UK 3G Mobile Phones - Sony Ericsson K850i Review

Your Sony Ericsson K850i Reviews

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Reviewer: Ali - UK
Date: 30th Jun 2009

Good. Phone easy to use etc. Works well most of the time.

Bad. As all Sony Ericsson's phones get older, they crash software issues, freezing. Will easily last 1 year, won't last 18 months. Just in time for upgrading. Mmm. Ironic!

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Reviewer: Josh - Bradford, UK
Date: 29th Jun 2009

Overall this phone is amazing I am getting mine from my parents because they are getting a new one & they are giving me one of theirs!

One design flaw is the keyboard I think it should be all touch screen to make it easier for your thumbs (because the buttons are raised).

Also the camera is excellent when it actually takes the picture! It is either to dark or to light!

Otherwise amazing phone I would recommend it to everyone! :).

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Reviewer: Keith - UK
Date: 17th Jun 2009

GIVE UP. Brought this phone last year been a problem every since. Sends texts while you receive & make calls, has been back for repair, I have lost count how many times, but comes back with the same problem. They are aware that they have issue with this phone & will not admit it. I will have to buy another mobile, not (Sony Ericsson). Refund what refund!

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Reviewer: Telquinn - UK
Date: 10th Jun 2009

The best Hammer I ever bought!

Oh I should explain.

Software is so unreliable! Sony just advises to update software, that will fix the particular problem but will cause 2 new faults & so on & so on. & scratches too easily on nails ;).

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Reviewer: Cheryl - Chesterfield, UK
Date: 13th May 2009

Awesome phone! I have held on to this phone having refused my upgrade last year deciding to keep hold of this phone. I got this handset on its release date & is without a doubt the best phone I have ever had!

I love the design of the touch screen & the size, as it feels like you are actually holding a good solid phone, not like some of the more fashionable ones on the market.

I have not encountered any of the problems so many other people have since getting their handsets, My Brother, Husband & Dad have this phone & they love it too having had no problems with theirs either.

The only thing that annoys me a little is the camera it can be unreliable at taking bright pictures, I find that some pictures come out very dark no matter what you try.

Overall this phone is the best Sony Ericsson I have had having converted to Sony Ericsson a few years ago after getting increasingly disappointed with Nokia.#

I have upgraded finally to the C902 Sony Ericsson. I am a little worried after reading reviews on that model, this site has not got many good things to say about it, so I will hang on to my K850i just in case.

To sum up this phone is my favourite Sony Ericsson to date.

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Reviewer: Jake - London, UK
Date: 12th May 2009

One of the best phone that Sony Ericsson ever made best camera best screen best Bluetooth touch screen best game & best 3D games.

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Reviewer: Porkel - Sussex, UK
Date: 12th May 2009

I've had the phone more than 18 months now (just upgraded so thought a good time to summarise in a quick review).

The first model arrived & worked OK for 4 months then the phone shell became sensitive to the touch screen function making it impossible to write texts & navigate the menus.
Was lucky enough to get sent a re furb from my provider, which still contained the previous owner's entire personal life.

Model number 2 has been OK but suddenly the touch sensitive buttons stopped working so now I can only receive & make calls, nothing more.

The keys are very small. I eventually but reluctantly got used to this.

This handset is very chunky making it stick out like a VHS cassette in your pocket. I found the phone very notable & in the way especially when cycling or generally walking around just in your pocket.

A frustrating delay just simply navigating the menus & when writing texts, even when the memory of data & emptied inbox etc.

Sometimes I've felt like slamming the thing onto the ground. Maybe that would have improved its performance (? ).

That's the 3rd Sony Ericsson in a row now & have returned to trusty old Nokia.

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Reviewer: Amy - UK
Date: 7th May 2009

I really like this phone & hope to buy it. Is it really that bad otherwise how come it hasn't been established or something I really want this phone can anyone advise another phone or if this phone is OK.

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Reviewer: Moe - Syrian Arab Republic
Date: 21st Apr 2009

Absolutely brilliant. It just needs to get updated. It does everything I need it to do efficiently. It does shut down but I just needed to update.

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Reviewer: Olly - South Shields, UK
Date: 7th Apr 2009

Stay away from this phone. Had nothing but trouble from day one.

It could be a good phone if it actually worked!

I had many problems with it just switching itself off. Had several friends with the same phone & everyone has this same problem. It's now broke completely & they've refused to replace it stating water damage, which is complete fabrication.

Stay away from Sony phones!

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Reviewer: Sonyhead - Liverpool, UK
Date: 24th Mar 2009

I've had my K850 for coming up to 12 months now so I feel I can give a fair review of this phone, well the best way I can sum it up is I can't wait for my upgrade!

Being a massive Sony fan, I've had a long history of Sony Ericsson phones which I've mostly loved.

I didn't want to part with my old W810, & that was after using its sister phones the K750 & W800 for the previous two years. Those phones were way ahead of the market at the time of release, the fact that they were available for so long after release is testament to that.

Since then though Sony Ericsson really seem to have dropped the ball & other manufacturers have taken its ideas (menus, packaging & design) & completely outclassed them in every way.

I chose the all black with silver side stripes model which was exclusive on O2, it was definitely the best looking version available. From the first minute I was disappointed with the key set up, gone were the usual Sony Ericsson buttons instead opting for the run of the mill pick up, put down method of other manufacturers. The actual digit & letter keys look a bit odd & they take some getting used to but they are quite usable & I don't have any complaints with them. My real gripes start with the crazy touch screen idea employed on this phone, why did they even bother? I won't go into the set up of them but believe me they're useless & they would have been much better sticking with normal buttons.

- Problem 1. They don't always react to touch or you think they haven't but really they're just being sluggish & so you press again & end up deleting something that you didn't want to. This gets worse if you're connected to anything via Bluetooth or the screen has any moisture on it or your finger is slightly damp.

- Problem 2. Face dialling as I like to call it, you really won't believe this! When on a call with the phone pressed against your face, the touch screen buttons don't lock themselves as they contain functions that you may need even during a call. So you end up sending blank texts to the first person in your phone book, this happened to me so many times when I first got the phone. I eventually had a brainwave & made the first entry in my phonebook (Aaaaa Aaaa) a false one, problem solved but I still have to delete several drafts from my non sent texts.

Shutting down is my next complaint, it's happened thousands of times. I've had it back at Sony over & over, they say they update the software but it's never made any odds. I'd say it happens maybe once every day & sometimes more than once, again this seems worse when using Bluetooth connections but it happens a lot when not too.

The camera is fantastic but the flash is too powerful, if you're planning a few self taken drunken shots of yourself & mates in a bar then forget this phone. The flash will ghost out everyone's face, I stick some stickers over the flash to dull it slightly but it's not perfect.

Overall this phone promises to be everything I wanted at the time, it should have been the natural progression from my W810 but it can't live up to its billing. Software problems, shutting down, bad touch screen & an overly bright flash ruin the experience. The camera is great & it features all that a phone should, it's just poorly executed.

I am hoping to upgrade to a W995 when it's released & it really could be my last chance for Sony Ericsson, it looks fantastic but I know not to get too excited now. Come on Sony you have the basic package, just make sure you complete the job!

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Reviewer: Jamie Arnold - UK
Date: 17th Mar 2009

This Phone is rubbish I have had all the problems above is well I can no longer use my phone now the LCD screen has gone.

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Reviewer: M Collins - UK
Date: 13th Mar 2009

As long as you download the latest firmware upgrades (can be done via the phone, or by plugging it into a PC) the K850i is a joy to use.

The only thing that annoys me is that the buttons are quite small & take a bit of getting used to for texting.

The touch sensitive buttons on the screen work well & consistenly so (which seems to go against 90% of the reviews here).

The camera is fantastic with excellent quality video, the audio recording is especially impressive for a phone.

It's been around for a good 18 months now, but is still a great phone.

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Reviewer: Stefanie - Wales, UK
Date: 13th Mar 2009

I bought this phone over a year ago, It went faulty within 8 days & they didn't even give me a refund or replacement they fiddled with it till it started working again. Then January 15th I took it into Carphone Warehouse, & they told me they had 23 phones back since New Year's Day, what's that 14 days?

The problem was the buttons, all buttons touch screen & normal virtually become inaccessible. The 3 button would be the cancel button so I couldn't ring anyone with a 3 in their phone number. All touch screen buttons didn't work so that's right, I couldn't get into my contact list. & the phone would freeze with all the lights on until eventually the battery died.

Worst phone I have ever bought & I stopped paying my contract within 3 months after it went faulty for the 3rd time, now have a Samsung soul. Not a problem! :).

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Reviewer: Hayley - Exmouth, UK
Date: 10th Mar 2009

I could not wait to get this phone. The camera takes really clear pictures but you do have to wait a long time. However since I've had the phone I've had nothing but trouble with it. It's been repaired once but has come back with a different problem & now I don't want to send it back again because it took so long last time I had to wait over a month so I was paying for a phone I didn't even have! It blacks out on every text message or when I am trying to call someone or use calculator. It's very frustrating & I worry what would happen in an emergencies!

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Reviewer: Nadia - Newbury, UK
Date: 7th Mar 2009

Both my Fiancé & I had this phone for 18 months & it is the worst phone we've both ever had. Mine has crashed on numerous occasions, & the touch buttons become unusable pretty quickly. I can't hang up my phone calls, the screen freezes, it hangs up & turns off for no particular reason, mid phone call. I had to get a new phone after my first, but my second has proved to be just as unreliable. My fiance has had exactly the same problems with his.

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Reviewer: Jason Thomas - UK
Date: 5th Mar 2009

AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL! I have had nothing but problems with this phone. First it was freezing so I sent it for repair, then the touch buttons on the bottom of the screen wouldn't work, so I sent it off AGAIN. I got it back once again today, sat down & tried to write a message & as soon as I got write the message it switches itself off & wouldn't turn back on again unless I took the battery out & put it back in. I am SO annoyed cause I have to send it back once again & then they tell me in the shop that if it happens again I have to send it off again & then they will issue me with a new handset but of the same make & model. Well if that happens they can shove it!

AVOID THIS PHONE AT ALL COSTS!

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Reviewer: Rachel - Belfast, UK
Date: 2nd Mar 2009

I have had nothing but bother from the minute I got this phone. It freezes often when I am ringing someone & if it goes to voicemail it freezes there so I have left loads of blank voicemail message for people. When your ringing someone your ear also texts the first number on your phone at the same time. Last week it kept saying operation failed when trying to open my inbox & I had to restart devices which was highly annoying. Now it had blanked my contacts! I would never recommend this phone, has put me off Sony Ericsson for life!

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Reviewer: E - Algeria
Date: 19th Feb 2009

I have the exact same problem. I was talking on the phone & it just froze. Then I turned it off & when I turned it on the keypad just lit up along with the blue camera light. That's how it stays. How can I fix this?

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Reviewer: Ashok - Dubai, India
Date: 16th Feb 2009

Hi there. This model is nice but it's getting software problems again & again. See I got my phone in June 2008. The software problems mean it's automatically shut down. Then I will go to their shop (jumbo in Dubai) they repaired it. It took 15 to 20 days to fix. Crazy as I have only one phone so I'll ask my friends to borrow a phone from them.

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Reviewer: Sal - UK
Date: 9th Feb 2009

DON'T DO IT! Do not buy this phone! I have had all of the problems listed above! I got my first K850i in June 2008. The speaker died within 2 weeks & could not be repaired so the phone was replaced. Since then I've had the screen, the software, & the fascia all replaced, basically the entire phone & it still doesn't work! It crashes & constantly needs rebooting, the screen freezes & it needs rebooting, the end call button freezes & needs rebooting, the SIM card won't register &, yes you've guessed it, needs rebooting. Rebooting is obviously a pain as I have to remove the case, open the phone, remove the battery & SIM, replace the SIM & battery, wait for the phone to start up. & yes, I have read the manual!

Also, photo messaging constantly crashes, a photo message sent to my inbox usually blocks all other incoming messages. A new fault developed last week though, I sent a photo message out but it jammed in my outbox, causing a queue of text messages behind it which did not send. The phone didn't tell me the messages hadn't sent &, in the meantime, all my incoming calls went straight to voicemail. The only way to delete the picture message & unblock the phone was, quell surprise, to dismantle the phone yet again & reboot it.

Now the calendar is having a nervous breakdown & keeps doubling up my reminders! Also the design of the calendar is frustrating as it is too fiddly & you go through too much button pressing just to set a basic reminder.

On top of all this nonsense, I cannot download music to the phone! I've tried every which way, have updated the phone, had a new CD sent, tried Bluetooth, tried the software download on the website, etc, & I still can't download music.

I have now given up & have gone back to my W810i!

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Reviewer: Elaine - Glasgow, UK
Date: 5th Feb 2009

I definitely WOULD NOT recommend buying the Sony Ericsson K850i. Since the start the screen has frozen up & then the phone switches itself off. I have sent it back for multiple software updates which I was told by O2 would correct the problem. But low & behold. It hasn't!

All I can say is thank goodness my contact is almost up because my phone has now decided to not save any new or sent messages, oh & it no longer saves pictures I have taken either, even though the pictures have saved to the memory card!

I used to love Sony Ericsson phones, but a lot of my friends who have all kinds of different S.E phones have also had problems with their phones turning off & freezing!

It's about time Sony Ericsson get this sorted!

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Reviewer: Cj - London, UK
Date: 3rd Feb 2009

I had one of these & after three weeks it went in the bin. I couldn't even be bothered to have it out with Vodafone it was so bad, I simply went & bought a PAYG Nokia & put my SIM card in it.

From the poor keyboard design to the over sensitive touch screen this phone has to be the worst design I have ever encountered.

Unless you feel the need to text people randomly with your ear (believe me the touch screen caused this to happen several times a day) you should avoid the K850i like the plague.

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Reviewer: James - Gloucester, UK
Date: 1st Feb 2009

I've found this phone amazing throughout the near 18 months I've had it, I've read in a couple of reviews that people have had trouble because it keeps turning itself off, does anyone read through the manuals? It needs updating, there's an update service on the Sony Ericsson website, I've done this a few times with my phone, nothing to worry about (: x.

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Reviewer: Bob - Worcester, UK
Date: 31st Jan 2009

I must be the unlucky one, had it 2 years, rubbish. Every time it goes wrong they send me another one of the useless things.

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Reviewer: Nigel - Cambridge, UK
Date: 27th Jan 2009

I must be one of the lucky ones! I have had this phone since August 2008 & have had no problems with it. The keys are a bit fiddly but I accepted that in the shop when I bought it. The camera is acceptable & the MP3 & radio are as good as I need. One of the handy features is being able to use the flash as a torch.

In summary, OK but not outstanding.

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Reviewer: W - Glasgow, UK
Date: 26th Jan 2009

I have had my current phone (K850i) for a year now & it will soon be due for an upgrade. Not before time I might add. This phone has been truly awful & I cannot wait to get rid of it. I have had countless faults with it, speaker stopping working (I discovered if I squeezed my phone this restored sound), the design of the keypad (those little buttons have been a nightmare), keeps turning itself off & last but by no means least is the dreadful camera. I had the K800i previous to this & couldn't have been happier. I never had any problems with that phone & for that reason decided to stay with Sony Ericsson for my new phone. I wish I'd went back to trusty old Samsung. I had to send this phone away on several occasions & eventually stopped doing this as the same problems always ended up re-appearing. Now that my upgrade is due again I have put some effort into reading reviews that are about. I would have considered Sony Ericsson's new offering, the C905 as I do love Sony Ericsson's ease of use for the menus & suchlike but the reviews for the new kid in their stable are highlighting the very same problems I have experienced with the K850i. I will no doubt go back to Samsung which is a shame as Sony Ericsson produce nice phones but their problems & faults are atrocious.

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Reviewer: Brett - Walsall, UK
Date: 22nd Jan 2009

I have never had any problems with the phone itself. My only issue is with the camera. Every time I take a picture its either too dark & when the flash is on your face becomes pure white so every picture you have to go into photo edit & change al the contrast & brightness. Which then affects the background colours, who wants to have to mess around EVERYTIME you take a picture? I have no idea what phone I am going for next as every Sony Ericsson recently has had poor reviews. So I am pretty sure I'll be changing to a different manufacturer.

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Reviewer: William - UK
Date: 15th Jan 2009

I brought this phone last night after about 3 weeks of trying to find a phone I liked. I was really hoping that this phone would be like my great little W610i I used to own but a bit more updated. BUT it's not, I love Sony Ericsson's I think there great had about 4 of them, however this is one is so bad its very uncharacteristically of Sony Ericsson. First of all the 5MP camera is shockingly bad, it takes dark pictures & just really rubbish pictures. Then there is the non ergonomically designed key pad with a square in the middle, another bad point about the phone is the semi touch screen it always brakes & freezes & finally the most annoying thing is the back of the phone keeps on moving around & after paying £200 to buy a nice phone I would expect it to have a back that not already broke when you buy it. I would say to anyone thinking about buying this phone, PLEASE don't. It's a waste of time, a waste of money & a waste of effort!

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Reviewer: T Franklin - Lincs, UK
Date: 14th Jan 2009

First one in January 2007 went back due to it switching off on its own accord.

Number two unit did exactly the same.

Unit number three came as a Sony repair & refurbished unit, complete with all software upgrades. Plugged unit 3 into PC & ping, another upgrade instantly downloaded. Camera is brilliant, you have to use the functions available to get the right image. The soft keys are tops when finally used to them, wouldn't go back to standard keys. Been dropped more than three times & only the edging dented.

Nigh on a year old & the camera picture take button is so stiff it won't autofocus, just takes the picture. Battery doesn't hold charge so well. Make sure camera goes to auto lock before putting in pocket because I guarantee it'll be on the Internet when it comes out.

Out of 10? A strong seven. Would have got eight but for the rubbish attitude of Sony E & putting it on the market too early, we might look like guinea pigs but I don't want to do Sony E's product testing. Good phone but glad contract finishes soon.

Why is the C905 so flimsy? May well go Samsung Pixon route in February.

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Reviewer: Amar - Coquitlam, Canada
Date: 13th Jan 2009

Worst phone, always turns off itself when talking for 1 minute or less. Frequently freezes. Touch screen to sensitive. Camera is useless only good for close ups or else pictures are too dark to see background.

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Reviewer: David - Edinburgh, UK
Date: 7th Jan 2009

This is an awful, awful phone. The much vaunted camera takes dark pictures, the screen frequently freezes, the touch screen is too sensitive & the joystick keypad utterly unusable. Please avoid at all costs.

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Reviewer: Robert - Wolverhampton, UK
Date: 4th Jan 2009

It's a great phone, had it for 9 months & it hasn't broke or anything.

Never had any problems, I would recommend this phone to anyone.

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Reviewer: Nikki - Kent, UK
Date: 31st Dec 2008

This is a very good phone with all the applications when you get used to it. I have had it just over a year, & I can honestly say, after reading the other reviews, it has gone blank on a couple of occasions, leaving the keypad illuminated, & when this happens, I just remove the battery, turn it back on, & it's fine. The only fault I have is the camera, regardless of where I am, light or dark, the photo takes ages to register you want to take a picture, & when it does, nine times out of ten it takes a black picture. I have fiddled with all the settings, & it makes no difference. I've not had any problems with the touch screen, or using the menu. It is a very good phone, I even dropped it in a glass of water, & after drying out it still worked perfectly! I am just hoping it lasts me another 6 months until the end of my contract, as I've noticed once we hit the year anniversary, it doesn't hold its charge as well as it did!

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Reviewer: Mike - UK
Date: 30th Dec 2008

This phone is a disgrace. Sony Ericsson customer service is a disgrace. Avoid like the plague.

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Reviewer: Jason - Southampton, UK
Date: 30th Dec 2008

I purchased this phone around 9 months ago & have had nothing but problems. The phone often freezes on start up & the touch screen stopped working after about 2 months.

After sending the phone back for repair I had to chase them up to send it, I eventually received it after more than 3 weeks. Unfortunately hadn't fixed it & so I had to send it back again.

This time they emailed me back saying, during the inspection procedure the unit has been diagnosed as un repairable under the Manufacturer's Warranty, We shall be posting you an estimate to cover the cost of the repair & we can return the unit to you, unrepaired for the sum of 10.00 plus VAT! Unbelievable.

This is the worst phone I've ever had. I will never buy a Sony Ericsson again & will do my best to put off as many people from buying them as I can due to the way I've been treated.

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Reviewer: Archie Maclachlan - Desborough, UK
Date: 29th Dec 2008

I have had mine four 9 months now & the only problem I am having is getting the charger to connect. The camera is absolutely brilliant! Putting my Digital Panasonic to shame!

Just hope after reading all these reviews it lasts another 9 months before upgrade!

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Reviewer: Emily - Sheffield, UK
Date: 20th Dec 2008

This phone is really bad for reliability. I got the K850i in December 2007 on a 12 Month Contact with Orange.

The phone is astonishingly bad.

- Flash makes your pictures go completely white.

- Camera Lens Cover is prone to getting stuck, & that stupid piece of plastic over the top doesn't help either.

- Buttons are a nightmare.

- Button to take a photo takes about 10 seconds to respond, so by the time you've took the photo the thing that you were trying to take it off will probably have gone. Like I found when I went to Chester Zoo.

- I personally hate the Media Menu Part.

- Freezes all the time.

Luckily I now have a new phone, I have stuck with Sony Ericsson & gone for the 8MP C905, no problems so far.

& by the way DO NOT GET the K850i.

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Reviewer: James - Liverpool, UK
Date: 8th Dec 2008

It makes me laugh to read the people on here defending this rubbish phone.

It is the single worst phone I have ever had.

For a start, you answer an incoming call & the touch screen unlocks meaning your face will send the first person in your contact list umpteen blank text messages during a call. I have had to set my first contact as a dummy one with a number of 0 to stop it happening. Even then you get 20 odd messages in your outbox that you have to delete as it can't send them to the number 0. Who designed that feature? Have Sony sacked them yet.

The second problem is that the STAR key stops working all the time meaning I have to take the battery out & put it back in a couple of times before I can unlock the stupid phone. Arrgh.

Yeah great, it's got a good camera on but what's the point if you can't unlock the piece of junk to call someone? Just buy a good camera if that's all you are interested in.

I won't get another Sony Ericsson I am going back to Nokia next time.

AVOID THIS PHONE!

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Reviewer: G - UK
Date: 5th Dec 2008

Absolutely rubbish phone, glad I never had to pay for it in the shop. Been in for repair 6 times now the screen looks like it's blown up. Don't BUY IT!

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Reviewer: Anon - Wales, UK
Date: 4th Dec 2008

WORST PHONE I HAVE EVER OWNED! Bought this phone as I was so pleased with the previous Sony Ericsson.

I have had nothing but problems since I had it in February, it's been to the phones 4 u shop twice with software problems, then it has been sent away for repair three times! It's been nothing but an inconvenience.

Phone keeps freezing, switching off, unlocking in my bag & going onto the Internet, sending blank messages to people whilst talking (due to the touch screen, along with a list of other things! I would never buy a phone with touch screen again, it's a pain.

However the cyber shot camera was fantastic, when it worked, as towards the end, I was taking pictures but they weren't saving. Due to software problems apparently.

