which emphasized the phone’s focus on multimedia and photography. The volume rocker was also located on the right side, just above the camera button, and it doubled as a zoom control when using the camera. On the left side of the device, there was a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack at the top.

The overall design of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was well-received, with many users appreciating its sleek, compact form factor and the attention to detail in its construction. It was a device that stood out in a crowded market, offering both style and substance.

Display

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz featured a 3.2-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 229 pixels per inch (ppi). While this resolution was not as high as some of the competing smartphones at the time, it was sufficient for most tasks and provided decent clarity for text, images, and videos.

The resistive touchscreen technology used in the Vivaz was a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it allowed for the use of a stylus or even a fingernail for more precise input, which could be beneficial in certain situations. On the other hand, resistive touchscreens are generally less responsive and less sensitive to finger touches compared to capacitive touchscreens, which were becoming more common at the time. As a result, users sometimes experienced issues with touch accuracy and responsiveness, particularly when trying to perform multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom.

In terms of color reproduction, the display of the Vivaz was capable of producing vibrant colors with good contrast levels. The viewing angles were acceptable, although not as wide as those found on higher-end smartphones with more advanced display technologies. The display was also relatively bright, making it usable in outdoor environments, although direct sunlight could still pose a challenge due to reflections and glare.

One of the standout features of the display was its ability to support widescreen video playback. The 16:9 aspect ratio was ideal for watching videos in landscape mode, which complemented the Vivaz’s emphasis on multimedia. The screen size, while not large by today’s standards, was adequate for consuming media on the go, and the resolution was sufficient to deliver a satisfactory viewing experience.

Overall, the display of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was competent, but it was not without its limitations. The use of resistive touchscreen technology was a notable drawback, particularly as capacitive screens were becoming the norm in the smartphone market. However, the display’s color reproduction and widescreen aspect ratio made it a good choice for multimedia consumption.

Camera

The camera was undoubtedly the highlight of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz, and it was one of the primary selling points of the device. The Vivaz was equipped with an 8.1-megapixel rear camera, which was impressive for a smartphone at the time. However, what really set the Vivaz apart was its ability to record high-definition (HD) video at 720p resolution, making it one of the first smartphones to offer this feature.

The 8.1-megapixel camera was capable of capturing detailed and sharp images in a variety of lighting conditions. The autofocus system was quick and accurate, and the camera also featured touch focus, allowing users to tap on the screen to focus on a specific area of the frame. Additionally, the camera included an LED flash, which helped improve photo quality in low-light environments.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Vivaz’s camera was its range of features and shooting modes. The camera app offered options such as face detection, smile detection, and geotagging, which were relatively advanced features for a smartphone camera at the time. There was also a continuous autofocus mode for video recording, which helped keep moving subjects in focus while capturing video.

The HD video recording capability was a standout feature of the Vivaz. The phone was capable of recording 720p video at 24 frames per second, which was a significant achievement in 2010. The video quality was generally good, with decent detail and smooth motion, although it was not on par with dedicated video cameras. The inclusion of a dedicated camera button also made it easy to quickly start recording video, which was a nice touch for users who wanted to capture spontaneous moments.

The front-facing camera on the Vivaz was a VGA camera, which was primarily intended for video calls rather than selfies. The quality of the front camera was quite basic, but it was adequate for its intended purpose. At the time, front-facing cameras were not yet a major focus for smartphone manufacturers, so the limited capabilities of the Vivaz’s front camera were not a significant drawback.

Overall, the camera performance of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was one of its strongest points. The 8.1-megapixel rear camera was capable of capturing high-quality photos, and the ability to record HD video was a major selling point. For users who valued multimedia capabilities, the Vivaz was an attractive option.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was powered by a 720 MHz ARM11 processor, paired with 256 MB of RAM. While these specifications might seem modest by today’s standards, they were fairly typical for smartphones of that era. The Vivaz also included 75 MB of internal storage, which was expandable via a microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 32 GB.

In terms of day-to-day performance, the Vivaz was capable of handling most tasks without significant issues. Basic operations such as making phone calls, sending text messages, and browsing the web were smooth and responsive. However, more demanding tasks, such as running multiple apps simultaneously or playing graphics-intensive games, could cause the phone to slow down or become unresponsive.

The resistive touchscreen, as mentioned earlier, also contributed to some of the performance challenges. The lack of a capacitive touchscreen meant that touch input was not as precise or responsive as on other devices, which could be frustrating for users accustomed to smoother touch interactions. The relatively low amount of RAM also limited the phone’s multitasking capabilities, as switching between apps could result in slower performance or the need to reload apps from scratch.