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Reviewer: Oli - Basildon, UK
Date: 1st Dec 2008

Mines just frozen on me, no insurance on it either LOL. Great timing I am already skint from buying Christmas presents.

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Reviewer: Eddie O'hanlon - Glasgow, UK
Date: 30th Nov 2008

I have been using S.E handsets for years, & can say without doubt that this is the worst handset that I have ever had. I am now at the end of my 12 month contract, thankfully. In the 12 months I have had 6 replacement handsets. Each time, the fault has been the same. The screen would freeze, the keypad would illuminate, the lens around the camera would remain lit as the phone would turn itself off. The only way to get it to work would be to take the battery out & put it back in. This would work a couple of times, then the phone would die completely. My brother, who was on a different network, had the same problem & the same number of replacement handsets! There is obvious a serious problem with this model of handset & the only way Sony know how to deal with it is by sending a replacement handset! This is pretty ridiculous. The delivery man who kept bringing my new handsets said that he was always collecting this model of phone & that, sometimes, the networks were sending out handsets that had been returned to them by other people that were faulty!

I would tell anyone not to go near this handset. The problems that I have had have actually put me off getting any more S.E handsets. AVOID!

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Reviewer: Tom - UK
Date: 27th Nov 2008

Great phone apart from one problem which has happened twice. The phone doesn't switch on. I charged it & nothing happened. Ended up getting a replacement. New phone lasted 6 months with no problems then exactly the same thing happens again. Will probably go back to Nokia when my contract runs out.

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Reviewer: Mark - Crawley, UK
Date: 27th Nov 2008

Good when I first got it, but now it switches its self off 5 times a day, freezes up, blurry screen, buttons keep sticking, touch screen not working an absolute rubbish phone don't GET ONE.!

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Reviewer: Katie - London, UK
Date: 23rd Nov 2008

The best phone ever! The camera is amazing & you soon get used to the keypad. Its a bit bulky but that makes it look cool. BUY THIS phone!

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Reviewer: Jakki W - Lincolnshire, UK
Date: 18th Nov 2008

Takes a little getting used to but once you are its easy. It's a good looking phone with features that do what they are supposed to but by today's standards it probably looks too bulky. The camera is brilliant & it has sufficient memory which I have yet to delete anything as it has not yet told me that it's full, (I have had this since December 2007). I have dropped it on a few occasions & it has survived it so is fairly robust, but it is not without its faults & problems.

January 2008 I sent it for repair as the touch screen went loopy & to access the middle touch pad I was having to touch around the number 8 (as did my son when his went wrong too). I had it back in a week & never had any problems again until 2 weeks ago, I was on the phone & it cut out half way through my call, when I tried to turn it back on the numbers & the light around the camera lens stayed illuminated but nothing else happened, I had to disconnect the battery to try again each time. I have had it back now 1 week & no problems yet, fingers crossed. Also to all those people that say they have had it fixed more than 3 times. Do you know that if it is a problem with the phone itself, I.e. The software, & not your fault then you are entitled to a replacement phone from the shop you got it from. I know this from prior experience. If your not 100% sure then phone trading standards who will put you right with your rights. Otherwise it is a good phone when working.

P.s. You don't need phone insurance to do this as it is a warranty with everything you buy.

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Reviewer: Andrew - Stoke On Trent, UK
Date: 16th Nov 2008

I wouldn't recommend buying the Sony Ericsson K850i because it freezes up & switches it sell off the buttons don't work on it & also it won't let you access the Internet & the picture so its rubbish.

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Reviewer: Yoboy - Yoland, UK
Date: 13th Nov 2008

IT IS A WELL ACE PHONE HOW CAN you say bad things about it, It's ACE you SHOULD BUY IT.

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Reviewer: James - Lincoln, UK
Date: 10th Nov 2008

The joy pad which surrounds two of the number keys takes some getting used to as does the touch screen, but after a while it becomes second nature.

Battery life is poor, especially if you use the camera, but the camera is amazing!

Biggest problem with the phone is that mine keeps freezing & needs the battery removing to restart. & the unit is quite large & weighty too.

Overall OK, but if it wasn't for the fantastic camera this phone would best be avoided.

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Reviewer: Michael Pittordis - London, UK
Date: 5th Nov 2008

This phone has so much promise, what with all of the features, hi spec camera & so on. I normally always choose Sony Ericsson phones for their features, ease of use, & reliability & for good quality pictures, especially with the Cybershot feature. Other than the features, this IS NOT an easy to use phone & IS NOT reliable. It is slow, freezes regularly, & is overall a very poor offering from Sony Ericsson. It has the worst touch screen response ever! Make sure you look at the return terms & conditions because you do not want to be stuck with this phone! I believe T Mobile offer a 14 day return policy. This should be more than enough time to realise it is a foolish decision to upgrade to this handset! You have been warned! Michael Pittordis.

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Reviewer: Dot Dot - Walton, UK
Date: 4th Nov 2008

I got this phone last Christmas, so did my brother. I bought it for the camera as I am a big picture taking person. The camera is excellent, no complaints, it's fantastic, so we were very happy with them until about January, when my brothers screen would turn on but the buttons remained illuminated. We put it down to him probably breaking it by his own fault & sent it into repair with Carphone Warehouse.

It came to February & I was stil very happy with my k850i until my phone began to do the exact same thing that my brothers had done. I sent it into repair & it was back within around 3 weeks. My brothers had still not been returned & in the end took around 1 & a half months.

Soon after both of the phones had been given back to us they broke again, this time my brothers doing the same thing but mine suddenly started going crazy & playing music at inappropriate times. We sent them back again & didn't get them back for another month.

After the 3 times my phone had gone back, it rained one day & got slightly wet which made my touch screen inactive. We sent it into Carphone Warehouse who admitted the design of the Sony Ericsson k850i was a dud & told us to not be put off, well we had gone far past the put off point. Then they refused to repair it anymore. Miraculously, the phone worked again after leaving it a week & then in August the morning before going on holiday, the screen had gone black & the buttons were illuminated. This time it was gone for good & I strongly recommend that after the trouble we have had with this model, DO NOT BUY IT.

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Reviewer: Matt - York, UK
Date: 4th Nov 2008

The phone has all the gadgets you could wish for, out of the box it looks the part, but feels cheap & is hard to use.

I shut the car door with a cigarette lighter in my pocket & that smashed the flimsy back of the phone, same again & the lens glass smashed, the touch screen died & required replacing, the hone regularly switched itself off.

I sent it to 3 for repair & received it back with the case still smashed as they don't fix cosmetic damage! This allowed water in & the phone is now beyond repair & I am stuck with it.

3 & Sony know the phone is not fit for purpose, hence removing it from sale, but neither will admit it so all users who have been sold this lemon can either go to trading standards or pay through the nose for a replacement if insurance hasn't been taken out.

I would suggest like many others to avoid Sony phones from now on as if they are happy to use us as guinea pigs to test if the phone is up to the job then another manufacturer is the only way forward. 9 years of loyalty down the drain.

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Reviewer: Josh - London, UK
Date: 3rd Nov 2008

Great phone if you want to keep sending it back for repairs touch screen goes software breaks. I would say get insurance out if you were to get this phone & don't get it through phones for you or Carphone Warehouse go straight to t mobile, Orange etc it will help you out in the long run.

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Reviewer: Tiffany - London, UK
Date: 3rd Nov 2008

I got this phone last Christmas. I still have it but at the moment it's on my side not working. For the 12 months I have had this phone it has only been working for about 3 of the months. My brother also has the same phone & his has worked even less than mine.

The camera is excellent, but this is the only good thing about the phone, (that is, when it's working).

It has been into repair 3 times & now they say it cannot be repaired anymore. We stopped paying insurance after this as the insurance cost more than the phone anyway.

The phone turns on & off, just vibrates constantly, randomly & refuses to turn on.
It plays music at random times & goes crazy & you can't stop it. This phone is so unreliable & even Carphone Warehouse said it was a bad phone.

I extremely do not recommend this phone to anyone.

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Reviewer: Maria Pittordis - Southgate, UK
Date: 18th Oct 2008

The worst thing about all this is that T Mobile are burying their heads in the sand & refusing to accept there is a problem with this camera. They are trying to charge us to repair what is clearly a common fault. I intend to take them to court & show that consumers should not be lied to. Interestingly, they refuse to put any of the lies they told me about there being no problems with the phone in writing. I will post regular updates to make sure that no one else has the same problem. Maria Pittorids.

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Reviewer: Claude - London, UK
Date: 13th Oct 2008

I bought this phone thinking it would be a great replacement for my Sony Ericsson K750i, which I loved & since it was an upgrade of this phone, I thought it would be not only as good, but better.

It took me a few days to work out that typing texts wasn't as easy as the 750i as the pad is very hard, requiring much more strength to type at high speed as I am used to. A few problems with freezing happened but I found the features they upgraded from the older 750i are not actually as good or efficient.

The camera takes much longer to open than the 750i & if you want to take a spontaneous picture, the event has gone by the time the camera is ready. I find the camera focussing not as good as the older one, with the older one, if you half press to focus on a certain exposure & move up & press quickly, you have a chance of getting the photo you wanted. The 850i makes that not possible, it's very frustrating & not as creative.

I used it for a few months till I realized it wasn't as good as my old one so went back to using the old 750i. Now, I am looking on eBay to get another of those 750i as mine has been dropped many times & spread itself open a few times as well as the screen & lost screws (but still works perfectly)! Great phone, I won't be searching for upgrades anymore. They try to be clever with new things which are actually very frustrating & unusable. Don't buy the 850i.

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Reviewer: Antonis - Trikala, Greece
Date: 3rd Oct 2008

It is fantastic.You can buy it.

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Reviewer: Susie - Leeds, UK
Date: 3rd Oct 2008

I have only had this phone since February & it has already been to be repaired three times!

Problems I found included.

This problem happened twice, was unable to open Inbox, Sent Messages, Saved Messages, Drafts. Also unable to send any messages as the write message thing wouldn't open & unable to make calls.

Second problem involved a problem with the touch key pad, the arrow functions wouldn't go the right way (down wouldn't work & went left instead).

& thirdly, my current problem began about a month ago in the middle of texting the screen went black yet the numbers remained illuminated I then had to take the battery out restart the phone & rewrite my text, very frustrating as you can imagine!

Phone has completely cut out now & won't turn on.

I have never had such an unreliable phone, it seems every month there is a different problem, luckily I am insured but if not, I'd have thrown it in the bin!

The functions are also slow & at a recent festival this drove me mad having to wait forever to take a photo of a band artist.

My first Song Ericsson & will definitely not be buying another!

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Reviewer: Rosie - Huddersfield, UK
Date: 24th Sep 2008

I came on this site to find out if anyone else was having the same problem as me which it looks like they are, but find it hilarious when you scroll down to the bottom of the page & read people's comments from last year who are eagerly anticipating the release.

I got this phone because my boyfriend had one & I liked it so much, I've had it for about 9 months with hardly any drama's (occasionally freezes in the middle of writing messages) until a couple of days ago when the touch pad started going crazy. The first day it was kind of pressing itself every few seconds, because it was the middle of the 3 this resulted in sending half text messages of random letters to the first person in my phone book (sorry Al) & downloading so how many SRS feeds. The second day the middle button didn't work at all, I couldn't access my menu or any messages. Today is the third day & it seems like today I am having the same treatment as the first.

From the sounds of it neither Sony Ericsson or the Network providers are taking any responsibility for this but I'll try my luck with getting it repaired. Otherwise I might take a step back in time & go back to my cute little Nokia 6111.

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Reviewer: Joe - Rugby, UK
Date: 22nd Sep 2008

I was quite surprised to see some poor reviews on this phone actually. If you stick with it, you will get used to the touch strip & small buttons. I am in love with this phone after having a C902. The camera is amazing, I think the ones with the green strip rather than blue are quite sleek & the screen is fantastic. However I wish it was a little bit smaller, & it did take a while for me to get used to it. If you stick with it, you will grow to love it.

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Reviewer: Katie - UK
Date: 20th Sep 2008

I've had this phone for about 3 months now & it's a really good phone! I haven't had any of the problems other people have said, the camera is amazing & the media player is exactly like the Walkman ones & is really easy to use. I recommend this phone to anyone.

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Reviewer: Crf - London, UK
Date: 20th Sep 2008

I am sick & tired of people moaning about this phone & the camera if you don't know how to use a real phone then stick to plain & simple Nokia leave Sony Ericsson to people who know how to handle them. All the complaints about the camera is plain & simple rubbish there is nothing wrong with the camera if you use it properly.

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Reviewer: Phillip - Singapore
Date: 17th Sep 2008

Stay away from the phone. This is the first time I bothered to comment on anything online. I just send the phone for servicing today, for the 4th time since I bought the phone last year. The phone hangs & refuse to boot up. Every time I send it in, the technician will say that the phone is corrupted & they have updated the software. I can still remember the day I bought my phone just to return it the next day because it hung.

If the phone does not have any bugs it would be fantastic. Great pictures, nice functions but it is very frustrating to send it in for repair constantly. I was very happy with my old Sony K750i but after K850i, I am going to change to another brand. Sony, you disappoint me.

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Reviewer: Andy - Wakefield, UK
Date: 15th Sep 2008

The MOST unreliable phone I HAVE EVER OWNED!

Problems include.

- Doesn't receive texts until hours after they were sent regardless of signal strength.
- Takes at least three attempts to send a text without failing.
- Generally takes a few attempts before it calls out.
- Sends incoming calls straight to the voice mail.
- Sound cuts out numerous times during calls.
- Restarts itself during calls.
- Hangs while texting so you have retype messages constantly.
- Navigating the menus is ridiculously slow & frustrating.
- Won't recharge.
- the flash is useless, photos come out totally white.
- Without the flash pictures are way too dark.
- Had to send my 1st one back because the touch screen buttons didn't work at all.
- Sometimes freezes on a blank screen when you turn the camera off. You have to remove the battery for that one.
- the keypad is rubbish.

Ready to throw this phone at the wall. Definitely never buying Sony again & I used to try to talk people into getting them in the past!

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Reviewer: Anthony Burton - Leamington Spa, UK
Date: 15th Sep 2008

This phone replaced my beloved K800i, a hefty crown to take ownership of. I got it with my new contract despite large numbers of negative reviews. Unfortunately, all the major complaints people had about the phone, I experienced as well.

- Touch screen is temperamental.
- Buttons are horrible.
- Camera flash doesn't work.
- Shiny black surface impossible to keep clean.
- Lens cover has a plastic screen over it & is therefore totally useless!

The phone is almost exactly the same as the K800i but isn't as robust, the keys are just awful & the camera doesn't work. I am traded it in after two months of whining to 3 for a Nokia N95 which is a vastly superior phone in every respect.

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Reviewer: Tia - Birmingham, UK
Date: 11th Sep 2008

This phone is good if you're only interested in looks. It has many features but the touch screen breaks down a lot. The shutter sometimes takes long to open & the flash comes on when it wants too.

My opinion is if you want a long lasting fashionable phone get a non touch screen Sony Ericsson or a Nokia.

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Reviewer: Mike Brown - London, UK
Date: 10th Sep 2008

Completely useless, had it for about a year, been through more phones than months on my contract. Countless problems/software issues etc. Replacing it with Samsung U800 (hopefully better!)

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Reviewer: Anon - UK
Date: 9th Sep 2008

First of all I LOVED the phone & after having it 5 months, the plastic surrounding the keypad peeled so I got a new one under my insurance on O2, got the same phone again & the SAME PROBLEM! It's so annoying. I don't know who else has this problem but it's down to bad design I think! Seriously thinking about getting a similar phone (C902) but with a better keypad! Great features on the phone though.

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Reviewer: Yuba - Sombor, Yugoslavia
Date: 9th Sep 2008

OK, this is it my second review of this model, after having it about 5 to 6 months, so read it. First l do have some issues with the camera, pictures are too dark or xenon flash doesn't respond & do the job right, but after placing red eye reduce in menu setup in camera mode, this problem stopped, so camera works great now, second issue is that phone frizz itself in the middle connection outgoing call, & after 10 seconds it responds, this is an issue that happened to me about 5 times in this 6 months of using the phone, battery is superb & it last about 4 days sometimes even 5, overall excellent phone but if you don't have good casing (holster) than you can't count on good performance & good lasting phone, do not use any magnetic casing or rouge letter casing, use only softly like little bags or something like that &, don't put your phone in the pocket, l know this is the easiest solution, but it is usually harmful for phone electronics & phone cover, the transudation of your body in the pocket is same think like you go with your phone in the wet & hot place like steam bathrooms.

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Reviewer: Phil - Tamworth, UK
Date: 6th Sep 2008

I have been a loyal Sony Ericsson user for years now until now. I have had this phone four times & it has broken in the same manner since January.

Rang O2 today they have even stopped stocking it & are going to replace it for one of 3 from their range. If you have this phone & are on O2 make sure you give them a ring & ditch this nice looking useless phone.

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Reviewer: Prashant - Pune, India
Date: 6th Sep 2008

This phone has various problems like phone hangs, touch screen buttons operate itself without touching, camera clarity is poor & the phone turns off while talking. The same kind of problems happen with other users I know.

This is not value for money. Thickness of the phone is excess. You cannot shoot you own photograph.

Worst part of it is nobody owes responsibility for replacing faulty phones. For such a big brand this is shameful.

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Reviewer: Jess - London, UK
Date: 2nd Sep 2008

DO NOT GET THIS PHONE, IT IS UTTERLY FLAWED, I have always been a loyal Sony Ericsson phone user. However this phone well & truly signals the end of my consumer relationship with the company. I have sent it to be repaired countless times, only for it to continue to cease up or for a new problem to occur with it. This phone is completely & utterly flawed.

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Reviewer: Sam Wright - Norwich, UK
Date: 29th Aug 2008

Now on my 4th handset, after the rubbish touch screen buttons would not work, resulting in not being able to unlock the phone! I have had problems with every handset resulting in them all being returned. The phone does take great pictures when it wants to, but would recommend to stay well clear! RUBBISH!

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Reviewer: Mo - Birmingham, UK
Date: 24th Aug 2008

This is the worst phone ever. Save your money, do not upgrade to this nonsense.

Pro's.
- Good 5MP Camera.

Cons.
- Phone crashes all the time.
- Turns on & off like some psycho.
- the lag between going from one function to another.
- Touch screen button - totally useless.
- the buttons are too small
- Not turning on.

All in all a very useless phone. I've had to send mine back twice for software updates before it was replaced & now the new one had to go back for another software update & it is still doing what it was doing before, I.e. Crashing, turning on & off, resetting theme.

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Reviewer: Matt - Toronto, Canada
Date: 24th Aug 2008

It's all true. It's great when it works. Second round of repairs. No sound in speaker, camera button on side stopped working & it powers off randomly. Do not buy this phone.

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Reviewer: Nic - Dunstable, UK
Date: 23rd Aug 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE! I am on my fifth one & now Orange have refused to exchange & say it is Sony Ericsson's problem not theirs, apparently I only buy airtime off them!

They all know there is a problem but won't do anything about it, disgraceful. I am currently using an old K800i, great phone, no problems.

I've also heard there are problems with the C902, absolutely disgraceful to launch a phone with issues.

I am switching back to Nokia, thinking N82 or 6220 classic.

SORT IT OUT Sony Ericsson!

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Reviewer: Tim - UK
Date: 21st Aug 2008

I have had this phone since November & have come to detest it. My previous 3 phones have been Sony Ericsson & I loved them all, the k850i is simply terrible! The keypad is awful almost unusable at fast speeds & the D pad poor. Mine has had 4 firmware updates which cause as many problems as they solve. Its battery life is woeful. The most unforgivable fault as a phone is its tendency to drop its signal for no reason, often in a call while you aren't moving! On the plus side the camera is VERY good & as it takes micro SD as well as the ridiculously expensive M2 cards usable! I personally wouldn't bother with this phone, look elsewhere!

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Reviewer: Trudy - UK
Date: 21st Aug 2008

I am at my wits end with this phone. I am on my 4th handset now & have been (& still am) trying to swap it for a different model. It's been fine since November 2007 when I got the phone, but within the last month it keeps going wrong. The phone decides to turn itself off for no apparent reason & the touch screen functions initially work OK, then become a bit hit & miss which is frustrating.

I didn't like the design of the buttons & the navigation key in the middle of the keypad, however I must admit you get used to it & now find it quite easy to use, although would much prefer to use the old joystick navigation function that Sony Ericsson used to use.

Another frustrating error is with the camera. It is good when it works properly but I have found that the flash is very temperamental. I can take lots of photos in a row, some turn out OK, but some end up really dark, as if the flash didn't work, but then some turn out really bright as if the flash worked too much! I don't use the camera any differently but the standard brightness of photo's vary.

I am usually a huge Sony Ericsson fan & have used their phones for the past 5 years or more, but I am hugely disappointed with this phone & am looking to change to another model.

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Reviewer: Jono - Glasgow, UK
Date: 19th Aug 2008

I got this phone as I wanted a very good camera at hand to take snap shots on the go. I must say, the camera is outstanding in quality & when you print the photos, they, in most instances, surpass the quality of digital cameras. However. As for the phone itself, IF YOU CAN READ THIS & UNDERSTAND ENGLISH, STAY AWAY FROM THIS PHONE!

Everybody I know who has had it has had nothing but problems with it. Sticks in the middle of texting, vibrates a little in your hand, switches itself of without saving a copy of the message to drafts. Then on a call, it gets lazy & goes to sleep again after a little vibrate. My mobile phone provider said I needed a software upgrade. Did this & still the same problems. I have touch screen keys that don't work when I want them to & are very sensitive when I don't want them to do anything? This is supposed to be a quality phone with a camera function, but to be honest it's a quality camera with a rubbish phone function. Right now it sits frozen with lights on & a black screen. Back to the old handset. For your own safety & that of others, please stay clear as your patience will make you do things beyond your control.

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Reviewer: Nipuna Wackwella - Galle, Sri Lanka
Date: 18th Aug 2008

This phone provides good quality pictures. Although this phone lack of GPS. It is still having enough options for a all in one camera. But the problem is the keypad, I think it will take too much time to get used to this keypad.

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Reviewer: Anthony Black - Edinburgh , UK
Date: 17th Aug 2008

This is my third Sony Ericsson phone & what a piece of junk! After about six months the keypad started giving problems. It double clicks which makes it go back all the time. There also seems to be a specific additional problem with the 5 key. I can safely say that having had a number of mobile phones over the years with none of them having let me down that this is the worst phone I have come across. DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE.

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Reviewer: Lisa - Staffordshire, UK
Date: 15th Aug 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE. I have had four of them now & O2 have finally let me change for an N95. K850i kept crashing, turning its self off, touch screen buttons didn't work, it cut off in calls. Screen light turned off while sending a text while typing. This was on every single phone. I fancied a change from a Nokia but wish I had just stayed with them now.

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Reviewer: Sue Parsons - York, UK
Date: 14th Aug 2008

I recently came across a fairly nasty road traffic accident early in the morning. It took far longer than necessary to ring for the emergency services because the wretched phone had turned itself off AGAIN & I had to take the battery out & put it back in again before it would reboot. You can imagine that this delay was not good for the poor chap trapped in his upside down car with a nasty head wound & a broken leg. This was the final straw for me.

I had upgraded from a W850i a few months ago, great phone, very reliable. The K850i has been nothing but trouble from the start & has gone back to be mended. Having read the other reviews, the replacement & mended phone is going into its box & staying there, I shall buy a K800 pay as you go & put my SIM card in that till my contract is up, over a year left to go & I am not putting up with this rubbish any longer.

I have long preferred Sony Ericsson's to Nokia's & Samsung's, but this phone has really disappointed me. I would suggest that prospective owners try something else.

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Reviewer: Courtney - Reading, UK
Date: 14th Aug 2008

This phone is good. I haven't had any problems with it. I don't know why people are saying the K850i is rubbish. This phone has great features & many good things like the camera.

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Reviewer: Mariette - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: 10th Aug 2008

Searching the Internet to see if anyone else has problems with this phone, I am glad to see that I am not the only one, but sad to hear that the phone is actually a piece of nothing!

On my birthday, of all days, the text messaging failed to work. I wasn't able to get into the inbox. I thought I was still able to send messages, but it turned out nobody got them, & now nothing works. Thanks Sony Ericsson for letting me down on my birthday.

& yes my phone also goes down in the middle of a conversation. I will have to send it back.

Now I am back to my old Nokia which was a frustrating phone, & the reason I got the Sony in the first place.

The photos are good though.

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Reviewer: Matthew Hurd - UK
Date: 9th Aug 2008

Features & design are both very good but there are far too many problems with this phone to be able to recommend it (all of which have been listed by other peoples reviews). This is a shame because other Sony phones I have had have been superb. I have now moved on to a Nokia 6300 the features are nowhere near as good but at least I can trust it to work.

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Reviewer: Kevin - London, UK
Date: 8th Aug 2008

Was really looking forward to getting this, my first ever Sony Ericsson. BIG MISTAKE. Turns itself off at least 10 times a day, people call & it doesn't ring, instead goes straight to voicemail followed by a text to say missed call. Touch buttons are a bit hit & miss.

My £35 Samsung was excellent compared to this. On my second handset now, just as bad if not worse. Oh & if they try to fob you off by telling you it's the 3G causing the problem, it's not! It still crashes!

DO NOT BUY!

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Reviewer: Bong - Kuching, Malaysia
Date: 8th Aug 2008

Weird, I find the phone very convenient & easy to use. I used the phone for nearly a year now & all is working well. The K850i is nothing like what you guys described. I have compared it with a N82 my friend use & the camera function is on the same par with it except it does lose out on certain aspects. The soft button is very nice & the plastic lens ensures that the camera within is always protected.

Overall, this phone is only for those who have a caring heart to use as the function requires patience & time for adaptation. K850i will definitely not lose to N95 8GB or N82 unless the supplier took some gadget out from the phone when it arrived.

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Reviewer: Nm - Wales, UK
Date: 8th Aug 2008

I am so pleased to read all the other reviews, I thought it was just me & it's driving me nuts! I have this phone on an 18 month contract & have another year to go. No insurance so I just have to live with it.

It does send texts without any prompting even when locked. It does turn itself on & off without any prompting. It has also deleted all the games I downloaded & paid for from Orange.

I hate this phone, don't buy one.

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Reviewer: Jon Baylis - Wigan, UK
Date: 7th Aug 2008

Review, I had 4 of these from O2 since January as the touch screen buttons kept failing, breaking. Yes 4 times! Had enough in the end & got O2 to give me a chance to upgrade again & I got a Nokia 6220. After 4 failings you can upgrade to another model.

Suggested additional features, sort out the screen. It shows up grease & fingerprints far too easy. Somehow stop the touch screen buttons being active during a phone call as your ear or face can send a text message to someone whilst you're talking. Usually first in your contact list.

Hints & tips for other owners, would not risk getting it. Mine had to be replaced 4 times. I have 2 friends who have it & they are both on their third handset.

Faults, camera shutter freezing & touch screen buttons failing.

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Reviewer: Mohammad Ali - Iran
Date: 7th Aug 2008

I think this phone is good but it isn`t great, what? This phone have a great camera with 5 mp & Sony digital camera`s are great. This phone have a great LCD but java os is very cheap for this phone.

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Reviewer: Ditz Estranghero - Palawan, Philippines
Date: 5th Aug 2008

There's probably a problem on your battery pack so your phone turn itself off in the middle of your long text messages or important calls. Check your batteries with the phone shop where you bought the unit. It's probably drained or overused or probably unused for a long time that's why it's malfunctioning. Or maybe, your battery packs are just imitation of the original Sony Ericsson battery pack or the generic one that easily get drained after a short phone call.

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Reviewer: Sam - Kent, UK
Date: 5th Aug 2008

The k850i is actually a really good phone. I have had it for about a month now, the camera is great along the media player. However, there are also a lot of negative things about it.

- Is the touch screen really necessary? the amount of times I have just finished sending a text or something & then accidentally going onto the Internet, I sure hope that won't cost me anything.

- It often turns off & on again, resetting the theme.

- Saving photo's, photo fixing & video DJ & so on, it takes a lot of loading time.

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Reviewer: Ryan - UK
Date: 4th Aug 2008

Total joke of a phone, crashes, sends texts on its own, camera flash is broke & does not charge. DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE!

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Reviewer: Helen - Leeds, UK
Date: 2nd Aug 2008

Do not buy this phone! I have had 3 of them & they have all broken on me this is the worse phone in the world, I am glad I have a contract!

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Reviewer: Becky - Bham, UK
Date: 1st Aug 2008

It caused a row in my relationship! I have found that twice when I have been on a call, if I get another call coming through on its own it puts the initial call on hold & puts through the other call! Hence my partner thought I'd had ignorantly put him on hold without me even realising!

Must say it has been the only problem since upgrading 2 months ago. So far anyway!

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Reviewer: Josh - Cardiff, UK
Date: 29th Jul 2008

Great features on this phone & was delighted with it until the problems began. Now on my third phone & this one has now failed me with the touch screen feature not working properly! I want out now! Buy one if you are feeling lucky!

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Reviewer: Julia Cunningham - Brighton, UK
Date: 23rd Jul 2008

I upgraded to this phone in December last year. All was initially fine but then the problems began. First I couldn't upload any photos to my PC as the software kept saying the camera album was empty. Then the messaging crashed & I couldn't access my text inbox or send or receive any texts. 2 days after I got it back from Three after repair, it went berserk & the touch screen started operating on its own & sending texts etc. It's going back for repair a third time in 3 months tomorrow as it's now turning itself off & on again, 5 times whilst trying to send a text last week! Sometimes it just turns itself half off & the keypad light stays on, flattening the battery. The only way to get it to do anything is to release the battery & turn it on again. It's incredibly frustrating & I am sick of it. I upgraded from the K800i & never had a single problem with that. Unfortunately recommended it to me!

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Reviewer: Randeep - UK
Date: 22nd Jul 2008

I am on my third set, after four months. Apart from sending text at its own will, switching itself on & off, the phoned design is the only real positive. I wish I had chosen something else. Do not buy. You have been warned.

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Reviewer: Andrew Burgess - UK
Date: 22nd Jul 2008

Sony Ericsson could so nearly have made a truly great mobile phone but is seem as though they have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with the K850i.

I got the K850i after having the k800i, which was its self a really great phone, hoping that this would be a step forward. The only real problems I found with the k800i were the poor video shooting & the awkward small keypad, so I thought that with the k850i Sony Ericsson was about to offer the phone that the k800i so nearly could have been, I was though, to be disappointed.

The k850i did indeed outscore the k800i in many departments, the key pad & touch screen I found great to use, the screen was bigger & better, better media functions, improved video resolution etc. But there was just one design fault that I just couldn't get over, one fault that I just couldn't ignore that ruined the experience. One of the great things that I really liked about the k800i was that to take a photo, all you needed to do was to flick back the cover & you were ready to shoot, but with the k850i the lens is permanently covered by plastic which seems to be permanently covered in finger prints & grease. Before any photo can be taken these prints must be wiped away, otherwise the images are dull & cloudy, how could Sony Ericsson have done this! It is like a wart on a beautiful face, I just cannot ignore it. They had a great starting point with the k800i design but they seem to have just lost the plot slightly.

Not only that but mine has been sent back 3 times to date & has been replaced, I am not the only one I believe. I had so many high hopes for this phone & frustratingly Sony Ericsson didn't quite deliver when it seemed like they had it in the bag.

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Reviewer: Anon - Liverpool, UK
Date: 22nd Jul 2008

I've been using Sony Ericsson mobiles for several years & this had proved to be a disappointment. I had read all the reviews & decided not to listen & upgraded to the K850i anyway.

I've had this phone for 3 months & had exactly the same problems as everyone else. I've found that I can live with it turning itself off & on. My tip is do not touch it when it happens, it comes back after a minute. If you try & switch it on yourself it won't. I've also had occasions when the phone doesn't recognise that there is even a SIM card in it, to fix this involves taking the battery out & putting it back in again.

The camera also doesn't live up to the K800i. I've played with it for hours & can't get anything to match the K800i in quality.

Stick with the K800i until Sony Ericsson come up with something better.

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Reviewer: Lorraine Neale - Barrow In Furness, UK
Date: 20th Jul 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE!

I have the same problem as everyone else, it is a software fault to do with text messaging. The phone crashes after you send a text & yeah, you guessed, all that happens is it vibrates & the keypad lights up but the phone is totally dead. You can see the problem starting as it starts getting slower to get into your inbox. Am currently waiting for yet another replacement, all the phone shops know there is a problem with this phone so why the hell are Sony Ericsson still selling it!

Come on Sony Ericsson give us all a replacement phone that works & withdraw this rubbish from the market!

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Reviewer: Danielle - Devizes, UK
Date: 17th Jul 2008

I have had this phone since March & I am now on my 4th phone & I am waiting for my 5th replacement to come. I have problems with it turning itself of & now only the key pad lights up. The buttons have fallen out. The speaker has broken.

The camera is good but sometimes the picture just comes out black even with the flash on. It gets dirty & finger prints easily. It always freezes. I have had enough of it now.

I am left phone less which isn't good as I can't contact any friends so I am left inside on my own all day.

Surely Sony Ericsson would have sorted its problems out by now or at least stop selling these phones as everyone I know with it has had problems.

Only good point is it looks nice, but not for long as it scratches way to easy.

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Reviewer: Lucy - Staffordshire, UK
Date: 15th Jul 2008

I love this phone, but it keeps turning off & on by its self for no reason! Sometimes it does it about 10 times a day (not joking) & others it doesn't do it for weeks. This is the only bad thing with this phone, apart from the touch screen bit as this is sometimes annoying while texting if you accidently knock it.

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Reviewer: Scott - Manchester, UK
Date: 15th Jul 2008

I think this phone is a very good phone, it has good features the camera is excellent & its light & looks great. But unfortunately working comes first!

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Reviewer: Tom - UK
Date: 14th Jul 2008

Looks good but I have had about 7 of them as they always break. Die if you buy one.

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Reviewer: Jenny - Kilmarnock, UK
Date: 14th Jul 2008

I am so disappointed with this phone! I HATE it. I was so looking forward to this phone, for a phone that looks great, good features & costs to be honest a fortune. You'd except it to be good.

2 days I have had mine now.

- The screen keeps flickering lighter & darker.
- My keys star & 9 don't work. But work if I smash it off something for a while.
- Gets really grubby.
- Decides to text or record stuff when I am on the phone if I lean against the touch screen.

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE.

First Sony Ericsson I ever bought, I'll never buy a Sony Ericsson EVER again. Really disappointed. Sony need to get their act together.

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Reviewer: Lynda - Fife, UK
Date: 13th Jul 2008

Today I took delivery of my FIFTH handset since October, all I can say is thank goodness for Orange's fantastic customer service!

The problems I've had with this phone have been either it turning itself off & refusing to switch on again (only the keys light up as others have described) & the touch screen developing a mind of its own. Or the keys starting to control the touch keys e.g. The 8 key would immediately send an SMS I was writing if I needed to put TU or V in a word!

My son's on his second handset since January. His stopped charging, the touch screen keys stopped responding & the flash wouldn't work.

So far my daughter's not had any problems. But she got hers after my son!

My friend got hers a week after I got mine & has been backwards & forwards to the shop with the same issues as I've had.

Usability, I do love this phone & if it were more reliable I'd be singing its praises.

The camera can be a bit temperamental, you have to make sure you use the flash correctly or you have a totally black picture, & make sure you stand very very still as it doesn't seem to deal well with slight movement.

The problem I experienced with it sending blank texts to the first person in my contact list was easily resolved by adding a person AAA with no phone number as the first entry of my list.

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Reviewer: Victoria - Birmingham, UK
Date: 13th Jul 2008

I've had this phone since early April & all still seems fine.

Although it did crash on me once while trying to save an appointment in the calendar for the first time.

The screen & the touch buttons are all fine, I've never sent a text message to anyone while on the phone despite holding my phone between my ear & my shoulder for most of the time.

All the sounds are loud & clear, reception is fine too (don't know if it's the network or the phone).

My only complaint is the battery life, with minimal usage it lasts for 2 days, on the specs list however it says it should last for 10 hours talk time (same as my previous K750i) which lasted a whole week.

& the camera is fantastic, very clear, bright photos.

All in all, a great camera phone.

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Reviewer: Louise Magrin - South Wales, UK
Date: 13th Jul 2008

I had this phone in December, in February got sent to Carphone Warehouse (as they will repair this phone for free on the Sony 2 year warranty) had it back 10 days later & now today its gone again lights on but no one is home, just emailed Sony Ericsson as I am well annoyed now. I now have no phone great. Phone is great but not very good if you want your phone to stay on & not break every 2 months LOL.

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Reviewer: Sam - UK
Date: 11th Jul 2008

Same Problems as everyone else! My phone freezes while texting, turns itself off then on again at least 3 times a day (usually in the middle of an important call! ) its deleted all my games & applications & won't let me put new ones on just say's Operation Failed can't play a single track without it pausing throughout. This is my third one they all do this even my friend who has one has now started having these problems. Mine turned off for the last time last night & refuses to turn back on!

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE!

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Reviewer: James Moss - Huddersfield, UK
Date: 7th Jul 2008

Same problems as everyone else I am afraid, phone freezes then the screen goes blank before it switches itself off.

During phone calls my phone decides to cut out. I contacted Sony & they recommended downloading some software they claimed would sort the problem out, it didn't.

It's a pity as this has the potential to be an excellent phone. DO NOT BUY!

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Reviewer: Kat - Reading, UK
Date: 7th Jul 2008

I am now on my second K850i & I have to say. I am very disappointed with it! Having loved the K750i & also the K800i (despite all the issues I had with it! ) I went & upgraded to the K850i. What a mistake. Like many others, the fact I am sending blank messages to the first person in my phone book whilst on a call is ridiculous. Then about two weeks ago my touch screen buttons went crazy (had the phone 3 months! ), being unable to make calls, accept calls or even write a text, the phone was rendered useless. I've had a replacement K850i for two weeks. Three times it's turned itself off & came back on a couple of minutes later. Until last night, where it died completely! I sent a text, it turned itself off, then the lights came back on the keypad, but no other function! So now I am awaiting delivery number 3, as Vodafone will not supply me with a different phone! The icing on the cake was that the call centre agent confirmed he'd been on the phone to 3 other K850i owners this morning, all with the SAME issues! Even to the extent where the phone deletes all items stored in its memory! JOY! I am so looking forward to my third K850i! If you're wanting a good, reliable phone, don't get a K850i!

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Reviewer: Richie Brill - Eastleigh, UK
Date: 25th Jun 2008

Lovely phone, the picture quality is amazing & watching video's is a pleasure, have ordered mine but used a friend's for a few days & was impressed with it enough to order it.

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Reviewer: Steven Chabeaux - Liverpool, UK
Date: 25th Jun 2008

DO NOT GET THIS PHONE!

Just a word of advice don't get this phone it has been nothing but trouble since I have had it, it is absolutely useless. I am never getting a Sony Ericsson again it is pathetic. On my second replacement now plus the first one got sent off to get repaired buttons don't work camera doesn't open you name it I have had a problem with it. Stay clear of this phone it's a pile of rubbish.

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Reviewer: David Bryden - UK
Date: 24th Jun 2008

This phone is rubbish. Small quirky things like the light won't come back on if you are looking at a picture in some modes will drives you crazy. The familar operation failed saga happened aswell meaning I lost everything in my inbox. Now after living in the dangerous confines of a jean pocket the screen has decided it can't be bothered working anymore. It never ends with this phone. A shame because I want to like it but it keeps on doing everything it can to make sure this doesn't happen. Potential but a big let down. Shame on you Sony Ericsson. You got greedy & rushed it out. Now your company looks daft for making a rubbish phone.

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Reviewer: Deon - Cape Town, South Africa
Date: 24th Jun 2008

HI there I am a proud current owner of the K850i, I find the touch screen & keypad took a little getting used to, however note the Menu is identical to previous versions like my old W810i which I find is awesome as it is familiar, further I would like to state LOL that when my phone gets sluggish I tend to first look at the memory on the phone card to see whether it is full, secondly I LOL defrag it on my laptop, it speeds up the phone, otherwise I find the Media option & Camera very versatile & easy to use, the keypad is amazing, further I have had two Sony Ericsson's & my last one was put to hell & torture & it lasted, as for software come on guys NEW PHONE give it time the software will arrive.

I would like to mention to people that in the Media menu, the screen rotates to the position of the phone, pretty cool.

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Reviewer: Steph - Liverpool, UK
Date: 23rd Jun 2008

Most annoying phone. Ever. Same problem as everyone else, crashes & just get a blue light & a bit of a vibrate & then it won't come back for a few minutes.

But what's more annoying is the touch screen, when you're speaking to someone on the phone, you find your cheek touches the screen & you end up sending about 10 text messages to the first name in your phone book. In one hour long phone conversation I text the Amy in my phone 24 times, all with a blank text. How could they not figure out to deactivate the touch screen when you're speaking on it?

A tip to help this is to put yourself as AAA in your phone book so you're only texting yourself instead of annoying someone else, this is only good if you have unlimited text though!

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Reviewer: David Furness - Bedlington, UK
Date: 19th Jun 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE! Yeah it looks good & when it works it's an excellent phone. However I've already had mine back to be fixed because the touch screen was broken & a few months later it's gone again. This time the whole touch screen is unusable, rendering the phone useless. I can't open texts! I will not be buying Sony Ericsson again!

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Reviewer: D Northmore - UK
Date: 18th Jun 2008

Overall the phone is good, but it keeps restarting itself & now the touch screen buttons don't work what so ever. I haven't dropped it or anything just stopped today. My friend also has this phone & he has had the same problems.

So I am going to have to send it off, which might take a few weeks to sort out & by looking at previous comments I might be stuck with the same problems.

I am really happy with the phone but only when it works.

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Reviewer: Lucy - Glasgow, UK
Date: 17th Jun 2008

I was really looking forward to getting this phone! Loved it to begin with & have taken some great photos & videos with it! Love the slideshow feature.

BUT, after a week of having this phone, 1 week! The phone crashed on me & I was unable to use the phone again.

Got the phone replaced & yes you've guessed it within 3 weeks the phone has crashed on me again & totally unusable as will not even switch on!

Gutted as I was really looking forward to having this phone! Really liked the features of the phone but it can be very slow & needs charged constantly.

unfortunately too unreliable.

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Reviewer: Will - Newton Abbot, UK
Date: 16th Jun 2008

I've got a K850i & it's brilliant, for those of you who say oh the camera is rubbish at night ugghhh you obviously haven't learnt how to use it have you?

It's pretty obvious! DON'T PUT YOUR FINGER OVER the FLASH! Oh the keypad is easy to use, it adds a bit of flavour that some phones don't have. Yes everyone has different opinions but I personally think this is one of the best keypads on any Sony Ericsson! It's a tad fiddly at first but I got used to it in a day! If you've got FAT fingers, DON'T BUY IT! Simple as! It's obvious that these people have no clue that in order to use the phone, for those of you who complain about the touch keys, well DUH! It really isn't that hard! Just touch it & it responds! It's so easy & if you had a handset with physical navigation keys you'd probably say something like oh the buttons are too small, I can't use them It's just touch sensitive! It's not the best but not the worst! Read the manual PROPERLY you need to either read the manual or play around with it a bit. This is the best Cyber shot Sony Ericsson! Yes even better than the new C902! So stop whining, TRY IT OUT IN the SHOPS! & play around & you'll have the best phone for pictures in your hands! Oh & FAT fingered people STAY AWAY! Go buy something like the Nokia 1600.

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Reviewer: Grant - UK
Date: 15th Jun 2008

Hi I had a k800i before this & it was not as good as the k850i because the volume was to low & you can't use the light as a torch unlike the k850i which has 2 lights any way onto the k850i itself yes some of them do keep restarting but I have been told as soon as I got it to update the software using the Sony Ericsson update service which is a free download from the Sony Ericsson website & it should sort it out an it which it did & it doesn't void the warranty or insurance. & to those people who say it's a fingerprint magnet get a plastic phone protector for it & it won't get dirty that's what I did. & to the people who say when they take a picture it comes out black there's a simple solution for this don't put your finger over the little black circle next to the light it's a light sensor for your camera. Sorry for blabbing on people it just gets on my nerves when people moan about the phone because they don't know use the phone or doesn't try the phone in the shop before buying it.

I am NOT A PERSON WHO WORKS FOR Sony Ericsson BEFORE anyone THINKS I DO.

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Reviewer: Lianne Lawrence Harbord - Pembrokeshire, UK
Date: 14th Jun 2008

Am now on my third phone in 6 weeks still having trouble don't recommend.

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Reviewer: Adam Silver - Loughton, UK
Date: 13th Jun 2008

Great phone & camera, WHEN IT WORKS !

Been a Nokia customer for 10 years & was persuaded to switch to Sony Ericsson so was delighted at first & although took a while to get used to loved the phone. Fast forward 6 months & now on my 3rd phone & this has now crashed on me just as the other before it have. Phone cuts people off mid calls, the screen freezes & cannot be used, all functions switch off except the light at the ring light at back of phone. Going to try the new Sony C902 & see how that goes, if no good it's back to Nokia for me. Battery life may be bad but as least you know what you are getting & it's reliable.

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Reviewer: Kat - Manchester, UK
Date: 13th Jun 2008

As with other people, I am on my third replacement now with this phone. There is a software update option on the phone but not once has there been an available software download. There are many problems with this phone that need sorting. DO NOT BUY.

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Reviewer: Luke Fletcher - Newport, US
Date: 9th Jun 2008

It is a really good phone but it shows up finger marks very easily & it will keep resetting its self on me.

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Reviewer: David - UK
Date: 8th Jun 2008

Four months into this contract & my inbox stops working, operation failed is what it tells me. I call up & the problem is identified straight away, this is a regular fault with this phone I am afraid. OK great. So I don't have the time to take the phone to get sent away but I can still use everything else & I am sure I can do without text for a short while. About a week later & the touch screen component stops working. This of course means I now can't do anything with the phone other than receive & make calls, I can't save numbers, I can't use the camera I can't do anything!