One of the unique hardware features of the Vivaz was the presence of an accelerometer, which allowed for automatic screen rotation when the device was tilted. This feature was particularly useful when using the phone for media playback or gaming, as it provided a more immersive experience in landscape mode. However, the screen rotation was not always as smooth or quick as on other devices, which could be attributed to the limitations of the hardware.

In terms of connectivity, the Vivaz supported 3G HSDPA networks, providing mobile data speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. It also included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and GPS with A-GPS support. The phone’s connectivity options were comprehensive for the time, allowing users to stay connected and access location-based services with ease.

One of the downsides of the Vivaz’s hardware was the limited internal storage. With only 75 MB of internal storage available, users were heavily reliant on microSD cards to store apps, photos, videos, and other content. While the ability to expand storage was a positive feature, the limited internal storage could be a constraint for users who installed a large number of apps or who frequently downloaded media.

Overall, the performance of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was adequate for most users, but it was not without its limitations. The hardware was capable of handling everyday tasks, but more demanding activities could cause the phone to struggle. The inclusion of expandable storage and a range of connectivity options were positive aspects, but the resistive touchscreen and limited RAM were notable drawbacks.

Software and User Interface

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz ran on the Symbian S60 5th Edition operating system, which was a popular platform at the time, particularly in Europe and Asia. Symbian was known for its efficient use of resources and its relatively low power consumption, making it well-suited for mobile devices with limited hardware capabilities. However, by 2010, Symbian was starting to show its age, especially as competitors like iOS and Android were rapidly gaining popularity.

The user interface (UI) of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was a mix of the standard Symbian S60 experience with some customizations from Sony Ericsson. The home screen featured a customizable layout with support for widgets, shortcuts, and notifications. Users could add and arrange various elements such as contacts, weather updates, and media player controls on the home screen, making it easier to access frequently used features. However, the customization options were somewhat limited compared to more modern smartphone platforms.

Navigating the UI was primarily done through the resistive touchscreen, which, as mentioned earlier, was not as responsive or smooth as capacitive touchscreens. The resistive nature of the screen required a firmer press or the use of a stylus, which could make navigation feel less intuitive, especially for users accustomed to more responsive touchscreens. The UI also relied heavily on scrolling and tapping through menus, which could feel cumbersome at times.

The Vivaz came with a range of pre-installed applications, including a web browser, email client, media player, and a suite of productivity tools such as a calendar, notes, and a file manager. The web browser, while functional, was not particularly fast or user-friendly compared to modern browsers. It struggled with rendering complex web pages and lacked support for many of the advanced web technologies that were becoming common at the time.

One of the strengths of Symbian was its multitasking capabilities. Users could run multiple applications simultaneously and switch between them using the task manager. However, the limited RAM on the Vivaz meant that running too many apps at once could lead to slowdowns or app crashes. The multitasking experience was therefore somewhat limited by the hardware constraints.

The Vivaz also featured the PlayNow and TrackID services from Sony Ericsson. PlayNow was an online store that allowed users to purchase and download music, games, and apps directly to their phone. TrackID was a music recognition service that could identify songs by listening to a short audio clip, a feature that was quite popular at the time. These services added some value to the device, particularly for users who were interested in media consumption.

Another aspect of the software experience was the camera app, which was one of the most well-developed parts of the UI. The camera app was user-friendly and provided easy access to various shooting modes, settings, and options. The interface was intuitive, making it easy to switch between photo and video modes, adjust settings like white balance and exposure, and access features like face detection and geotagging. The camera app was clearly designed to complement the Vivaz’s strong multimedia capabilities.

However, the software experience on the Vivaz was not without its drawbacks. The Symbian S60 platform, while functional, was starting to feel dated compared to the more modern and polished interfaces offered by iOS and Android. The app ecosystem for Symbian was also beginning to decline, with fewer developers creating new apps or updates for the platform. This meant that users of the Vivaz had access to a more limited selection of apps compared to users of other smartphone platforms.

Additionally, the user experience was somewhat hampered by the performance limitations of the device. The combination of a resistive touchscreen, modest processor, and limited RAM meant that the UI could feel sluggish at times, particularly when navigating through menus or switching between apps. This was a common issue for many Symbian devices at the time, as the platform was not as optimized for touch-based interaction as its competitors.