I was really happy when this phone worked but so many people say they have had similar problems. What is the point in sending a phone onto the market when it has so many potential problems? Are Sony trying to rubbish off their customers with totally useless products?

I wouldn't recommend this phone at all, & I say to anyone who is thinking about getting it to never rely on it.

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Reviewer: Yazad Dhunjisha - Bahrain
Date: 7th Jun 2008

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this phone. I am going to get it soon. I also LOVE the game Marble Madness. I think the camera is amazing. I also think that the phone looks really cool when it's fully illuminated.

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Reviewer: Jaspreet - Goraya, India
Date: 6th Jun 2008

I have this phone, this is very beautiful phone, perfect design & battery backup is good.

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Reviewer: Anshul - India
Date: 5th Jun 2008

Excellent. Very good camera, sound quality not that appealing, good net speed & software is available over the Internet. The shake theme is the best feature. These themes change wallpapers when a theme is shaken. All in all a good package & worth the cost.

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Reviewer: Tina - Guildford, UK
Date: 4th Jun 2008

I probably should like this phone. It looks good, has good features, a good camera, good memory & a good music player. But my main issue is with how uncomfortable all the buttons are, especially the navigation ones. It's really uncomfortable & awkward for texting. I've also noticed that the touch screen buttons sometimes lag behind a lot. I thought this might be because it had little memory but even after inserting a 8GB memory card it still did it occasionally. The lagging isn't too frequent but when it happens it freezes for about 4 to 5 seconds & gets very annoying.

I would just say try using the buttons in a store before you buy it.

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Reviewer: Vicki - UK
Date: 3rd Jun 2008

I swapped to this handset as O2 had to send me 5 (FIVE) replacements for my faulty Samsung. So obviously I looked forward to receiving my new handset! I've had this phone for around almost 4 months with no problems. Until now!

I love how easy to use the menu's are, the design is nice, the camera is excellent & the features are great, this phone would be fantastic. But like so many other people's, mine has begun switching itself off during text messaging or in the middle of calls, which is VERY frustrating. The lights stay on & it vibrates a bit then goes off! It takes ages to come back on again! It does this a LOT! 4 of my friends had this problem & have had to switch to other handsets.

A friend of mine told me to go online & get updated software from net & this would stop happening, but I can't find any!

Not sure what I'll do next.

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Reviewer: Simon - Bristol, UK
Date: 3rd Jun 2008

This phone is terrible I am on my second one! It turns its self on & off randomly & then I get the Blue ring of death glow where nothing works but the blue light.

The camera is not good same problem everyone has blank dark photos. & no I have not covered the sensor or flash the flash is out of sync!

Do not buy this phone you will regret it! I am so fed up with it now it's the LG Viewty next time it goes wrong!

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Reviewer: Gav - Muswell Hill, UK
Date: 2nd Jun 2008

I am NOW IN the MIDDLE OF GETTING MY 3RD REPLACEMNET K850I IN 3 MONTHS 2 HAVE JUST PACKED UP BOTH WITH the SAME SYMPTOMS OF NOT SWITCHING ON & the OTHER HAS AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT STATES NO SIM IS IN the PHONE, WHEN IT IS. NEVER EVER GETTING THIS PHONE AGAIN.

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Reviewer: Emma - UK
Date: 1st Jun 2008

To all those people whose phone keeps crashing, freezing etc than I suggest you ring your network & get a software update! You will need LOTS of these.

I only got this for the camera which is spot on, lots of memory etc. Menus easy to navigate.

Mine started to bug me with pretty much everything listed by other people. I am currently updating the software via Orange. HOWEVER, It takes ages & after the initial update it goes completely mental. They will need to text your further updates which takes forever especially if they accidently cut you off.

Final verdict, great if this isn't going to be your main phone. Unfortunately old phone back.

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Reviewer: Karzan - Manchester, UK
Date: 30th May 2008

I had this phone for a while I like the phone very much the look mostly but after a while when I turned off it wouldn't turn on after a few attempts.

I liked the phone I said to myself the is not daily problem I can go with that, recently I pressed the application button but gives me operation failed.

However I soon change it & will not recommend it to anybody, shame on Sony Ericsson they can't make a phone that could survive for long time any phones now a day are temporary phones. Thank you.

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Reviewer: Stephen - UK
Date: 29th May 2008

Having read reviews online, I was slightly worried about getting this phone. So eventually I got it & found that it was really good. I had a few problems with the camera, the photos came out black, but I learned to get around that. I also found a problem with it because it kept restarting when you in the middle of something, e.g. Media player.

Another small fault I have is that the design is smooth & shiny, so I am protective of it in case it scratches.

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Reviewer: Che Wai Yeung - Glasgow, UK
Date: 27th May 2008

I have had this phone for less than a month. While pleased with the design & features, the phone crashes frequently.

It freezes often while I am texting, it switches itself off, & now it does not switch on. I am waiting on a replacement just now, 5 days before I am due to go on holiday, which was the reason I picked this phone in the first place for the camera. Extremely disappointed & would advise people to avoid this phone.

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Reviewer: Paul G - Hitchin, UK
Date: 24th May 2008

I got sent this handset because my K810 went wrong & O2 had none in stock. GOOD RESULT I thought! Well it's a bit heavy & a bit thick, but overall a good phone with a very good camera. The features are goodish, the same as every other Sony Ericsson. I've only given it 60% on design because it's exactly the same as all the other Sony Ericsson handsets. If you like Sony Ericsson phones you will love this one.

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Reviewer: BC - UK
Date: 22nd May 2008

I really want to like this phone, in fact I do like it but certain things bug me. The K850i being Sony's cybershot camera phone is a pleasure to use as a camera, it's activate button turns the phone into a proper camera & opens the automatic lens cover. The 3, 6, 9 & HASH illuminate blue into dedicated camera buttons for shoot mode, scenes, timer & flash. Photos are the usual slow, hit & miss affair that comes with mobile phones these days (the flash will over expose close ups yet won't be powerful enough to light up at any distance) however quality will be as good as you're going to get at the moment. Dark shots are easily adjusted with the built in photo editor & BestPic usually sorts you out a half decent shot, just remember to clean your fingerprints off the lens window. Viewing your photos isn't such a drag & if you move the phone to landscape the pictures will rotate automatically (like the iPod), however I do miss the dedicated one touch gallery buttons that were on the K800i. The call quality is spot on & I found this to be the best phone I have used so far for video calling. The screen is crystal clear, menus can be a tad sluggish but are easy to get around, the battery, SIM & memory compartment is a brilliant bit of design & what was at first a fiddly touch screen, I now find quite nice to use.

However in the first month it has crashed on a few occasions. This may seem to be a trend these days with buggy software, but it's not something a consumer should put up with. It still has some of the old unnecessary irritations from the K800i, like not being able to turn off the screensaver & always having to allow apps to access the Internet. After using a Nokia E65 I find the phone quite awkward. It feels fragile & is bulky in comparison to today's slides. The biggest drawback to this phone is the keypad. The keys are tiny which you may find irritable, but worst of all is the navigation key, which surrounds the 2 & 5 keys. Pressing two keys at the same time is easily done & navigating doesn't feel natural. The touch screen keys are slow to react so speed texters & caffeine junkies will be glowing red! It may not be a Smartphone but its feature rich & very capable, just a annoying to use at times. I am sending this phone back & exchanging it for a Samsung G600, which probably is a dumb move but we'll see.

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Reviewer: Mhairi - Edinburgh, UK
Date: 22nd May 2008

I am so disappointed, I upgraded to a K850i in April from a W300i & it's terrible, I've had 3 handsets, lots of battery problems, touch screen & Bluetooth wonky & to top it off I don't even like the phone, navigation is irritating, it's too thick. Saying that the camera is excellent. I've got a new battery at the moment but it's still not holding charge very well so I'll be looking to get a different model from Orange.

I've only had (Sony) Ericsson's & all my previous phones have been excellent, I don't know where they've gone wrong with this one.

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Reviewer: Dm - UK
Date: 20th May 2008

Fantastic phone, excellent features. SHAME ABOUT the rubbish technology which causes it to restart in the middle of things, but would still recommend it.

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Reviewer: Steve - Swindon, UK
Date: 15th May 2008

I've had many a Sony phone & all been OK, then got the K810i & it was OK but then buttons jammed, sent it off, had it repaired & it came back then a month later couldn't send texts, each time I pressed send the phone switched off & back on. Rang O2 & they sent me this K850I as they said they had stopped the K810i. Just got it today & already I am not a fan, bulkier, smaller buttons, touch screen takes a while to get used to & just far more fiddly. I am also now very apprehensive after reading all the reviews, my ultimate fear is losing all the contacts I have, & I have a lot. I will reserve judgement for the time being but feeling not great at present.

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Reviewer: Susan - Walsall, UK
Date: 15th May 2008

I had this mobile phone when it was first launched in fact I didn't just have one I had four for the rest of my family. What a BIG BIG mistake! All four mobiles have had problems all the same as other people reviewing it. It's got a mind of its own switches on & off when it wants to, freezers all the time, very very sensitive. But having four & seeing them all fail one by one is very depressing! Three of them have been repaired twice & still faulty one we thought that had only needed a software update has now let us down. Why is this mobile so bad? Why is Sony Ericsson not replacing them? They have a 2 year manufactures warranty so why are they not being recalled like a car would! Sony Ericsson has really let consumers down with this mobile. & anyone who has just bought one if you're under the 14 day trial take it back now because I can guarantee you will have problems & that's a better guarantee than Sony Ericsson can give!

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Reviewer: A Khan - Leicester, UK
Date: 15th May 2008

The 5 megapixel camera was the only reason for choosing this phone & had the option of an N95. However, with the battery life on the Nokia & the bulky look, I opted for the K850i. This despite the horrendous reviews, I have had the phone a few days & found the menus very easy to navigate.

The camera is a bit tricky as it has many different settings. I won't say I've managed to master these in 2 days but I have managed to take some very good pictures. Better than the N73 I upgraded from.

What does disappoint though is the feel of the phone. The N73 felt better detailed. But this may be because I was used to it & will get used to this one too. Had this phone been 2 to 3mm slimmer it would have been PERFECT!

I would recommend the phone.

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Reviewer: Dick Jones - UK
Date: 13th May 2008

OH YEH! The BLACK & SILVER ONE of these has no problems, just the blue one (obviously they have fixed it).

This phone is good but is always breaking, I have had mine fixed twice! & NO I did not break it, it is just a faulty phone & a few of my mates who have this a having problems as well, you would be better off getting the w910i, or w980i.

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Reviewer: Conrad - Birmingham, UK
Date: 11th May 2008

I have upgraded to the k850i from the w850i & I have to say all those people that are having problems you must be doing something wrong becauseI have not had a single fault with it.
The camera is excellent, audio is as good as the w series, this phone is highly recommended!

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Reviewer: Chris Barrett - Faversham, UK
Date: 10th May 2008

Please do yourselves a favour, & forget this phone!

Well, I am currently on my 7th, yes 7th replacement handset since my upgrade in November! & it has gone wrong, so O2 are sending me a good old faithful Nokia.
The problems are too long to go into detail, so I have bullet pointed them.

- 1st phone, Loudspeaker stopped working & phone kept resetting.
- 2nd phone, After charging, would not even turn on!
- 3rd phone, Bluetooth kept disconnecting from headset, bought new headset, did not cure problem.
- 4th phone, screen was damaged, even though it was new in box!
- 5th phone, Loudspeaker packed up after 2 days!
- 6th phone, Switched off as & when it felt like it, often during a call.
- 7th Phone, Same Bluetooth problem, tried software downloads, factory reset, still does it.

Oh & before you choose another Sony Ericsson, don't bother, my sister has a W910, & she has her 2nd phone within the first month, as it keeps switching off!

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Reviewer: Angela - UK
Date: 8th May 2008

ABSOLUTLY RUBBISH! At first everything was great but a couple of months later the problems began!

Phone constantly knocking itself off or into flight mode, freezes while texting (often resulting in the phone knocking itself off, which is very annoying when you have just spent ages writing a 4 page text! )Having to buy a new memory card as the other one went corrupt, which meant losing all my photos & one of the most recent problems is not sending & receiving text messages & while trying to open the inbox & outbox just keep getting a message saying 'operation failed'. After looking through many websites I have found a lot of other people have had this problem. I then had to do a system reset which has meant losing all my text messages (which I was rather upset about as some I had wanted to keep.) & the phone still isn't working properly, keeps freezing.

My advice to you is to STAY well AWAY from this phone!

I have never wrote a review on anything before but feel this needs to be discussed as I don't want others to go through the disappointment & expense I have.

Sony Ericsson has some great phones that are full of features that other phones don't have but I wonder if that's why they have so many faults as the phone simply can't cope. I am definitely going back to Samsung, might not have as many features as Ericsson's but at least they work!

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Reviewer: Stephen L - UK
Date: 8th May 2008

I had this phone back in December 2007 & had it replaced a total of 5 times in the first month should of known it was a bad phone then wished I would of had a diff make now anyway my phone packed up in February 2008 with battery only lasting half a day & Bluetooth not working my phone kept coming back from repair with the same fault also with cover damage I was told there was no parts in the UK Sony was waiting on them & I would have to wait after 4 months of waiting phones 4 you have replaced the phone am going the sell this new one because the Sony k850i is rubbish never buy another Sony.

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Reviewer: Jamie - Isle Of Man, UK
Date: 8th May 2008

The second yes second phone they gave me as a swap for my dysfunctional first phone is now not working fully! The first one would randomly come up with inactive SIM (after a month of ownership & three times thereafter). This I assume was a network issue, however, four months on from owning the phone in March the software collapsed. One of the issues being that it would not open the SMS message folders.

So then what about phone number two, well it says there are no music files in the media player but will still play music when I press resume! However, attempt to view photo files using the media player it crashes & restarts phone. I await other issues to occur with the phone in due course, as with the first phone.

I have given it 100% for features because if the phone was reliable it would be a great phone. I have always owned Sony Ericsson phones partly because they were reliable phones but I'll be trying another manufacturer next time! I don't want a would be great phone, good & reliable please.

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Reviewer: Bigjobby - UK
Date: 7th May 2008

Found the keys & touch button on the top corners way too close together. The new narrow cursor ring around the 2 & 5 buttons dig into my thumb a bit too much for my comfort.

Software can be SLOW! Very annoying as the phone tries to catch up with your key presses. Think of it like Windows when the CPU is running at 100% & leaving you scratching your head on whether to wait or press the next key.

Touch keys can be hit easily by mistake.

Applications can reboot the phone (regardless of what network you are on). So if the phone features Skype, Yahoo Go! Or whatever. Forget it. You won't be able to logon most of the time. Funny that the phone network support guys have never heard of this one because this problem is littered all over the Internet!

Found that you have to hold the phone on the edge as you take pictures (especially with flash) as any part of your hand or finger obstruction can easily distort the light sensor while you take a snap. Not major just have to hold the phone like a complete fairy.

If you're after a phone that slightly smart, forget it!

Apart from the above, I am completely satisfied but I am looking forward to the end of my contract.

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Reviewer: Victoria - Birmingham, UK
Date: 6th May 2008

After reading all the negative reviews about this phone I was a little bit apprehensive but I still bought it (after I was left without a phone just before going on holiday as my resent upgrade Nokia went mad), & I am so glad I did buy it.

The camera to begin with was taking rubbish & black pictures & what wasn't black was blurry, but after fiddling with settings & removing the plastic cover from the back, it's perfect pictures first time every time.

The touch buttons are very responsive but not overly so, so no blank messages while having a conversation for me. I hope that doesn't change after a few more months.

Someone mentioned that it doesn't have snooze function, it does but not very good one. 2 touch buttons are a switch off & snooze, press the wrong one once & no snooze!

& for all those who say it's nothing but a fingerprint magnet, I've seen other phones collecting smudges more than this one.

All in all a great & highly reliable phone (at least it has been for me), would recommend to anyone.

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Reviewer: Angela - UK
Date: 6th May 2008

Hi, I have a symbol of a person with a red arrow on it at the top left hand corner of the homescreen. I've had the phone 5 months & not seen it before. It doesn't say in the book anywhere. Can anyone help how to get rid of it please. Thanks.

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Reviewer: Tim - Essex, UK
Date: 30th Apr 2008

After reading reviews on this phone about how good it was how the photos were brilliant & how rubbish the phone is blah blah! I have just brought phone & as I was sitting in my car taking pictures with the flash on the pictures were coming out either black or not very good! Took back into the shop where the girl took pictures in a dark room & they were coming out okay. Took it home & kept taking pictures & they were STILL coming rubbish (all the time with the protective cover on the back) BIG mistake! After removing this they pictures were brilliant. YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE OF the LIGHT SENSITIVE HOLE ON the BACK. WHEN TAKING PICTURES YOU CAN ONLY HOLD IT WITH YOUR FINGERS ON the SIDE!

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Reviewer: Oskar - UK
Date: 29th Apr 2008

A superb 5MP camera without a doubt one of, if not the best on the market. Brilliant screen with deep colour saturation & great viewing angles. Sony Ericsson user interface is fast & logical to use. 3.5G connectivity is fast & works great with a Bluetooth GPS & Google maps for navigation. The phone looks like a jewel when lit up & ALWAYS gets attention! I have never had any issues with the keypad & find the touch keys a very fast way of selecting options, especially with the camera. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Reviewer: Dan - South Africa
Date: 29th Apr 2008

For those of you who aren't happy with this phone & who are thinking of buying a new phone. Rather go for a Nokia N82, much much better in every way!

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Reviewer: Sam - Bristol, UK
Date: 28th Apr 2008

My phone has just come back from the repair shop, & now the screen keeps going blank & the number 8 keeps on popping up on my screen, even though no numbers are being pressed. Looks like another trip to the repair shop! I would never buy one of these phones again.

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Reviewer: Williams - London, UK
Date: 28th Apr 2008

I've had my phone since November 2007 & was well pleased with it. The 5 mega pixel camera was brilliant the pictures were so clear, just perfect.

However, 5 months on, & the problems have begun! These are the problems I have been experiencing:

- the phone randomly switches itself off.
- the phone will not allow me to view my pictures or videos (although they are on my memory card).
- When I go to 'media' it doesn't show you any of the music (although it is there).
- If I try to view the camera album the phone shuts off or goes into idle mode & it will not let you do anything.

There are obviously problems with this phone that Sony Ericsson need to look into & rectify. To the person who said there is no problem with the phone; I'll give you a couple of months OK? Then see what you have to say then!

All in all, the phone is rubbish!

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Reviewer: Fuzooli - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: 24th Apr 2008

Well I hear this phone is a failure model before I was purchasing it. Unfortunately well you have to update the version & remove the cover which is covering the camera sensor. Design yeah that's true hard to type & I prefer this is not good for texting. Other than that features are cool & great much better than n95.

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Reviewer: Tina - Bristol, UK
Date: 23rd Apr 2008

I have had this phone less than 3 months & the repair shop has said I have got condensation in it & refused to exchange it after it had stopped working. I think that this is a get out clause for the company, as they have said this to so many people by reading the Internet pages. I have not got my phone wet or even damp. I would never recommend Sony Phones again!

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Reviewer: Jason - Germany
Date: 23rd Apr 2008

Firstly, I have to say I am pleased with the functions that the phone has when they work. I got mine in January, I noticed that none of the Java software worked out of the box. As I am not bothered about games & stuff & only wanted a camera phone I ignored it. The camera has been brilliant, & has taken some great shots, nothing black & very clear. Last week however the phone just switched itself off while I was on a call, then the screen stopped working, now it's has a software bug were the lights all come on but nothing & I mean NOTHING works, I have to take the battery out & it's basically dead, I hope O2 will take it back?

This phone looks good, & when it works it's great but I have the feeling that the Software is not up to scratch & Sony have produced a sub standard device. I have had 3 Sony Ericsson phones each one has been great up till now. My only saving grace is that it was free.

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Reviewer: Mike Wilson - UK
Date: 22nd Apr 2008

I have just bought this phone & have looked in every section possible but cannot find how to write a text message! I can only find the option to write a mulitimedia message, voice message or an email. PLEASE HELP!

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Reviewer: Chris Mackenzie - Alnwick, UK
Date: 21st Apr 2008

Well. This phone certainly lived up to all the hype, the camera is amazing (once the settings are changed for faster picture taking), the design is very nice with enough spacing on the keypad for texting, the software is very good. So seems like a very good phone, well maybe if you are a lucky person. I have had 3 of these phones with problems. The first was the messaging problem where nothing was able to be sent or received (apparently that was a software issue which could be fixed by updating the software) then the next was the very annoying touch screen buttons going absolutely mental. Pressing themselves & somehow typing a number or moving the directional pad would set it off. That was sent away & I received a replacement, then sure enough 2 months later the same thing happened. I have heard other stories about these problems so it is not just me. This phone is the best phone I have had, however this has been known to happen which is the only downside. I am now on my 4th k850 & can't wait for the c902 to come out hopefully this will end my problems.

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Reviewer: Darren - West Mids, UK
Date: 19th Apr 2008

I have had this phone for over a month now & I can honestly say I have had NO issues with it whatsoever. I was, like others also panicking what with all the mixed reviews hanging around. It doesn't take long to get used to the touch screen, the sound is excellent & a lot better than my previous K800i. As for the camera quality well all I can say is this is as good as it gets for a camera phone. Or should I say as good as you need!

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Reviewer: Victoria - Birmingham, UK
Date: 18th Apr 2008

I don't actually own one yet, but because I had a few hours play with a real phone that belongs to someone who owned it for a few months, I feel that I can give an honest review.

The design is not great (although I personally like it), 75% was given due to poor design of the touch buttons. According to the owner of the phone the touch buttons did not go mad after a while, but you do have to be careful not to press them accidentally with your cheek while talking to someone. I found touch buttons very responsive (a bit too responsive, I managed to operate a music player just by taking the phone from her hands!), the phone was not slow, did not freeze, camera was awesome, no blacks at all.

Screen is of a good resolution (much better than my 16 million colors Nokia.

Buttons are on the small side & the whole thing is definitely a fingerprint magnet.

The features are standard Sony Ericsson style, like marmite, you either love it or you hate it.

I read on another website that O2 are using different software with K850i don't know if it's for better or not.

If you are like me, & you need reliability, quality & simplicity in a phone then you'll love this model (after initial period of getting used to the new features).

I can't say it's perfect, but it's the closest thing to what I am looking for in a phone on the market.

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Reviewer: Hayz - Cardiff, UK
Date: 18th Apr 2008

I have had this phone for a few days now & I love it!

Managed to get the volume working to get louder music when you play music via the player.

The camera is awesome, the only downside is when it takes black pictures, but that is very rare!

I just love this phone!

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Reviewer: Howrx1 - Brunei Darussalam
Date: 17th Apr 2008

I had my phone for about 1 & the half month & I had nothing wrong with my phone. The touch screen key is perfect. Camera, video went smoothly. Maybe I am a lucky person to get a good k850? Well who knows? For those who say sometimes when taking a picture with the flash you end up with a just a black picture. Do not cover the back part of your phone when taking a picture with flash. Even 1 cm is also not enough & the small black circle beside the 3 LED flash is a light censor. Try taking a picture with flash, 1 picture cover the black circle thing & another one without covering the black circle & compare the two picture, it is much more different. I think the best camera phone are k850i compared to N95, LG viewty.

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Reviewer: Katrina - Belfast, UK
Date: 15th Apr 2008

This phone is terrible. I previously had a k800i which was amazing but this phone is terrible. It constantly freezes, turns itself off randomly.

STAY AWAY, no comparsion to the k800i!

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Reviewer: Stuart - London, UK
Date: 15th Apr 2008

I've had the phone for few days now, & at first took me a while to get used to the fiddly buttons but once over that am now really enjoying it. Many have had issues with black pictures, unfortunately Ericsson. Music player is good with equaliser & mega bass functions & customisable. Don't like the casing much but all in all a good choice of upgrade.

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Reviewer: Andy Ward - Northampton, UK
Date: 14th Apr 2008

Got this phone the day it came out & was told by the assistant at Vodafone it's a lot better than the N95 what a load of rubbish, it's been back to the shop twice bloody camera lens won't open stored contact name's keep over writing themselves with other named contacts & that data is then lost from that contact, buttons are fiddly, screen scratches to easily & yet again the damn lens won't open on the camera again & one of the biggest reasons I got the phone was because of the 5 meg camera as I use it for work I now have to carry an additional camera to use.

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Reviewer: Dave - Austria
Date: 14th Apr 2008

I think that it's a good phone but sometimes it just crashes & then resets its self I don't know what is better the k850i or the n95 because I am getting one tomorow should I?

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Reviewer: Simon Wheatley - UK
Date: 10th Apr 2008

I got this phone on when I got an upgrade from 3. I had it for about a month, & it was fine, but then the touch screen started going mental, & I couldn't even type in my pin code without the touch screen going crazy & nearly blocked my SIM card. Sent it back to get fixed, then not even 2 weeks later everything with my text messaging went crazy, I couldn't send or receive messages or even go into my inbox, so I sent it back & got it fixed. The camera is dead slow to start & I normally missed things I want to take a picture of, loads of my pictures were just black. It also crashes whenever it feels like it. I wouldn't recommend this phone, it's been a complete nightmare.

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Reviewer: Peter - Croydon, UK
Date: 10th Apr 2008

I've had this phone for two weeks & not had any problems. It is a fingerprint magnet though! Good clear screen, pictures are good & not too bad when downloaded to the PC. Copying music or files or video to the phone via the software is child's play.

The Walkman isn't very good though no equaliser, so you can't adjust bass or treble. My old Nokia N73 was heaps better. I like the touch buttons nice & easy to use. You can't change the format of the functions on the menu though, they are fixed! Like it or lump it!

It has a good phone status showing you the battery charge & how much memory is free. Buttons are too small, but I am getting used to it.

Recharging via the USB is slow & doesn't charge properly, I got 2 & a half days battery use when I did that, but fully charging using the proper charger & it can last 6 days!

The calendar is terrible, the reminder only goes off once so it is next to useless, the alarms you use instead just don't have any options to them.

& the entry of number fields sucks too, it moves on automatically so you have to be quick when typing two numbers, because if you are too slow typing the second number it moves on!

Overall it's an OK phone so far, I do like the screen! The Nokia N73 is a much better phone but has too many problems & is too bulky. No other phone on the market looks any better.

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Reviewer: Charlotte - London, UK
Date: 10th Apr 2008

This phone is the biggest piece of rubbish I have EVER had! I was always a Samsung or Nokia user & I wish I had stayed that way!

My touch screen just decides to stop working, especially when the battery is low. I've had issues getting into my inbox as it freezes or switches itself off! Just so many problems! Certainly the last time I use a Sony Ericsson phone! I wish I could change it, but unfortunately I have a long time before I can!

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Reviewer: Cookie - Milton Keynes, UK
Date: 9th Apr 2008

I had a K800i which I loved to bits, I used it for taking photos & I thought I would go one up with a 5MP camera so I opted for the K850.

I have been having the same problems as most people, 3 days after getting my new phone it started to switch itself off & I had to turn it on again, then it switched off & completely died on me!

I sent it back to dial a phone who issued a new phone within 48 hours, can't complain at that! So far so good as far as the turning off goes, fingers crossed!

I am not too keen on the little buttons for the numbers they can make your fingers sore if you text a lot LIKE ME! The touch screen is OK once you get used to it, the screen gets smudged easily & shows finger prints.

Those problems are far outweighed by the functions of the phone though.

Just one thing that is annoying me my battery life seems to be pretty poor, have sent 10 texts today & one bar has gone already, IS THIS NORMAL OR JUST ME?

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Reviewer: G - London, UK
Date: 8th Apr 2008

Great phone! Some people say that the touch buttons are a hassle, but I have found them to be very responsive especially when the vibrate alert is on (so when you touch the sensitive buttons, the phone vibrates).

I was scared when I bought this phone that it would be a hassle like most of you said, but you just need o get used to it.

The camera is WICKED! But sometimes takes black pictures only because I cover the flash & the manual does specify this.

Design is cool. I have the black & silver phone it's much nicer than the other two, there is a silver line on the edges of the phone which makes it much nicer & thinner with the black on either side. The velvet blue & luminous green aren't very nice (my opinion).

BUY THIS phone, VERY cool!

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Reviewer: Susan - Merseyside, UK
Date: 7th Apr 2008

I got this phone on contract from Virgin, despite scary stories on this site. When phone arrived found it difficult to use at first but persevered & fell in love with it. Camera is excellent & very easy to use. Sadly after only 7 weeks the touch screen went wrong & would try to send texts before I had finished typing. After a day of this it went completely mad, & sent my last text to several people on my contact list. I could have been very embarrassing if text had been of confidential nature. I still worrying that this can happen. Virgin we're excellent & sent a replacement within 24 hours. Fingers crossed.

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Reviewer: Vez - London, UK
Date: 6th Apr 2008

Excellent phone.
Highly recommended.
Buttons are a bit small but you do get used to them.
Get a case as these will easily get marked up & damaged!

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Reviewer: James - UK
Date: 6th Apr 2008

Great phone when it worked, then after a mere 4 days the camera packed up which rather defeats the point of having a camera phone. Using it now causes the phone to crash & it refuses to take a picture at all.

My girlfriend got one too, almost at the same time & after only a month her phone is completely unusable. It just resets itself during calls & she cannot for example listen to music & text someone without it crashing.

We're both waiting for replacements. Avoid.

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Reviewer: Anon - UK
Date: 3rd Apr 2008

Well what a splendid piece of technology. The features are superb, top banana my son!

The camera is fascinating, I take pictures of myself on a regular basis & you can see every one of my spots. It really is amazing. I think you should all get it :).

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Reviewer: Sarika - Leicester, UK
Date: 2nd Apr 2008

Well I never! I hate this phone! It's the worst phone in the world. It's has great feature, but the touch screen is so annoying, when I am on the phone it automatically starts to text away & has sent so many blank texts to the first person on my contacts list & there is no way that I've found in the past 4 months I've had it that I can lock the phone while being on the phone! Want to waste your texts then get this phone!

Also the touch screen is so slow at responding to anything you do, I've had 3 of these phones in the last 4 months in order to get another one. Everyone I get is the same!

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Reviewer: Emma - Norwich, UK
Date: 1st Apr 2008

I have had 2 of these now. The touch screen literally only works after taking the battery out (not even turning it off then off again) or after hitting it. It's going back & never again!

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Reviewer: Kel - UK
Date: 30th Mar 2008

I would really have loved this phone if I hadn't had to send it back due to varying problems. It's currently on its 3rd trip to Mr Repairman, this time as it just keeps turning itself off. The first time was due to the same problem & also software issues (it was upgraded), it worked for a while then went back a second time as the touch screen went ballistic & I couldn't send text messages (it had a replacement screen & another software upgrade). I've also found that the plastic coating on the phone & especially the hard edges on the keyboard have peeled away easily. I've only had the phone 5 months & it looks like I've had it much longer.

Other than the above problems I love the functionality of the phone & the camera is superb, I don't even mind that it's a bit bulky. Luckily Carphone Warehouse & said that if it goes wrong again they'll replace it. I am hoping they will let me go for a different model completely. I wouldn't even mind going back one step to the K800i. A real shame.

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Reviewer: Kieron - UK
Date: 29th Mar 2008

This phone is rife with problems. Sometimes when taking a picture with the flash you end up with a just a black picture. After a month my text messages stopped working & I couldn't get into my Inbox. I was told to back up all my phone content onto my PC & then do a master reset resetting all. This worked but now I can't get my PC to recognise my phone, thus all my back up info is stuck on my computer. The Sony Ericsson PC suite stopped working for me before & I had to uninstall then reinstall it to get it to work again. This means I'll lose all my backed up phone info!

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Reviewer: Vass - Hyderabad, India
Date: 24th Mar 2008

This is the excellent phone in 3G group. This 5 megapixel camera clicks photos very sharp & bright, but it does not have a Walkman player. This is best compare with Nokia N95 & N82.

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Reviewer: Anon - UK
Date: 22nd Mar 2008

I've only had the phone for 7 days & the touch screen has stopped working!

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Reviewer: Jo - Dorset, UK
Date: 21st Mar 2008

I absolutely adore this phone. I had the Samsung G800 before this one & even though both cameras are the same megapixel. This k850i seems to be a lot clearer & it's not my eyesight as I am in my twenties!

I WOULD RECOMMENDED TO anyone!

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Reviewer: Jl - UK
Date: 21st Mar 2008

Got this phone for 2 weeks, very good & I like the design but one thing I don't like is that the touch screen 3 buttons sometimes do not work.

Overall a very good phone.

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Reviewer: Gravity - Australia
Date: 21st Mar 2008

This phone is really good I like the design & everything. But it has lots of problems. I had mine for about 1 month & I can't send & receive messages. I can't even check my inbox! I am planning to send it back & ask for a replacement.

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Reviewer: Yuba - Sombor, Yugoslavia
Date: 20th Mar 2008

OK, there is. The phone is very good, the quality in ear microphone is superb, l can hear my caller with extra clarity & loud enough so that is perfect, the network signal is also excellent, in places where l have no strong or bad signal with Samsung models for example, with this k850i l have strong signal, using keys for taping SMS is a bit problem in start but after few days l adjust myself & now it is OK, software & menu style & options are indeed very good, & on the end only issue is camera, the pictures are perfect, but catching one is a problem, when I shot the first picture is usually black one like sensor is not working properly so think this is a firmware issue. & hope Sony Ericsson company will resolve that with new firmware release, video segment is without problem & its excellent, this is my first review but because l have bought it just few days ago. There will be second review after some period of time, recommend the phone to all people, to all fans who likes the good camera phone.

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Reviewer: Josh - Northumberland, UK
Date: 20th Mar 2008

I have had this phone for two months now & find it a great phone, I have moved from a Nokia & Orange M600 to this & have had no problems with any of its features or buttons. Until now!

Over the past few weeks the touch screen buttons have worked one minute & not the next, then yesterday the buttons ceased to work completely, all I can do now is accept incoming calls!

Luckily I backed my phone up while I had some use of the touch screen buttons, so I can upload contacts to my new phone, in defence of Orange, I called them up, did not have to wait in a queue, mentioned the problem I was having, a new phone was dispatched for delivery the next day, I have never had any problems with Orange (phones avoid the Internet! ). Overall a great phone, I am sure Sony will sort the problems out.

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Reviewer: Yazad Dhunjisha - Sar, Bahrain
Date: 20th Mar 2008

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this phone. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I currently have a K610i. I love it but it keeps shutting down for no reason. I have read a lot about the K850i & I must have it. Camera is amazing. Touch Sensitive buttons are cool. I just love the design & the navigation keys. I went to Sony Ericsson site & tried the phone out. I have held the phone & it feels really comfortable. The only problem is I will have to get used to pressing the correct button. Other than that I LOVE IT. I would recommend this phone to anyone.

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Reviewer: Don - London, UK
Date: 20th Mar 2008

Good phone liked it quite explosive, GO FOR IT! It's worth it.

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Reviewer: Jon Baylis - Hindley Wigan, UK
Date: 19th Mar 2008

I upgraded to this phone at the end of January 2008, big change as I have always loved & had Nokia's. I just didn't see a decent Nokia on the market that I could upgrade free to, so I chose this phone (wanted the Nokia N95 8GB but couldn't get it on the deal I wanted which is £30 a month contract).

Great camera, easy to use but these are the problems I found (which I had heard of before)

- Screen & cover shows up fingerprints & grease very easily.

- When in a call your ear or face can activate the touch buttons & send a text message to the 1st contact in your contacts list, done this about 2 to 3 times.

- I was worried about the touch buttons & my worries were confirmed when the middle one started pressing on its own accord last week. It has been sent back to O2 & I should get my new one tomorrow. A friend had to send his back as his touch buttons stopped working, so something to bear in mind.

- Can't change the alarm snooze setting from 9 minutes to a custom setting : (.

Otherwise these point's aside great phone & think the battery is good enough.

Photos quality is great, just remember at the front where the flash is there is a little hole which is a light sensor, do not have your finger over this or your photo will be dark.

Cheers.

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Reviewer: David Edkins - Birmingham, UK
Date: 18th Mar 2008

I received my Sony Ericsson K850i in November as part of my Orange Dolphin Deal. Good job it was free as it would be a rip off if it was sold in the bargain bucket in Woolworth's!

As to the design, I used my phone in the rain a few months back & the water got into the screen & broke it completely. I think it's pathetic that a phone can't stand up to the British weather like that!

Another problem arose when I sent a text to someone, & the phone decided to mix up all the numbers in my address book & send it to someone else instead, therefore completely ruining my privacy by letting someone know about something that I didn't want them to know about. This occurred BEFORE the water incident (see above.)

Anyway, I got a replacement from Orange, & all was well again for a few weeks, & then my camera started to play up. No matter how much I played with the settings, any videos I filmed or pictures I took came out completely blank & pitch black.

I rang Orange about this, & the technical support team got back to me & asked me to do a master reset. I did this, & the result was that the camera problems still were not resolved & then, last night, I was typing out an ever so slightly rude & very VERY private text message to a friend of mine when all of a sudden the Sony Ericsson K850i takes on a life of its own & decides to the send the text message randomly to half the people in my address book! It was midnight too! I've had a lot of explaining to do today!

DO NOT GET THIS PHONE!

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Reviewer: Luke - Doncaster, UK
Date: 18th Mar 2008

GREAT PHONE! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! WAY BETTER THAN SAMSUNG G800, Nokia N95 & LG VIEWTY.

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Reviewer: Jenny M - UK
Date: 17th Mar 2008

Grrrr I am so annoyed I've had this phone for like what 4 months now & it was going great until it just stopped letting me view my messages keeps coming up OPERATION FAILED!

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Reviewer: Hmmm - UK
Date: 16th Mar 2008

Phone is terrible! Keeps crashing, touch screen goes, after a while you have to reset phone & loses everything because it says operation failed. Terrible phone! Don't buy it!

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Reviewer: Shaun - Grantham, UK
Date: 16th Mar 2008

I wanted a phone with a decent MP3 player & camera to use as an all in one device to save on pocket space & this phone seemed to fit the bill. I have since put an 8GB memory card in that will store approx. 2000 tunes, so just about enough for my music collection.

However, the music player doesn't perform like I thought it would. It is dead slow! Track listings, albums & artists take an absolute age to load, it is absolutely rubbish to navigate through your library to find a track, artist or album. The earphones are dreadful, the sound far too quite, the foam pads have dropped off & disappeared & without a standard jack plug socket it is difficult to find a suitable replacement for the earphones. The software supplied for managing the music media is awful. It constantly cuts me off the net & can I hell as like get the damn CD's out of the tray once the album has downloaded! I thought my CD rewrite was broken but it is the Sony software causing the problem as I have not had a problem since now that I am using an independent MP3 converter that I found off the net. You can transfer mp3s onto the player through the PC Suite software & not have to use the rubbish media manager & Sony's acc music format at all.

I did like the shuffle feature on the player, this randomly selects tracks from the whole library, although this now has stopped working also. So if you are buying it for the music player, don't! I am reverting back to an independent music player.

The phone shuts off in my pocket often. The only way to turn it back on is to remove the battery & reinstall. The camera is average, nothing special. This phone is a jack of all trades, master of none.

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Reviewer: D Patel - UK
Date: 14th Mar 2008

This is really not a good phone! Waste of the price it is charged! You cannot be brainless enough to buy this phone! Go for the k800i, having less megapixel, still 100 times better than k850i. I really regret choosing this phone for what it states it can do, but what is the point when it really cannot do what k800i can do! Looks cool, that's it!

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Reviewer: Malaika - Mnachester, UK
Date: 13th Mar 2008

I find it hard to believe that at one time I was so desperate to get my hands on my k850i! Ahhh it's been such a nightmare!

The buttons jam up, it actually switches on during calls, takes ages charging up, has got a great big chunk of it missing from the top left side corner & now!

Now, the cameras stopped working COMPLETELY!

My friend sent hers back to O2 & still hasn't received it! It's ruining my life because I wanted it for so long & now I am really disappointed, no other phone has ever done this in the past & I have has Samsungs, Nokia's & Sony Ericsson's!

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Reviewer: Susana Maldonado - London, UK
Date: 13th Mar 2008

Grrr, I've had several Sony Ericsson phones & have been happy in the past. However, I just got the K850i a month ago, & the battery life has been terrible. I am daily recharging it & I don't use it for much, just a phone call here & there. I'd like to use it to listen to music, but the battery life isn't long enough!

The killer issue is yesterday I dropped it & now it's completely broken. It was a normal drop from 3 feet to the floor & I am now paying £50 excess to get it replaced. I feel this is unacceptable for the phone to break so easily! A phone will be dropped from time to time in a year & should be able to withstand this sort of general abuse.

Summary, the phone is okay to use & the photos are good, but battery life is terrible & breaks far too easily.

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Reviewer: Deb - Cleveland, UK
Date: 11th Mar 2008

I got my phone & was really pleased with it, thought it was best phone I've had for about a month then all the problems started, screen crashing, turning itself off, buttons freezing & cutting out when people phoned also phone would go straight to answer phone. I phoned Orange & they sending a new one but after speaking to other people they seem to still have same problems with their new one. Really hope I get lucky as it's a class phone when working.

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Reviewer: David Rathband - UK
Date: 11th Mar 2008

Well I should not have worried, the best phone I have ever had, no problems yet. It's really easy to use & looks great. Takes good pictutes & the touch screen is easy to use once you get into it.

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Reviewer: Conor - UK
Date: 10th Mar 2008

I am rather pleased with my Sony Ericsson. It has all the features needed, & more!

At first I discovered that the phone was taking dark or black pictures! But then I discovered that on the back of the phone, underneath the flash, on the left hand side, there is a very small black circle. This is the sensor for the flash timing. If your finger is not covering this, the picture will be perfect!

My only problem is the buttons. They are too hard, & even hurt my fingers sometimes.

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Reviewer: Random - UK
Date: 8th Mar 2008

All you people out there complaining about the touch screen going weird get sum practice in & stop complaining! I reckon its a canny phone myself & obvious its going to scratch, it's all shiny but had my phone since Christmas & I use it all the time & no scratches on the screen so be a bit more careful if you don't want it scratched.

You can get socks for your phone, don't need a case!

If you didn't like the size of the buttons why get the phone?

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Reviewer: Scott - Isle Of Man, UK
Date: 8th Mar 2008

First phone died after 10 days, pressing any button or the joystick would make the touch screen buttons randomly operate. Second phone lasted a couple of months with the odd freeze that required firmware upgrades to sort everything out, before the touch screen completely died.

Have been told that my phone will take 6 weeks to repair or else be replaced with a refurbished. Seriously unhappy with this as I paid full cost for the phone.

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Reviewer: Rebecca - Castleford, UK
Date: 6th Mar 2008

I had the k800i & loved that phone so thought about getting his one, but after reading the bad reviews on it I decided to go for the LG Viewty instead which broke after 2 & half weeks so took it back to O2 & fortunately they let me swap it for the k850i & I am happy to say that I am really pleased with the phone. The picture quality is brilliant & although a few people have said that they have problems with pictures being dark (I had this problem for the first 5 pictures or so), all you have to do is remember to hold the outsides of the phone with your 2 fingers & thumbs (one on either corner of the phone) & keep your hands away from all the back of the phone & the pictures will be OK. Also if a picture is portrait & you want to view it landscape, no need to press any buttons like with the k800i, just turn the phone to the position you want to view the picture & it automatically changes for you.

I have had no problems whatsoever with this phone, if you love the k800i you will love this too, the touch sensitive buttons are great & I am a huge texter & I find no difficulties texting at all & although a lot of people say the buttons are too hard & hurt your fingers, I don't think they do at all, it's an absolutely brilliant phone, I am extremely happy with it & I highly recommend this phone to anyone, it really is truly amazing.

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Reviewer: Dillon - London, UK
Date: 6th Mar 2008

I have had this phone since Christmas & have not had one problem with it. It is the best phone I have had (previous was the w850i, which I still have) the two type of memory card thingy is just magic as micro SD cards are far cheaper than M2 & I currently have a 4GB micro SD in my k850i & it has had no trouble with the 895 tracks I have on it, the phone does not slow down, the battery life is fantastic seeing as I use the phone a lot as well, although this is not a Walkman phone is still has a Walkman like music player which is fantastic, the camera is astonishing, this is just a mind blowing phone & I think it is the best phone on the market. Mind you the lime green one is ugly.

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Reviewer: Ben Treadaway - Brighton, UK
Date: 5th Mar 2008

I have this phone now for a few months, on my second one already & now this having problems. First one starting send texts to the first person in my phone book. Second phone is now having problems with the touch sensor buttons. All you can do is make calls. What a pain in the butt. Better get my third!

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Reviewer: Eliza - UK
Date: 5th Mar 2008

I had my first phone for about two weeks when I first started having problems with the touch screen. I would lock my handset (so as not to phone anyone by accident) & it wouldn't unlock unless I took the battery out. I took it back & got a new replacement but after a couple of months it started doing the same thing. I had to take the battery out seven times yesterday. I do love my phone when it works but I wish I just stuck to my Samsung E900.

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Reviewer: Mat - UK
Date: 4th Mar 2008

Man, had this phone 4 weeks ago since opening it out the box the screen kept freezing I thought nothing of it until it locked up totally not allowing me to access it pictures wasn't good either begged & begged O2 not to send me a replacement k850i finally managed to get them to send me a n95 out hopefully I will have better luck.

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Reviewer: Shakes - Birmingham, UK
Date: 4th Mar 2008

Yes this phone is fantastic in the functions it offers but I have had to send it back as the mic stopped working, a week later a I've got it back with a letter from Vodafone saying it is water damage & they won't fix it. Hmm, strange that as it's never been anywhere near water! Several phone calls later & Vodafone are saying it's possible that condensation has built up within the handset! Call me cynical but I've used mobiles since day one & have had no problems whatsoever with this idea, having looked at the design of the phone carefully I can only conclude that if it is water damage then the spacing between the keys & external case could be the likely cause of its early demise. Don't think I'll bother with another one now as I found the software glitchy at best when large amounts of data was stored on its external card, all in all very disappointing handset!