Multimedia Capabilities

Multimedia was a key focus for the Sony Ericsson Vivaz, and this was reflected in both the hardware and software of the device. The Vivaz was designed to be a versatile media player, capable of handling a wide range of audio and video formats. The device supported popular audio formats such as MP3, AAC, and WMA, as well as video formats like MP4, H.264, and WMV. This broad format support made the Vivaz a capable media device, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music and videos without the need for extensive file conversion.

The built-in media player app was straightforward and easy to use, with a simple interface that allowed users to browse their music and video libraries, create playlists, and control playback. The player also supported album art and ID3 tags, which helped organize music collections and provided a more visually appealing experience. The music playback quality was decent, especially when using high-quality headphones, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack was a welcome feature that provided compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.

Video playback was another area where the Vivaz excelled. The device’s 3.2-inch display, with its 16:9 aspect ratio, was well-suited for watching widescreen videos. The video player app supported a range of file formats and provided basic playback controls such as play, pause, fast-forward, and rewind. The device also supported video streaming over Wi-Fi and 3G, allowing users to watch videos from online services like YouTube, which was a significant feature at the time.

The camera app, as previously mentioned, was a standout feature of the Vivaz. The 8.1-megapixel camera was capable of capturing high-quality still images, and the HD video recording capability was a major selling point. The Vivaz was one of the first smartphones to offer 720p video recording, and this feature was well-implemented. The camera app provided a range of shooting modes and settings, allowing users to customize their photography and videography experience.

In addition to the built-in media player and camera apps, the Vivaz also included an FM radio with RDS support. The FM radio app was simple but functional, allowing users to tune into their favorite radio stations and save presets for easy access. The inclusion of an FM radio was a nice touch for users who enjoyed listening to live broadcasts, especially in regions where mobile data was expensive or unavailable.

One of the drawbacks of the Vivaz’s multimedia capabilities was the limited internal storage. With only 75 MB of internal storage available, users were heavily reliant on microSD cards to store their media libraries. While the device supported microSD cards up to 32 GB, the limited internal storage could be a constraint for users who did not have a high-capacity memory card. Additionally, the resistive touchscreen made navigating through media libraries and controlling playback less intuitive than on devices with capacitive touchscreens.

Battery Life

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz was equipped with a 1200 mAh lithium-ion battery, which was fairly typical for smartphones of its time. The battery life of the Vivaz was generally good, offering a full day of use on a single charge with moderate usage. This included activities such as making phone calls, sending text messages, browsing the web, listening to music, and taking photos. For users who primarily used the Vivaz for basic tasks, the battery life was sufficient to get through a day without needing to recharge.

However, more intensive usage, particularly activities that involved the use of the camera or video playback, could drain the battery more quickly. Recording HD video, for example, was a power-intensive task that could significantly reduce the battery life. Similarly, streaming video over 3G or Wi-Fi also consumed a substantial amount of power. Users who frequently engaged in these activities might find themselves needing to recharge the phone before the end of the day.

The battery was user-replaceable, which was a positive feature, as it allowed users to carry a spare battery for extended use or to replace the battery if its performance degraded over time. This was a common feature in smartphones of the era but has become less common in more recent devices with sealed batteries.

In terms of charging, the Vivaz used a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. Charging times were reasonable, with the battery taking around two hours to fully charge from empty. The device did not support fast charging, which was still a relatively new feature at the time, but the charging speed was adequate for most users.

Overall, the battery life of the Sony Ericsson Vivaz was satisfactory for its time, but it was not a standout feature. The battery provided enough power for a full day of moderate use, but heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently. The inclusion of a user-replaceable battery was a welcome feature that added to the device’s overall practicality.

where can you get a Sony Ericsson Vivaz online

Sony Ericsson Unlocked Vivaz U5 U5i (Blue) Unlocked, International Version with No Warranty: Buy it now

Sony Ericsson Vivaz U5a AT&T Phone with Symbian, 8.1 MP Camera, HD Video, Wi-Fi and GPS – U.S. Version – Blue: Buy it now

Sony Ericsson Vivaz U5i Unlocked GSM Smartphone with 8 MP Camera, Symbian OS, Touch Screen, Wi-Fi and GPS–International Version with No Warranty (Silver): Buy it now

Sony Ericsson Vivaz U5a Unlocked Phone with Symbian, 8.1 MP Camera, HD Video, Wi-Fi and GPS – U.S. Version – Blue: Buy it now

Strength

– Nice design and neat

– Many features, high speed connection

– Multiple video capture options

Weak point

– Silky smooth case

– Camera without protective cap

– No video call camera in front