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Reviewer: Becky - UK
Date: 3rd Mar 2008

What a rubbish phone. It's meant to have an anti scratch screen hey guess what I have a scratch on my screen. Turns itself off. Sending it back.

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Reviewer: Stephany - UK
Date: 2nd Mar 2008

Best phone ever!

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Reviewer: Tony - York, UK
Date: 2nd Mar 2008

Just adding my name to the countless list of people who's K850i will be winging its way back to Sony Ericsson. I've had the phone just shy of 2 months & after about a few weeks, the phone would crash regularly, my games wouldn't load or they'd freeze half way through, the phone would cut out during calls, & as of yesterday I can't send or receive texts or even open my inbox. How they can get it so wrong is beyond me.

While the phone worked fine however (for about 3 weeks), I was very impressed. The camera is great & the touch screen is very nice. So if you can avoid one of the bad batch then it's highly recommended. I won't be taking the risk again however because as much as I love Sony Ericsson phones, 2 being returned in as many months (I tried the K770i before this which was also faulty) is too much hassle.

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Reviewer: Al - UK
Date: 1st Mar 2008

This phone has everything! I am more than pleased with it! Those people who have dark pictures READ the instructions! It has more features than you can throw a stick at. Even high speed broadband modem. What more do you want people!

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Reviewer: Tom - UK
Date: 29th Feb 2008

Love this phone, & fantastic upgrade to K800i. Camera is better, design is great, media features & design easy to use & read. I can't fault it at all. Well done Sony.

Yes the phone may freeze now & again but go to any high street phone shop & they can reload the software as it is a know fault. Work fine for me!

Recommend this phone to anyone.

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Reviewer: Robyn - Middlesbrough, UK
Date: 28th Feb 2008

LOVE THIS PHONE amazing phone, camera is amazing much better than my old LG but then it's bound to be everything runs so fast had it almost a 2 weeks now & am very pleased would recommend it to anyone.

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Reviewer: Lynn - UK
Date: 27th Feb 2008

I have had a K850i since October & today my THIRD PHONE broke down! First time water got into it, fair enough. 2nd time the phone's sensor buttons took on a mind of their own & started sending texts to the first person in my address book, all the other keys were rendered useless. Third phone today has just seen the sensor buttons freeze making it impossible to do anything except phone in & out. Raging! Don't BUY THIS PHONE!

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Reviewer: Toni - UK
Date: 26th Feb 2008

Hi guys. My k850i came yesterday & when I first tried to take photos. Like in many reviews below say it was taking really dark photos. Then I noticed that you can take a photo using the touch sensitive screen rather than pressing the silver 1 at the top. & I must say since I started using the touch sensitive button I have never taken a bad photo yet. All you guys having trouble with dark photos try this way! ;).

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Reviewer: Bill Clinton - UK
Date: 25th Feb 2008

It's GREAT.

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Reviewer: Karl P. - India
Date: 24th Feb 2008

Hey! I am unaware how & why so many people are complaining about this mobile. I love it.

The camera is exceptionally good, as for the flash issue, with many users finding black pictures. That's probably because you are positioning your finger in front of the flash, or try pressing the camera button softly first then press is harder to capture the image.

The design looks really cool. The onscreen touch buttons are simple to use, if you touch them lightly.

Yes it takes time to get used to new buttons arrangement. But once you do. It's very simple.

I absolutely love this phone & the features are outstanding! If you have a chance, buy it! :D. Hope this comes in use to all!

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Reviewer: James - London, UK
Date: 23rd Feb 2008

My phone won't come on, & I haven't even used it yet. I try to put it on, for the first time aswell, & it doesn't start. Can someone tell me what a red flashing light on the power button means when its charging?

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Reviewer: Rachel - UK
Date: 21st Feb 2008

I was really shocked to read all of the poor reviews, having dubiously given Sony Ericsson a try after much persuasion from my Boyfriend, I was immediately in love with the phone. My previous phone was the Samsung E900, therefore I was used to the touch screen, & the fact that the K850i was touch screen actually swayed my decision to try it. The camera's great, I've taken & have had developed some fantastic photos from this. I don't even bother with my actual digital camera now! I have found the phone really easy to use, & I seem to find that when texting & making calls, the phones has all the extra tiny functions & options that puts the phone up that extra level, e.g. Copy & paste options. Definitely user friendly! FANTASTIC PHONE, try it before you dismiss it!

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Reviewer: Charlotte - UK
Date: 21st Feb 2008

I have this phone!

I would rather have a Nokia 3210 LOL its bad, the touch screen is rubbish & the phone freezes quite a lot, it also has a mind of its own. When people say it's got amazing technology believe it because it really does just do what it wants LOL.

Overall though it's not bad for texting & calling on, hence why I would rather just have a basic phone.

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Reviewer: Sukhi - Glasgow, UK
Date: 20th Feb 2008

The phone I just got last week is a bunch of mixed up squashed together & an added screen piece of junk. The k850i is the worst phone ever. The d600 which I had is better & I agree that Sony's are far better than Samsung but at the begging Sony used to be the bottom of the charts & now they are back there again.

PEOPLE WHAT IS SO GOOD ABOUT THIS PHONE I HAVE ONLY HAD IT 4 DAYS & I WANT TO SMASH IT.AHH! TAKE MY ADVICE don't PUT YOURSELF INTO BOTHER, JUST BUY A DIFFERENT PHONE. The ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT IT IS the 5MP CAMERA. LASTLY I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY A MESSAGE TO Sony & the OTHER PEOPLE THAT THINK IT IS TOP CLASS, it's the WORST PHONE EVER. Thanks.

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Reviewer: Steve Heppleston - UK
Date: 20th Feb 2008

This is a truly appalling phone. Having used Nokia's for a few years I moved on to Samsung with the D900 being my last one, I then had the misfortune to get one of these bricks given. It is very difficult to use, buttons are a waste of space, touch screen hit & miss, battery a joke & the camera nothing to shout about, need I say more. In fact I am going back to my D900.

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Reviewer: Morgan - UK
Date: 19th Feb 2008

I got the phone back in November & do you know what I have not really had any problems with it, yeah a few things have happened that have been mentioned here, such as the freezing now & again & the black photos.
- the freezing I can deal with.
- the black photos, it only seemed to happen when I first got the phone, now its fine, I think maybe it was just like that till I got used to the phone & changed settings & played with it a little.

I like the camera, the pictures are great. The bad ones only appear when I put a finger print on the lens & it all goes a little blurry!

However the big thing is. Middle sensor is over sensitive now. I can't press any button (2, 5, 8, 0) as then it just goes CRAZY! Seriously!

So it's going back tomorrow. Don't quite know what I'll do though, I don't have a spare phone till they fix it!

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Reviewer: Rachel - Dorset, UK
Date: 18th Feb 2008

Had this phone since the release date, I bought it for the camera, as I use one a lot for work. Really disappointed, used to have the K800i, which had fantastic picture quality, the K850i looks OK until you download the pictures, even my 2MP Samsung was better! I find the buttons a bit odd too, really difficult to text quickly, & whilst my joystick eventually broke on the K800i, I found it a lot easier to navigate. Occasionally get the screen freeze, but not so often as others so can't really complain! Only other complaint was the lack of toys for it when released, couldn't get a case for it anywhere for a few weeks. Scratched the screen before I could get one delivered.

Ho hum. Only 8 months until I can get a new one.

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Reviewer: Helena - Nottingham, UK
Date: 16th Feb 2008

What they tell you the phone does in store sounds great but when you actually get the phone it's a totally different story!

I bought mine off Orange, the phone arrived, was fine for a couple of days & then it started switching off randomly & then rebooting, the touch screens sensitivity goes up & down, it wouldn't let me send or receive messages, couldn't call out, people got my answer machine when they tried to call me! I actually had to call out after trying several times just so I could receive my text messages!

I am now on my fifth phone & second battery! Orange won't send me a new phone because it's been different problem codes every time! The guy I spoke to yesterday gave me 15 free picture messages to use this month worth £3, & I have to cancel it if I don't want it by the end of this month or I'll get charged! What a joke! They sent me a new phone AGAIN today, put in my SIM & memory cards, switched it on & it froze!

Apparently it's a software fault, the software can't keep up with the applications! Why send a phone out into the market if the thing doesn't work hey? Don't bother getting this phone or going with Orange for that matter, unless you have a lot of patience & time on your hands to be arguing with customer services!

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Reviewer: Russell - London, UK
Date: 15th Feb 2008

I think this phone is not very good because I have had it for a month & it broke, do you think the N95 is better?

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Reviewer: Inci Murad - London, UK
Date: 14th Feb 2008

I get this phone as an upgrade as I was so pleased with it. I got it mainly for the 5MP camera & was not disappointed by its videoing & picture quality. I have only had Nokia phones in the past & was a bit dubious as to its usability & again I was impressed. Loved all the features. The only thing I didn't like much was the touch screen because it's temperamental. One minute being so over sensitive that you can get into the menu with just your ear-nearly texted a message by ear power alone! -to the other extreme where you really needed to be brutal to get a response. My trouble started after only 2 months, the phone would freeze, cut out & re boot it's self. Was told it was a software problem. I was forced to send it away for software up date although I had already done this using my computer. After nearly 3 weeks away the problem was not resolved. The same problem reoccurred after only 24hrs. I was eventually given an exchange by my network after a lot of furious phone calls & making a pest of myself. Unfortunately if you're listening, iron out your teething problems & I'd be the first to get a new one.

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Reviewer: Stefan - Acton, London, UK
Date: 14th Feb 2008

I have had this phone for a couple of days but I have chosen it from the N95 because I have seen the n95 drive my best mate mad. People say it turns off by itself (hope it don't happen to me) but it happens on the N95. This is a faster phone than the n95 & it is much simpler to use. The only slight problem I have is that whenever I want to just turn on the music player there is no button to do so. & it is quite annoying to have the music player on & try to do something else on the phone because the music player will simply turn off. I haven't really tried the camera but it sounds good but I guess dust will accumulate in it & reduce the picture quality but this happens with every phone. The touch-screen button do take time to get used to but I just hope they are durable. It does not have the classic press & play music button that is seen on the K750i & the navigation around the files is much more complex to the eyes than with the k750i at least to me. But all in all I am satisfied with the phone & I think if you are not interested in the GPS & stuff like that, that comes with the n95 then get this phone as it is much better. Also, if you are poor at looking after your phone do not get this phone as it is fragile. Good luck people. Note, this is just my opinion so I know people will disagree with it but don't get rude over the comp. I am just trying to help.

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Reviewer: David Rathband - Northumberland, UK
Date: 13th Feb 2008

I am waiting for the phone to arrive & am worried to say the least from the reviews I have read. I have rated it in the middle & will give it a go, at least O2 give 14 days.

Having tried it at the shop it was OK took good pictures & appeared to be ideal for what my needs were.

So a clear unbiased review will follow from a middle of the road bench mark. My previous phone Samsung was good but lacked style & ability to swap message tones, the factory do not make them so you can swap them, only if they are made in Korea will a Samsung do this I was told.

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Reviewer: Jon - Leicester, UK
Date: 13th Feb 2008

Great phone! Absolutely love it. Easy to use & no probs with anything.

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Reviewer: Keely - UK
Date: 13th Feb 2008

I bought this phone yesterday, & after having a play I was impressed with everything but the camera. I naively expected the picture quality to be good as my old K800i but it wasn't. Luckily my boyfriend is a phone salesmen & has taken it back to swap, he has tried another & it appears it wasn't a fault on mine but they're all the same, so I am swapping mine for a Nokia. However if you're not too fussed about the camera then everything else seemed good, I was impressed with the motion sensor for the marble game. The touch sensitive buttons would take a little time to get used to, it's a shame there isn't an alternative to use.

Bear in mind that mobile phones are technology in the making & are constantly improving so if you're looking for perfection then good luck!

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Reviewer: Joe Merchant - UK
Date: 12th Feb 2008

Great phone! Brill camera. Good features.

WHEN IT WORKS!

Absolutely horrible. This phone just keeps on breaking, wait till the problems are fixed!

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Reviewer: Kimberley - Fife, UK
Date: 12th Feb 2008

Phone features are good e.g. camera but the design itself is very poor & touch sensitive buttons are easily broken making the phone inoperable. I have had this phone for 2 months & it has had to be sent away for 2 repairs already! Think this phone would be great if it wasn't for the touch sensitive buttons which I didn't even realise it had as I bought the phone online.

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Reviewer: Eddy Walsh - UK
Date: 11th Feb 2008

This is a very poor phone which seems to enjoy annoying me as much as it can. It freezes at least once a day is very slow to react to any command & the 5 mg camera is rubbish. do not buy this phone unless you like taking things back I am disappointed in Sony as I thought they only built quality products oh how mistaken I was.

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Reviewer: Adam - High Wycombe, UK
Date: 8th Feb 2008

An amazing phone so easy to use & looks wicked too recommend to anyone.

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Reviewer: Ellie - Scotter, UK
Date: 6th Feb 2008

This phones is amazing everytime I take a picture I look gorgeous it can hold all my music that I want, it's amazing.

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Reviewer: Nick Fortescue - London, UK
Date: 6th Feb 2008

I got mine a week ago in England on 3 network. It has sykpe, MSN, facebook, Google & yahoo searches, mobilcast, youtube, eBay (free to browse). The mobile email doesn't work yet. Internet costs £5 a month, not sure how much otherwise as it's done in data usage. Best pay per month if you use it much or use youtube for example.

It also has live streaming TV which I haven't heard any mention of in any reviews. I guess it's a network thing. I get bbc1, bbc3, bbc news & itv1. Others channels are not live but have an hour or two of programmes or highlights that you can fast forward through which are changed once a week. I get national geographic, paramount comedy, nickelodeon, fhm, geek tv, mtv something or other, kerrang, an are'n'b music one & aardman animations. The quality's pretty good (I guess the same as a decent mobile video) although you can't really watch football apart from highlights as the players are too small.

Marble madness is a good game which I heard no mention of either. OK, it's only a game but what it does is use the accelerometer to a much greater degree than just changing from portrait to landscape. It acts as one of those hand held games where you have to tilt it to get the ball bearing into the hole. It shows that it is really sensitive & comprehensive.

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Reviewer: Lewis - Milton Keynes, UK
Date: 5th Feb 2008

I am really not happy with this phone. I have had it for about a month & the touch screen buttons have completely broken. You need a touch screen button to unlock the phone. But because they don't work I can't get onto my phone. I have to admit the camera has really good quality pictures & the music player is good but you can't work any of this without the touch screen buttons. So I advise you people not to buy this phone. Do not waste your money on this phone. You will regret it. Trust me!

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Reviewer: Patrick Kenny - Cork, Ireland
Date: 5th Feb 2008

- Extremely slow processor, when searching for numbers in address book it takes longer than checking the Yellow Pages!

- Will not allow me to access incoming calls waiting.

- Camera sometimes takes completely black pictures (k800i camera is miles better).

- Calling a number that is not in my address book freezes the phone (call does continue though, but you cannot hang up for at least a minute, even if the number is busy).

- Turns on & off at its own free will.

- Dust gathers under camera shutter.

- the handset will not turn on now.

- THIS IS the WORST TELEPHONE I HAVE EVER USED.

- DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

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Reviewer: Duncan - Tring, UK
Date: 5th Feb 2008

The next generation of this phone will be fantastic but unfortunately nails I guess.

The camera is good but I have difficulty in convincing me it was 5MP! The flash doesn't always sync with the shutter but otherwise a good camera.

The phone attachment isn't anywhere near as good the 'touch screen' is so annoying it doesn't work sometimes other times it is over sensitive it will hop into sub menu's when texting that you then have to navigate away from without losing the text! Your ear can activate the touch screen buttons if you are on the phone.

The screen freezes from time to time although this also happened with the 750i & 800i.

Can't see this one lasting out the year would prefer my 800i back I think. I am looking forward to the next generation of the 850i though. I would recommend something else in the meantime.

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Reviewer: Raymond & Ashley - Glasgow & London, UK
Date: 5th Feb 2008

This phone the k850i is actually very useful. It's the best camera phone we've seen yet! We actually compared the latest Samsung & latest Nokia 5MP pictures with the k850i, & the k850i simply cannot be beaten for the quality of its camera. The phone is very useful in many ways & great for surfing the Internet as well. MSN runs extremely fast on the k850i, especially in a 3G area, the phone is reliable, & works well. Just because people can't take pictures properly, or aren't in a 3G area & complain because of the slow Internet, STOP COVERING the FLASH WHEN YOU TAKE the PICTURE! & AS FOR the SLOW Internet, IF YOUR NOT IN A 3G AREA IT WILL RUN SLOW!

The phone has not really got anything bad about it at all, it's one of the fastest reliable handy phones we've ever had, & we've had loads! So yeah. That's the answer, GET the K850i YOU WILL NOT BE disappointed! Just remember, for fast Internet, 3G area! & for GREAT QUALITY PICTURES, DO NOT COVER the FLASH. I can't believe the amount of people not liking this phone, its brilliant.

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Reviewer: Pj - Newmarket, UK
Date: 4th Feb 2008

Rubbish, HAD IT 1 MONTH, CAMERA NOT ALL THAT GREAT, TURNS SELF OFF, SCREEN THROWN A BO BO NOW. Buy An OLD BT PHONE BOX, BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY, rubbish!

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Reviewer: Leanne - Wokingham, UK
Date: 3rd Feb 2008

I've had this phone only a matter of hours & its broken already from being sat on my bed. Total waste of money.

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Reviewer: Jaspreet Singh - Goraya, India
Date: 2nd Feb 2008

The K850 is a very nice phone.

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Reviewer: Elsa - Cavite, Philippines
Date: 1st Feb 2008

Great phone!

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Reviewer: Dann - Southwest, UK
Date: 1st Feb 2008

After having read many reviews about this phone before I decided to take a chance with it, I was a little disappointed. Sony has always had a high standard of Phones, especially renowned for their cameras.

I received my phone yesterday & have been playing with it since then. Firstly the camera IS excellent, for those people who say that it ONLY takes dark photos, are you sure you even have the right model phone? the k850i camera is unbelievably amazing, the first photo I took WAS dark but once I adjusted the settings it was fantastic.

Secondly the user friendly navigation tools are also excellent, having only ever used Samsungs in the past I was a bit unsure as to the layout of typical Sony phones, but this one seems pretty simple to actually navigate.

There is only one problem I can see people legitimately having a problem with, & that is the buttons, OK I will admit that they take some getting used to, but don't give up too soon, when I saw this phone in the shop I was horrified with the feel of the buttons, but now that I am using it properly they are not so bad at all. The navigation button around the 2 & 5 keys was a risk Sony obviously have taken instead of the standard joystick, I find this quite simple to use as well.

Finally the touch buttons, obviously if you haven't used touch before it again takes some getting used to, I am confident that I will sub consciously remember the position to press this as I am having a little trouble at the moment. I only got it yesterday!

All in all would definitely recommend it, give it a chance before dismissing it. A very good phone Sony!

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Reviewer: J Ludgrove - UK
Date: 31st Jan 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE! I did 2 months ago & now it doesn't work at all. It has a software fault which the manufacturers know about, it stops allowing you to access or send text messages (apparently it's particularly common on the T Mobile network). When I downloaded the software from the Sony Ericsson support website which they told me would resolve the problem, it completely short fused my phone & now I cannot even turn it on. The only solution is to send my phone off to be fixed & be given a sub standard temporary replacement phone. As far as I am concerned that is not acceptable for a phone that is only 2 months old.

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Reviewer: Ryan Gibson - Essex, UK
Date: 30th Jan 2008

I was happily walking a long oxford on my way to Carphone Warehouse with my son he advised I buy this so called brilliant phone the k850i that seemed like good advice as I have had Sony Ericsson phones in the past. Phone is a well designed & I was impressed with the five point zero mega pixels camera however this phone is truly a great disappointment the first phone yes there was more than refused to accept the sim card or any other sim card OK I thought to myself a slight mishap I take it back to carphone ware house returning the phone I was told it would have to be sent off for repair 1 month later after many visits to the Carphone Warehouse I was told the phone cannot be repaired a new phone was supplied a month later PHONE TWO three days later it decided to freeze, back to the so familiar Carphone Warehouse considering I only visit there once every 18 months to renew my contract this was becoming a too familiar event now they have now told me I am not entitled to a new phone but a refurbished one of which they must have many as this phone is rubbish this is like saying when I buy a new car & I put it in for repair you tell me you cannot repair it & give me a used one after this experience with the K850I & the carphone ware house I will be avoiding both also I will recommend to family & friends never too use the Carphone Warehouse again, as I don't buy a new phone to be given a used one in return. Sony should be also ashamed of a totally useless phone that the K850i is AVOID!

As for my son he's grounded for a month.

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Reviewer: Jay - London, UK
Date: 30th Jan 2008

The Best Phone Ever! Well Done Sony!

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Reviewer: Hamman Idris Medugu - Shuwa Madagali, Nigeria
Date: 30th Jan 2008

Finally, I was waiting for a 5 megapixel Sony Ericsson mobile. I was going to buy a N95 last week, but now I found out about this one. Sony Ericsson mobiles are good quality & of good standard. It's good that they have got rid of the joystick, only because in about 6 to 9 months the joysticks have troubles, like my k700i, w800i & my beautiful k800i. The joysticks have problems. Hopefully the software is better because the previous models have software crashes. Thank you.

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Reviewer: Dan - Devon, UK
Date: 29th Jan 2008

Eeeek! Just ordered this phone a minute ago & have read some of the negative comments & has put me off quite a bit. Hopefully, like some people, I'll get the hang of it. Well I better do!

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Reviewer: Janine - South Yorks, UK
Date: 28th Jan 2008

A common fault now I am realising. My touch screen has gone faulty! Every time I touch the down button or anywhere around the number 8, its thinks I am pressing the middle option of the touch screen? & when I touch the middle of the screen where it should work nothing happens? So trying to send a text or dial now is impossible? It keeps thinking I am pressing select & sending empty messages?

Very annoying! & yes the pictures come out black most of the time, even in night mode. I had the k800i phone before this & it was a great phone. But this one seems to have loads of faults. Another one is that it crashes & & also takes ages to think about things. It's very slow. Even finding a contact by using the alphabet keys can take forever. You're always waiting for it to catch up with you!

Initially I loved it as on the face of it, it was a snazzy phone but software obviously isn't up to much. Too many faults & now the actual touch screen has gone. This is a design fault! Don't buy!

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Reviewer: Steve Chadwick - UK
Date: 28th Jan 2008

Been waiting for my contract to run out so I can upgrade from the Sony Ericsson K800i to K850i, I must say I am very disappointed! The camera quality seems no better than the K800i in fact it seems to struggle more in the dark & you end up with pictures that turn out darker than they should.

The touch keys are really annoying & non responsive at times. The buttons are that far apart forget even thinking you can write a quick text (you can't) I have flung mine back to Vodafone & think I will opt for the Nokia N95. My piece of advice if you're upgrading from the K800i or K810i you will be disappointed.

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Reviewer: Chris Claxton - Hull, UK
Date: 27th Jan 2008

Upgraded from the K800i. The camera is amazing. Fast & delivering great shots. The screen isn't actually touch screen, the 3 small white tabs under the actions are what is used to select a item. The screen is scratch proof & the whole build quality is very good.

Not had one problem with this phone, & had it for over 3 months. Only downside is that if you want to really easily transfer videos to it, you will need to buy the add on for the software for £5. If you can find a 3GP converter then you're sorted.

Otherwise I love this phone.

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Reviewer: Zoe - UK
Date: 26th Jan 2008

I have to say that after reading most of the comments on here I just wanted to cry (I found this site AFTER placing an order online). However I love this phone & don't see what the problem is! I read the manual from cover to cover & made my way through the phone step by step, after all there are so many features on the k850i you'd be silly to go in blind, unless I suppose, you are more used to the technologically advanced phones of today, unlike me!

It doesn't have a touch screen like so many others have said, instead I found it to be light sensitive, I just glide my thumb over the tiny white dot & my action is executed. Simple! My ear doesn't affect the touch pad when on a call either, just to put that one straight!

I've never once had a problem with the camera, I removed the protective strip, & then used the camera like a real one, not only altering the in phone settings, but also half holding down the button before fully pressing, & believe me this gets a brilliant picture, & I know I've got a 5MP camera when I see the results.

With the storing of any files, such as photos or music, I save them to the memory card & not to the phone itself. This is because I have previously found with other phones that saving to the phone results in all manner of problems, like other people have stated, text messages stop working, actions never complete etc, this is why I save to the extra memory card, & even expand that.

I must however add that the phone is not without its faults, which is why I've scored it 85% in all categories. I don't really like the buttons, they are too small, that's not a great problem for me being female, but I can see how it would affect a person with bigger hands, plus they do feel a bit solid, could do with being softer!

Anyway I've just noticed how long this is getting, so I am going to end by saying, I LOVE the K850i, I am off to watch some telly on my phone, or maybe I'll browse the Internet on it instead, either way I am happy!

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Reviewer: Matt - UK
Date: 26th Jan 2008

The pictures are fine if its dark it has a little sensor on the back move your fingers from it I found out that the hard way also, the phone is fine it's easy to use after a little time, I have had no problems with the software what so ever, if you have Sony Ericsson do have a free update service from their website & from you phone in the settings menu if you do have problems, although most problems come from 3rd party preinstalled software, I.E Vodafone's menus & stuff, the only annoying thing I can find is that you can't change from macro to normal mode like you can in the k800i without going through the camera menu.

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Reviewer: Jhon Dalton - UK
Date: 26th Jan 2008

Really a very good phone Sony Ericsson company is growing up, it's really better than n95.

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Reviewer: John - UK
Date: 23rd Jan 2008

The Best Phone I have ever had buy it guys its cool if you already have it your lucky so carry on buying it, it's wicked man!

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Reviewer: Steven - Deans, UK
Date: 21st Jan 2008

This phone was really good & touch screen was a little annoying that it didn't always press but now mines has developed a huge fault where the down arrow button & the 8 key presses the middle touch button.

I am now taking this phone back to the shop & going to ask to get my old phone the W880i. I wouldn't recommend this phone as it's not stable to use.

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Reviewer: Mick Donny - UK
Date: 21st Jan 2008

I am not normally the type to moan & have never sent a phone back, but this phone is garbage & is being sent straight back! Touch screen only works when it wants too, it will receive texts but won't send them, & being a keen photographer I thought its 5 mega pixel camera would come in handy but all the photos turn out black.

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Reviewer: Sandra Gallacher - Greenock, UK
Date: 20th Jan 2008

I have had this phone since October. It's been great until today. Just switched itself off. When I put it back on, all the keys light up & stay light permanently, there is just a black screen, no life in it at all. I have tried taking battery out, sim out & leaving them out for a while, when I switch on, it just does the same again. Has anyone else had this problem? I am taking it back to Carphone Warehouse next week. Quite frustrating when it's only months old. I have previously had Sony Ericsson phones before & never had a problem. Any suggestions would be great.

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Reviewer: Reece - UK
Date: 19th Jan 2008

This is the best phone ever.

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Reviewer: Sukhi - Glasgow, UK
Date: 19th Jan 2008

I was so looking forward to getting my new phone for Christmas but what went wrong. The Sony did & I thought it was the best phone ever from the pictures at the bus stop but no it is a terrible phone I would definitely not go for it if I were you because the first day I got it the stuff from the media went into the file manager which is hidden in the organiser & I can't get it back into my media also the buttons are so hard to press trust me it's not my thumb anyway its froze about 20 times in about 10 hours also when you turn the miniatures with on the side from camera or video to the side thing next to it it jams altogether I don't KNOW WHAT PEOPLE THINK IS GOOD ABOUT THIS K850I Sony you HAVE DONE TERRIBLE the SAMSUNG D600 & the K800 ARE WELL BETTER the PHONES ONLY GOT ITS NAME FOR ITS CAMERA WHICH I can't DISAGREE WITH ITS PICTURE AS IT IS OK BUT I WOULD STILL TAKE A DIFFERENT CAMERA OH! I NEARLY FORGOT the SCREEN BRIGHTNESS IS NOT GOOD IT the MOST ANNOYING WEE GADGET EVER I SAID WEE BECAUSE I AM SCOTTISH OBVOUSLY FOR you PEOPLE THAT ARE CRAZY OVER IT don't BE ITS A BUNCH OF A RUBBISH!

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Reviewer: Bee - UK
Date: 18th Jan 2008

This phone is very unreliable, as I have had to change it twice & now as it has broken for the third time I am giving up & getting a Samsung F700.

I advise strongly not to buy it as it is thick & has no decent games on it, but it does have a very good camera & music player, but the actual phone bit is rubbish the sound goes quite a lot & it goes weird if you use the touch sensative buttons too much.

I hope this has been helpful to you, Bee.

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Reviewer: Joe De Perlaky - Reading, UK
Date: 18th Jan 2008

This must be the world's worst phone. Yes it's very pretty & for the things that it (claims) it does, it is very compact. But the designers seem to have forgotten what a mobile phone is actually for, IT MAKES & RECEIVES PHONE CALLS! This is the third K850i I've had from Vodafone & the problems are the same. Just a few of these are, it goes blank for no reason, sometime you cannot clear a call, when you hold it to your ear it goes into text mode, EVEN WHEN ON KEYPAD LOCK! If you have a Bluetooth device connected, such as headphone, it does not allow you to take the call on the phone. Only if you switch to speakerphone first. It automatically connects to the headphone without asking. The list is nearly endless. Avoid it all costs!

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Reviewer: Peter P - London, UK
Date: 17th Jan 2008

I have to say this is the least gratifying purchase I have made in a long time. Having been a dedicated Sony Ericsson user for many years I was really excited about this new phone especially considering they had finally ditched the joystick! Unfortunately require two or three attempts before an action ensues after which a delayed response takes you to a new menu that you don't want to go to.

Camera wise no complaints it's great but those touch buttons alone will ensure that this phone does not get my recommendation.

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Reviewer: Circus - UK
Date: 16th Jan 2008

To think I nearly decided against having this phone based on some of the reviews here. Thankfully, I went ahead & got it anyway.

Having had a Nokia N73 for the past 12 months, I couldn't wait to get myself a 'phone made by a decent manufacturer again, & am very happy indeed with what I received. All this nonsense about the buttons being awkward or the directional pad being inconvenient is complete rubbish! It is mildly unusual for the first half an hour, but I now have no trouble at all. In fact, I am texting with two hands for the first time in a long time, & it's so much easier.

Did some people complain that it was big? Are they living on a different planet to me? It's smaller than my Nokia N73, & does so much more. Also, unlike my Nokia N73, it doesn't crash or generally function slower than a snail with mobility problems.

The only negative I can say about it so far is that, although this very pretty, this far too shiny. I am finding myself compulsively cleaning it all the time. I am sure, once the novelty wears off, I won't care how many smudged fingerprints I can see.

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Reviewer: Steve Jolli - Australia
Date: 14th Jan 2008

WHAT A LEMON. Sony Ericsson really messed up with this.

The Xenon Flash does not sync correctly at times with the Cyber Shot camera, resulting in dark photos at times.

Also the Camera Cover gets Dust under it after about 2 weeks of use that can't be seen or detected under Incandescent, Fluorescent or Halogen Lights. It can be seen in direct Sunlight. Have A Good Look In Sun rays at your k850i! Then you have to send it away for up to 2 weeks to have cleaned. Expect to do this every 4 to6 weeks, NASTY!

I have doubts about their Quality Control on this Model! The camera blacks out in Cyber shot mode. The Touch sensors are Dodgy. The Navigation between the 2 & 5 is just plain WRONG & games are Terrible to play because of this. The keypads are too small & annoying to write text on, & never feel comfortable to use. This Mobile is A DUD.

AVOID THIS MOBILE, IF YOU DO NOT WANT PROBLEMS!

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Reviewer: Dawn - Cambridge, UK
Date: 14th Jan 2008

After only ever using Sony Ericsson phones I couldn't wait to upgrade to the new version, I ordered my new Sony from a website & then thought bugger I should have checked some reviews before committing myself.

Whilst I was waiting for my phone to arrive I looked up some reviews & was disappointed by what people were saying & nearly cancelled my order.

I am glad I didn't, its brilliant. OK the touch screen thingy's are a little tricky to master but as soon as you do your over the worst with the phone, I can't say I've noticed anything different about the phone picture quality but it still takes some pretty nice pictures.

Other than that it's a very nice phone :).

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Reviewer: Distrssed - London, UK
Date: 12th Jan 2008

We purchased two of these phones on contract one for myself & one for my son. I have got to say this is the worst phone I have ever had the phone continually freezes & the only way to restart it by taking out the battery. Sometimes the phone becomes inaccessible to text messages & the only way to access it is by doing a master reset which results in a loss in all music texts & phone numbers stored on the memory card. So in recommendations if you can take out a new phone do not make it be this one.

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Reviewer: Sid - Essex, UK
Date: 11th Jan 2008

I love this phone! So many people have commented on it & the photos are very good quality. However, shortly after I got the phone I went on holiday & used the phone as my main camera. After I had taken 200 photos, the camera crashed & then my photos disappeared. They were still on the phone, but the ONLY way to get them off was to Bluetooth each & everyone to my friend's phone. That was early November & now I seem to being having trouble accessing my calls list & saving a number. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

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Reviewer: Jo - UK
Date: 10th Jan 2008

I have been a long time user of Sony Ericsson & was looking forward to getting this phone, what a waste of time. I have had three & have ended up not changing phones at all.

Common faults where, the touch screen not working although it's a fun thing to use to start off with it soon loses its novelty, phone crashing & taking all memory with it.

Such a same as I was looking for a phone with a great camera but it's not to be this model.

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Reviewer: Lewis Conroy - UK
Date: 10th Jan 2008

Although the design feature & usability are all OK on this phone I have now had 4 of these due to faults. With the same fault every time, after a matter of weeks it stops sending & receiving messages which is annoying I am now changing to the w960i, it's the first Sony Ericsson that has been disappointed as I have had the k750i, k800i & k810 I which were all good phones without any problems so overall this has come as a big disappointment.

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Reviewer: Tom - Bristol, UK
Date: 9th Jan 2008

I was really excited about getting this phone, but within about half an hour I decided I can't live with this for any length of time.

The camera was what attracted me. 5 mega pixels, seems pretty good, but in actual fact other than this there is little change to the camera & photos look no different than 3.2 megapixel photos taken with a k800i (which I owned previously). Picture quality is not all about mega pixels & Sony Ericsson haven't improved the lens or anything. The video quality is however better, running at more FPS but the resolution is the same (not as good as a N95 or in fact some pretty old Nokia's with 640 x 480).

The buttons are bad. Very bad. All of them are very small & require precision edge of thumb presses. But worse than this are the 3 touch screen buttons which are temperamental & just fiddly. I could have probably overlooked these factors & decided not to send it back however, if it wasn't for the bugs! This is a new phone & feels very much like it hasn't been tested properly, expect laggy response, screen going black, not being able to play video that you just took etc. BAD!

So. If you have little dexterous fingers you should maybe get this phone, but I would recommend maybe waiting a few months so that Sony Ericsson can sort out the rubbish firmware.

In a word, DISAPPOINTING : (.

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Reviewer: Jamie Palmer - Twyford, UK
Date: 9th Jan 2008

I loved this phone, when I first got it when it first came out. But this phone is totally unreliable! I have had six YES SIX! Replacements now & they keep on crashing on me. 5 out the 6 have software problems when trying to send a text message. It keeps on coming up on the screen operation failed & the one I have just got (had it for 9 days) the touch screen will not work!

Like I said lovely phone when it is working, but that is very rare! Every phone replacement I have had hasn't lasted more than 3 weeks. IT'S A JOKE Sony Ericsson! THIS NEEDS TO BE SORTED!

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Reviewer: Dylan - Glasgow, UK
Date: 9th Jan 2008

Good phone. I was unsure after reading some reviews, but after a couple of hours playing with it I thought it was great. A lot of people say the touch screen is annoying, unless you have huge hands it shouldn't be a problem. Also read that some people said the camera was weak & a lot of pictures came up black, again nonsense. My pictures came up black too at first, but then I realised I hadn't taken the protective strip of the back LOL you can also edit your photos to make them look better. It's definitely 5m pixel quality though.

Feature wise it's got a good music player, can't fit many tracks though, expected though. Just an overall good phone I think looks the part & the camera is good if you know how to use it & follow the tips they give you.

I would recommend it. Go for 3G mix & match tariffs good deals.

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Reviewer: Michelle - Durham, UK
Date: 8th Jan 2008

I had my phone for 1 day & returned it to the shop. I have quite a few flaws with it. The keypad & scroll buttons are so tough on your fingers, I had only sent a couple of messages & my fingers were so sore. The vibrate alert, if on, when the phone rings it just shakes & makes a terrible noise like something is loose inside, awful. I also had problems switching it back on after I had taken the sim out & put it back in, had to fiddle with the battery in order to get it back on. Also the touch screen, what a nightmare, you have to press the demand about 5 times before it will do anything. I personally wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone & I definatly think it's the worst phone Sony have made, fair enough, it has a good camera but frankly that is all. I am certainly not impressed with this phone. I have had a K750i for the past 2 years & cannot fault it, cracking little phone. However, I will be upgrading but to what I am a little unsure as yet.

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Reviewer: Sb - London, UK
Date: 8th Jan 2008

The Sony Ericsson K850i is a fantastic handset. I thought it couldn't have gotten any better after the k800i but I was wrong. It is so easy to use, looks funky & the camera is top notch. Highly recommended! Go get it!

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Reviewer: Disappointed - London, UK
Date: 7th Jan 2008

Well well well. I have been wanting to get this phone for a long time now. So I went along to the Carphone Warehouse & went ahead & put myself on a contract with 02 & got this phone free.

At first the phone looked a bit bulky but it was nice. Buttons were a little small but I soon got use to it so I had no problems with the buttons. Everything else seemed perfect but as soon as I put the camera on & took a picture. Picture came out so RUBBISH! I changed the setting the lighting everything, made sure my hands were well clear from the back, still no improvement. The flash went on then went off & then the camera took the picture, so then that made the pictures come out dark. Other then the RUBBISH POINTLESSS camera, when you take pictures of other stuff the pictures comes out good. When you take one of yourself or anyone else they come out dark, rubbish & low quality. The touch screens can be annoying at times because you have to touch it like 3 times in order for it to work.

I am no longer on the contract & no LONGER have this phone. I survived 2 days with this phone till I returned it. I wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone if the camera was better then maybe I would. 5MP never, more like 0.001 MP. My 2MP camera phone can take better pictures. WHAT A WASTE!

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Reviewer: Are Sid - London, UK
Date: 7th Jan 2008

After being with Nokia for over 5 years I thought I would switch to a Sony Ericsson to try it out as part of my Upgrade.

My needs are basic: make calls, text, take decent snaps, play & store music.

Strengths: Looks great & snazzy! Lots of space for music.

Weakness:
1. Usability to do simple functions. It's very very cumbersome & hugely frustrating to write a text message.

2. Touch screen is a nice gimmick but its annoying as your finger accidentally touches it & the screen has a mind of its own.

3. Camera is not so simple to use. Too many features & switching from touch screen to buttons does my head in.

4. Loudspeaker choice not immediately available when on a call as per Nokia.

Conclusion: Sticking with Nokia, robust phones in my opinion.

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Reviewer: Scott Bairstow - UK
Date: 6th Jan 2008

Usability would be more when the phone works.

Got this phone in December, it worked fine for a day then what seems to happen is that the screen turns black in low power mode (which is what it should do) then when you press any button to get the screen back on again it comes on then disappears very quickly & goes black again the whole phone freezes. I have then had to take the battery out then restart the phone to get it working again. I took the phone back to Carphone Warehouse which they replaced & again! I am currently on my third phone in a week! They know there is a problem with the phone & have said Ericsson are working on software to correct this.

In the meantime, I have discovered that the phone seems to have a conflict with the separate power on the camera. If the phone goes black & freezes, press the camera on then off & the screen should return to perform its normal functions.

Hope this helps! P.S Ericsson acknowledge the problem & get working on the fix!

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Reviewer: Gerarrd Mchugh - Northamptonshire, UK
Date: 5th Jan 2008

Not a good phone the first one I had crashed I lost all my music etc, Vodafone replaced the phone with the same make & model, I am already having problems do not get this phone its rubbish.

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Reviewer: Mimi - London, UK
Date: 5th Jan 2008

Thank you to the people who answered my queries on the K850i. Your opinions really swayed me & I looked at a few pictures taken by the phone on flickr which I was very impressed by.

However, just as I was about to commit to this, I hear about the new Nokia N82 on this site, which packs 5meg camera, Xenon flash & Wi-Fi (which the Sony K850i lacks). Anyone have both the Nokia & the Sony Ericsson & want to give an opinion? Many thanks, Mimi.

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Reviewer: Steve - Falkirk, UK
Date: 5th Jan 2008

Hi I am on my third k850i & not happy with this phone. My first one started to turn its self off when I received text messages & had to press touch screen lots of times to get it to work.

My second k850i did exactly the same as first one I am now on my third k850i & guess what it's doing the same & now the touch screen isn't working & can't get into the menu I am sending this back to 02 I feel I have gave this phone a good chance the only good thing about it is the camera I am now going to try the LG viewty.

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Reviewer: Louis - London, UK
Date: 4th Jan 2008

After being swayed by the negative comments on here I foolishly tried a Samsung G800 brick for a week which T mobile took back & exchanged it for my 3rd Sony in a row.

Had K750i 18 months plus, then K800i 15 months plus, & now K850i 7 days.

I have to say I have had nothing but 100% satisfaction with my K850i. Touch buttons work perfectly fine as long as you just touch & don't try & push bit like modern touch hobs :-) Navigation system is easy to fathom. Camera working beautifully & takes great pictures. Haven't tried video yet but can see from some posts here it's an improvement on my K800i apparently although 99.9% of my camera work is pictures.

Battery life seems every bit as good as all my previous Sony K series so no issues there at all.

So to sum up. Thanks to everyone who convinced me try a Samsung G800 before coming to my senses & switching back to Sony who have served me so well for almost 3 years & my advice to any other past happy Sony owners who fancy the K850i GO FOR IT.

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Reviewer: Sophie - Derbyshire, UK
Date: 4th Jan 2008

Well I was going to get the 02 Cocoon but my mate convinced me not to. The only reason I wanted this phone was because it had a good camera & My old phone (Samsung SGH X830 Blush) was rubbish.

I love this phone now, once you get used to the small keys & the touch screen it is the best. I love photo Dj & I like the idea of the music being minimised will you do other things.

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Reviewer: Dizzie - Sheffield, UK
Date: 4th Jan 2008

I was offered this as an upgrade after the first phone they offered me was returned in disappointment (Nokia E65, text font way too small & so radio wave active it gave me a storming headache! ) I had never had a Sony Ericsson phone before, so was a bit dubious as to what it would be like. I was really impressed with it. Has all the basic functions e.g. Alarm, timer, stopwatch, that some newer phones, like the Nokia, have scrapped.

After one day's use, I find that texting is so easy on this phone, & very importantly for those with sight difficulties, the font size is large enough to read, plus the theme changing option means you can find a contrast which is bound to suit. Another brilliant function is the bar which pops up with non T9 texting, to show you letters in the key sequence. This is really useful for me, as I have set it to the French writing option, & sometimes can't remember where in the sequence certain accented letters are & miss them if I go too fast.
I love the light touch sensitive screen commands, & there are so many personal preferences to set really easily that this phone will be staying.

I too wondered why my pictures were coming out black at first until I saw the little slip of paper the other guy mentioned. Duhh. Great quality pictures now, with the option to change from 5 to 3 or 1 mega pixels to save space.

Only downside so far, could do with coming with a few more varied free ringtones, & I haven't found a snooze timeout option on the alarm. Maybe I was too dozy to notice it when it rang this morning!

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Reviewer: Kalie Whatts - Nottingham, UK
Date: 3rd Jan 2008

Got this phone because I needed to go on contract & the features sounded good. I am pretty happy with the phone. The only minor complaints I would have with it are,

- It's rather wide compared to my old Nokia 6230i, but within nonstop playing for 2 hours or so it soon became comfortable.
- Start up screen has rather a delay, but it's very rare my phone is turned off so yet another problem that doesn't occur to me.
- Fingerprints show up way to easily, especially with the touch screen. I found that using a microfiber or shammy cloth (like one you'd clean a LCD monitor with) morning & night keeps this minimal.
- Lots of setting are hidden, but this phone wouldn't be selected by people who don't like to play, with its 5MP camera, media player & such features so the settings are found.

I was & am very pleased with my purchase & would recommend the phone to anyone looking for a new one.

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Reviewer: Phil - UK
Date: 3rd Jan 2008

When I first received this phone I was amazed by all the features it had & good it looked. The touch screen was amazing & I loved it. I especially loved the fact you can turn it around on media player & the screen turns as well. Unfortunately recommend this phone but expect problems & a lot of hard work when it comes to texting.

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Reviewer: Ellie - UK
Date: 3rd Jan 2008

Yee of little faith! I can't believe that anyone says this phone is rubbish! I got it yesterday, after owning a K800i for a year & a bit, & it is soooooooo much better! I can understand that some have had teething software problems (like any phone will now, only the old bricks were that good not to have any! They were built to last in my day!).

Problems with the 'touch' sensor? I don't think it works on touch, & certainly won't last for that long if you press it hard, that will only break the screen! I think it is more of a light sensor, if you have trouble with this feature then try running your nail along the ridge at the bottom of the screen, it works better that way.

The video camera is much better than the K800i, which was incredibly pixilated & juddery, but this one is fabulous!

You do have to remember that the purpose of a phone is to ring & text people, the camera, video, games, etc are only bonuses really, but what a big fat bonus! & the clarity of voice calls on this phone is excellent.

As I have only had it a day I can't really comment about all the features, but if it is like the K800i then you will be able to use it as a mouse for your computer & all sorts of joyous devices that make the day go quicker! Anyone going back to the K800i is a fool! & on the last note, gone are the days when a Nokia is the only phone that is actually useable with easy interface & good capability. HURRAH! (In your face Nokia!).

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Reviewer: Sarah - Birmingham, UK
Date: 2nd Jan 2008

What is the point of having a phone that you can't even turn on? When I finally manage to turn it on it freezes so I still can't use it. I have tried upgrading the software but this hasn't worked. I phoned Sony Ericsson who predictably said that they had not had this problem before. I took it back to the shop but because I have had the phone for over a month (it worked at first, problem has gradually got worse) they have to send it away to be fixed or replaced. The shop said that they were fed up with the fault! Really don't bother because it is rubbish, after having Sony Ericsson phones for the last 5 years I most definitely won't be having one again!

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Reviewer: Steve Seccombe - Exeter, UK
Date: 2nd Jan 2008

The k850i is a very impressive looking phone when powered up. The music player has got a good sound through its own speaker a bit more depth than the k800i. The camera takes good pictures but I wouldn't say they were any better than the k800i also a bad point is taking away the lens cover which was a short cut to the camera on the k800i which means possibly missing a shot. The k800i is far more user friendly than the k850i you wood need to take a 12 week course to get the hang of operating the k850i as it's not so straight forward as the k800i. This wood be a good phone to get on a bar gun monthly plan (under £25 a month) but really if it was still on a high payment (over (£30 a month) the k800i wood be a far better phone to go for as it's easier to use & going for under £70 pay as you go at Carphone Warehouse & generally got better shortcuts.

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Reviewer: Crystal - UK
Date: 2nd Jan 2008

Hi I have just been reading these reviews & have noticed a few of YOU asking where to get this phone & about the PRICE, well firstly Dial a phone are offering very good deals on this phone as my friend bought one a week ago, the Dial a phone section is at the top of this page, worth a look & good service. Secondly this phone is the best, I have had mine for 3 months on not such a good deal but three of my friends have recently bought this phone & got wicked deals on contract. Hope you love your K850i as much as we do. Oh & a hApPy NeW yEaR tO yOu AlL.

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Reviewer: Anon - South Africa
Date: 2nd Jan 2008

The best phone ever! I will never go back to other brands.

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Reviewer: Aled - Swansea, UK
Date: 2nd Jan 2008

It's a nice phone.

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Reviewer: Donna - UK
Date: 1st Jan 2008

Hi I got my K850i on the 17th December & I love it great phone brilliant camera. At first all my pictures were coming out black lights were on flash was on this went on for a day or two until a little bit of paper fell out of the box (I am not 1 for reading the manuals) but took it out to see why this was happening & on the piece of paper was an x & a tick in what way you should hold your phone when taking your picture if your finger or thumb is too close to the tiny little eye on the back your pictures will come out black every time so I now make sure there well away from this & have not had a problem since feel a little stupid mind you but sure I have a really class phone one of the best buys I have ever bought LOVE IT!

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Reviewer: Aled - Swansea, UK
Date: 31st Dec 2007

I have ordered this phone from the Orange shop online I was wondering if anyone knew if I would get a Green one or a Blue one? It did not say on the order phone. Someone told me that you could choose the colour on settings, is that true?

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Reviewer: Emily - San Francisco, US
Date: 30th Dec 2007

I want this phone so bad but I want to know the likes & the dislikes? How much is it?

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Reviewer: Kenny Harris - St.andrews, UK
Date: 30th Dec 2007

I think this phone is really good its an upgrade from my k800i, I think its much better phone & camera, lots of people find pics dark but once you no how to use it its great. Buttons a bit hard for doing lots of texting. Buy it & live & play with it for a week you won't be disappointed.

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Reviewer: James - London, UK
Date: 29th Dec 2007

I received this phone today on 3 contract & I have to say it is amazingly good. The Camera quality is excellent, it's very easy to use, the navigation keys & touch pad parts take about 10 minutes to get used to but after that it's perfect.

To answer your question.

- Is there a torch or can the camera flash be used as a torch? YES THERE IS A TORCH THAT CAN BE ACTIVATED IT IS VERY BRIGHT!

- How easy is it to scratch the lens cover at the back? AS EASY AS the REST OF THEM, BUT IT HAS A LENS COVER THAT COMES OUT WHEN CAMERA NOT IN USE.

- Are there any other noticeable faults to this phone? NOPE.

- I've seen models in the phone shops & don't mind the cheap plasticy feel as it does make it lighter. But will it last a couple of years without fault do you think? AS LONG AS YOU don't HAMMER IT AROUND I am SURE IT WILL BE FINE.

- Has anyone experienced any weird software or phone functionality issues? NONE SO FAR, EVERYTHING WORKS OK.

GREAT PHONE, IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE & HAVE THIS IN MIND THEN I WOULD ADVISE BUY IT!

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Reviewer: Amanda - Essex, UK
Date: 29th Dec 2007

My fantastic K800i came to the end of its 18 month contract & I upgraded to the K850i. Having set it up, got used to the touch screen & entered all my personal settings, it crashed. I switched it back on, & found when attempting to access Applications or Games, it said Operation Failed. I then found my phone contacts only had the first numbers displayed, any 2nd or 3rd numbers for same person had been deleted. Other odd things like the theme choices had vanished, & the one I had previously chosen was no longer available?

I contact 3 (my provider) who got me to reset back to factory settings, saying it appeared to be a software problem. Apart from this now deleting ALL my phone numbers, most facilities could still not be accessed as operation failed. I also found the touch screen buttons only worked when they felt like it. Sound quality during ringtones was appalling & song playback worse than the K800i. Memory on the phone is only 40MB & when applying personal pictures to wallpaper & stand by, it advised me memory full.

I love the camera on the K800i, but on the K850i, most shots I took came out black & no, my finger was not over the lens! You could faintly make out the image in the darkness, despite using the flash. Currently useless in its existing format, I have arranged for 3 to collect this phone & replace it with the K800i. A phone I found faultless & reliable. Having talked about this disappointment, I have heard several other stories of colleagues on their 2nd or 3rd K850i as they have experienced similar problems.

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Reviewer: Angela - Manchester, UK
Date: 29th Dec 2007

I have purchased this phone & so far, no problems. I am sure I will discover room for improvement in time, but I am sure that would be the case with any mobile phone out there.

In response to the questions raised by Mimi.

- About the torch, Yes, if you go into the main menu & scroll down to organizer, then scroll down that list to light you have four light settings (On for 1 minute, On (constant), Off or SOS). Very simple when you know how.

- Scratch the lens cover at the back, it appears that the lens cover would probably scratch quite easily through everyday wear & tear, but there is another solution to that by simply buying a phone cover (I think there is also one designed specifically for this phone).

- Weird software or phone functionality issues, I personally have not come across any as yet, but I have only had this phone for half a day & through experience have come to the conclusion that all mobile phones have their faults, you just have to pick the one you prefer.

- Will it last a couple of years without any faults, to answer this question, most probably not but no less than any other mobile out there on the market.

The photo quality seems very good, particularly for a mobile phone but so far I have only viewed them directly on the phone itself. The camera is also extremely easy to use, & I am not exactly great at working digital cameras.

I am having to re learn my way around the phone, but it is my first Sony Ericsson & it also seems pretty straight forward. I am also finding the buttons more comfortable than I anticipated.

I must also point out that this is the 5th mobile phone I've had where I currently live, my last two on the same network as I am on now, all of which have been different makes, & where I live there is very little phone reception. But on this phone the sound is as crystal clear as if I was talking on a land-line phone. So for anyone who struggles for reception where I live, I highly recommend at least trying this phone!

Design 70%, but that's just for my personal taste.

Features 80%, it has all the features I was looking for this time around, but this obviously varies from one person to the next.

Usability 90%, as I said, very easy to use but there's always room for improvement.

Reception 110%, I am astounded at the reception, gob smacked even.

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Reviewer: Faisal - Doha, Qatar
Date: 28th Dec 2007

I bought this phone like about 2 months ago & it has a good camera, no need for a digital camera anymore & it has a very long battery life like I charge it every 4 days once, but the buttons are very small & ugly.

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Reviewer: Robert - Ipswich, UK
Date: 27th Dec 2007

Don't buy this phone if you want it to work without pushing the soft keys too hard? Every time I pressed the touch sensitive keys they didn't respond, only did when the screen went a funny colour because I was pressing so hard. I had one, sent it back got a 910i 2MP on a new phone? Back it went got another phone thinking that they must be OK? Think I need to end my love affair with Sony Ericsson & move on to another brand?

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Reviewer: Casey - UK
Date: 27th Dec 2007

I love this phone, it's amazing!

The camera is brilliant & everything on it is just wonderful.

I recommend this phone strongly, it's the best I have ever had.

It's got lots of memory too.

The buttons look difficult but there easy to get used too & there fine for me. I love this phone!

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Reviewer: Gary - Slough, UK
Date: 27th Dec 2007

Had my phone for a few days & love it. I have had a few problems with it crashing but that was to be expected after reading what people said. Hopefully it's just a teething problem. AS for those people that have posted complaints about dark pictures the less said the better. Its common sense isn't it that if you leave your thumb or finger in the way it will give a dark picture.

The buttons aren't that bad there are some real geeks out there who expect the world every time. Great phone stop moaning.

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Reviewer: Gerry - Edinburgh, UK
Date: 26th Dec 2007

An earlier review lamented the lack of user option for focus choice between infinite, macro & auto. This is actually available via the options choice on the touch spot.

Several of the keys act as shortcuts in camera mode, but unfortunately as far as I can see none is for focus mode.

I've had no trouble at all with the camera which I have used in a variety of lighting situations.

The unit did once freeze after a couple of week's use, but I have found this on other phones at the beginning of their life, as if they take a while to settle down before a trouble free existence.

I find it hard to hear the phone unless it is right by my ear, slightly to the front & sound is lost. Either I have to be careful to hold it exactly in the right place or else turn on the speaker.

The setting of shortcuts is easy & fully flexible.

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Reviewer: Mark T - UK
Date: 26th Dec 2007

Rubbish absolute rubbish, locks up, turns off, would not let me into texts, could not receive or send them & erased all my inbox & sent texts without me requesting, also touch screen buttons mysteriously work all by themselves, with phone put on table untouched.

On my second one, it won't let me into predictive text & is hard to switch on. I won't be asking for a third one, really do not bother with this attractive looking phone.

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Reviewer: Declan - London, UK
Date: 26th Dec 2007

I've had the phone for a few days & it seems amazing. This is a really cool phone, the green design looks so classy. Don't hesitate to but this phone. You will be pleased. I see people are having camera problems with dark photos. Well I had a problem where the video recorder was quite dark but I changed camera mode & it was sorted. It's my first Sony Ericsson & I am happier than all my other phones. Battery is VERY good. Camera is so professional & it's like a real video camera. Design is great. I treasure it. Best phone out! BUY IT! Someone else said this to me when I was considering it & I was very glad. I can't wait to use it in the long run.

Special phone :).

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Reviewer: Jerry S - Portugal
Date: 25th Dec 2007

The good, everything!

The bad, the lack of Wi-Fi & the low video quality?

Conclusion, a beautiful mobile phone, with lot of functions, great MP3 player, & the 5 mp camera with xenon! Could be a perfect 100 if it had Wi-Fi & a better video resolution (only 320x240).

Score 93

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Reviewer: M Waters - Kent, UK
Date: 25th Dec 2007

I got this phone after having the k800i for a year which I thought was a fantastic phone as I never experienced one single problem with it. I even dropped it in the bath & after a night on the radiator it worked perfect.

After waiting a while for the k850i I was soon to become disappointed for the following reasons,
- the touch screen buttons worked only when they wanted to.
- the volume control would hardly work.
- It kept freezing on me.
- the camera was rubbish compared to the k800i.
- & to top it all I began to get a deformed thumb from the piddly buttons & sharp scroll button!

It was that bad I never even took it out of the house & took it straight back to the 3 shop & cancel my upgrade. I knew if I kept this phone I would miss my k800i.

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Reviewer: Mimi - London, UK
Date: 24th Dec 2007

Hello, I am not a fan of the design of this phone but it does look like it is simple to use (once you've got over the sensor obstruction issues) & packs a super camera.

I am familiar with Sony Ericsson's (I am on the 810i still) so am happy with Sony phones & their navigation. So far from reading the review, I like the following features:

- Camera quality (don't need to carry a camera around with me anymore).
- Simple bar phone with old school buttons (I don't care for touch screen like the LG Viewty, I find them inaccurate & clunky! ).
- Not too heavy (N95 is too solid heavy & slippery).

But before I commit to upgrading to this phone, I would like ask the FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO OWNERS OF THIS PHONE.

- Is there a torch or can the camera flash be used as a torch?

- How easy is it to scratch the lens cover at the back?

- Are there any other noticeable faults to this phone?

- I've seen models in the phone shops & don't mind the cheap plasticy feel as it does make it lighter. But will it last a couple of years without fault do you think?

- Has anyone experienced any weird software/phone functionality issues?

- Any other notes?

Thanks!

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Reviewer: Anon - London, UK
Date: 21st Dec 2007

THIS IS the BEST PHONE I EVER HAD! I MEAN, the BEST PHONE IN the WORLD! IT'S MY FAVOURITE PHONE, BUY IT & BE AMAZED!

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Reviewer: Hal - Kent, UK
Date: 21st Dec 2007

This phone is awful. I have had the phone for a day now & the touch screen feature is useless. DO NOT BUY. I am going to keep using my k800i, what's worse 3 mobile will not swap the phone even though the every photo taken with the camera comes out black!

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Reviewer: Anon - London, UK
Date: 20th Dec 2007

Thinking of buying this phone, but do they sell it in luminous green in the UK? Some shops are a bit ambiguous about the colour. Please answer.

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Reviewer: Sq - Aberdeen, Kuwait
Date: 19th Dec 2007

Useful for showing off no more than that! You can't send text messages to many people, a feature that I need almost every week & you can't create a group with more than 20 contact or so, please don't BUY.

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Reviewer: Lynne - Kent, UK
Date: 19th Dec 2007

I think it is a wonderful phone, apart from a few glitches I have had with it. (I've had it for about a month now). For looks, everyone who sees me with this phone goes ooh, wow & seems very impressed by the looks.

I think the camera is great. True, if you obstruct the lens in low light conditions then you're not going to get a good picture, so why not remove the obstruction & try again? It just takes a bit of getting used to.

The touch screen buttons are fine when you have mastered the movement you need to make. After about an hour I had figured out where & how you need to touch to make them work. I had no problem with them at all after that.

My only problems have been.

- Not letting me into my inbox, sent messages or saved messages. This was after my brother tried fiddling about with the phone & Bluetoothing various themes to it, so I assume it was something to do with that. Anyway, I took it into the shop & they did a master reset. All fine!

- Turning off unexplainably. It does a very short vibrate & then about a second later, another one. Then it turns off. Sometimes I can turn it back on by just pressing a button, sometimes I have to restart the phone, but most times I have to take out the battery. It did this yesterday, & I am getting concerned because now it won't turn on at all. Not when charging, not by replacing the battery or anything. Not too pleased with that, & shall be visiting the shop again later.

These problems don't make the phone rubbish though. It really is a joy to use, & I love it!

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Reviewer: Phone For Christmas - UK
Date: 18th Dec 2007

Well, it looks quite good, 5mpx camera like I wanted but it doesn't really have a good design, there are loads of bad reviews & the games look so bad I could die of boredom. Then again, it's actually in stock for a reasonable price unlike the LG Viewty which is the other option. The LG is sleek, touch screen, but apparently some of the cool sounding things, like the handwriting recognition, are pathetic & it is very Fragile. Then again, the K850i has had LOADS of complaints about the amount of faulty phones.

I really need some help on which one to pick for Christmas (though I wouldn't really mind getting either, they look great! ) of course I could just go for the Samsung inevitably & that would be all my worries for nothing.

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE! I put the ratings on what I thought it was like because I tried a model at the Carphone Warehouse, LG Viewty or Sony Ericsson K850i?

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Reviewer: Colin - Singapore
Date: 18th Dec 2007

There's been a lot of complains here about black or underexposed pictures in low light conditions. After a little bit of experimenting I found the problem. There's a sensor in a small aperture just below the Xenon flash & next to the 3 LED light. I've found that if the sensor is obstructed in any way at all (even just having a finger 1 to 2 inches away from it, & if the light from the LED reflects off the obstruction into the sensor. Presto. Dark picture! But if the sensor is completely unobstructed, I get perfect pictures. Much better than what I've ever gotten on my K800, which I owned (& loved) for about a year.

Try this yourself if you don't believe me. Set the Scenes mode to Auto, flash to Auto, & aim the camera at yourself in a low-light area so that the 3 LED light comes on during focusing. Place a finger about 1 Inch in front of the little hole, but away from the lens. Press the shutter button (note that the flash must be set to AUTO), & look at the picture taken. Now repeat, but ensure that the sensor is free from all obstruction. Compare.

Apparently the K850i uses the light reflecting back into the sensor to gauge how to adjust the light sensitivity of the camera to prevent overexposure, & when you have a finger in front of the sensor, too much light is reflected back into the sensor, causing the camera to adjust the sensitivity downwards, resulting in black or underexposed pictures.

The other complaint is the touchscreen. Not surprising, since the K850i does not come with a touch screen. :) the actual touch sensors are the three tiny white dots just below the lower edge of the screen. Your finger actually needs to contact these rather than the glass to activate them. If you press on the option (e.g. The check mark) on the glass, it's not going to work.

Buttons wise, I am a heavy texter & actually like these new buttons. The shortcuts key is now out of the way of the keypad. On the K800 I kept accidentally activating Internet access & shortcuts while texting. Also the bigger clearance between the keys on the K850i mean that I no longer press on 1 button at a time.

I do have some complaints, I would very much prefer to be able to choose the macro, infinity & auto focus modes myself rather than to depend on the camera to do it for me, but now there's no shortcut for that. Similarly I liked the MP3 play & pause button that was on the K800, & that's gone too. The interface to manipulate pictures in the album was also much nicer on the K800.

Other than that, I am enormously happy with my K850 :).

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Reviewer: Danny - Canterbury, UK
Date: 18th Dec 2007

Got this phone as soon as it came out, & sent it back within 2 day! It was awful! I REALLY wanted to like this phone, seriously! & when I got it, I took it home & just sat there trying out all the features, & for the first couple of hours it seemed fine.

Then after a while, the phone became slow, unpredictable, didn't work, the camera was utter rubbish for what is apparently a 5MP one, bits on it didn't work at all & it would crash meaning the only way to get around it was to take the battery out!

I see a lot of reviews on here saying how bad the touch sensitive buttons were, but I never really had a problem with them! Yeah, sometimes you had to press them twice, but I was OK with that! What I wasn't OK with was it taking an absolute age from scrolling from one picture to another.

When taking a picture in day light, it performed quite well, but as soon as the light isn't 100% perfect it just falls to bits! The back ground becomes blurry, & when the auto fix happens it quite often makes the picture quality worse.

A lot of the times, I would take one picture, it would turn out OK, then take another picture, of exactly the same thing in exactly the same lighting conditions & I would get a dark screen with no picture, awful!

The software is slow throughout the phone! When going into different folders of pictures, & trying to scroll through them it takes an age, & froze on several times.

Overall, I liked the look of the phone, the fact there was an auto shutter, & the features it offered! It just DIDN'T perform at all & I was really disappointed!

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Reviewer: Ali - Manchester, UK
Date: 18th Dec 2007

If you are having problems with your photos coming out black it might be the way you are taking them, if you look on the back of the phone to the left hand side there is a small little black sensor, this controls something to do with photos & when a lot of people take photos they hold their phone with their finger over this! I had a problem with my pictures coming out place or dark & now I know this I have no problems with it. It seems to be a bit of a design floor as they should have put this sensor near the lens as you don't put your fingers near this. Hope this helps anyone.

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Reviewer: Roche - Manchester, UK
Date: 18th Dec 2007

I have read the reviews on this page & I too have had problems with my K850I. I have had a Sony Ericsson w800i & K800i & had no problems with them, in fact I am now back using my K800i as I have been waiting 3 weeks for my K850i to be sent back to me from O2 as one morning I woke up turned my phone on & it wouldn't let me go into my text messages, send a text message or receive at text message! But I can do this on any other phone! After reading these pages I am not sure that I want it back now & I have it on an 18 month contract. Also 02 are useless at trying to sort this problem out as they have had a new phone in the warehouse for weeks waiting to go out to me but somehow don't seem to be able to get it to me! Very disappointed with Sony Ericsson.

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Reviewer: Lee Sproat - Workington, UK
Date: 17th Dec 2007

Have had many a Sony Ericsson phone my previous being a K810i & expected the K850i to be something worth waiting for. The moment arrived & I upgraded to the K850i.

At first I thought the phone was excellent, usability seemed fine, however after a couple of hours the phone starts to freeze intermittently & seems to lock itself up the only way being able to correct this is by taking the battery out & restarting the phone.

Needless to say I am back to the K810i & have sold the K850i, three weeks after buying. Not impressed with the K850i, however will continue with Sony Ericsson & will wait & purchase the new W960i in January 2008, this also has touch screen. Top tip as below, try before you buy!

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Reviewer: Andy - London, UK
Date: 17th Dec 2007

I love this phone, it is great, has some really good features & is pretty easy to use. A lot of people I know have the latest Nokia's, but they are just cheap & nasty looking. At first I had problems with dark photos, but after playing around with it for a while the pictures are coming out great.

If you are trying to take pictures inside, where it is not well lit then simply select twilight portrait, & hey presto great pictures. I have read a lot of negative feedback on here & maybe I have been lucky & have got a fault free phone, but this is easily the best phone I have ever had.

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Reviewer: James - Wigan, UK
Date: 17th Dec 2007

Get the phone.

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Reviewer: Will - Birmingham, UK
Date: 16th Dec 2007

It seems Sony have done pretty well overall here. They've designed a phone that does pretty much anything the competitors are producing, but with a really good battery life.

The buttons are small & fiddly at first, but like anything you get used to them quickly. I imagine girls with long nails would struggle though! One of my tilting keys looks like it is broken, but I am getting that fixed, as it is just a matter of getting it tucked into the casing properly it is no big deal as it works as it is.

My complaint comes from the seemingly clever touchscreen buttons. They are not very reliable to use, & annoyingly stay active during calls, so my ear touching the phone adds other calls, sends blanks text messages etc as I speak! Sony say there is no way of turning this off. Grrr!

On the positive the Internet is brilliant & fast when using Opera Mini which I downloaded. The standard browser is lame, & doesn't display pages properly. I don't know why Sony can't get together with a good browser provider! The webcam is great once you figure out how to use it in the dark, & in different conditions. The panorama photo feature is brilliant! I take great party photos now! Not sure why the camera on & off button isn't locked when the rest of the phone is. Very odd, & potentially battery wasting.

A friend of mine has an iPhone, & I think my phone is much more capable, & durable looking that the pretty boy iPhone. Plus it was free & not ridiculously hyped up!

K850i is quality, capable, advanced. Result.

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Reviewer: William O'brien - Guildford, UK
Date: 16th Dec 2007

Rubbish phone so bad I am returning it & going back to an old K750i. The touch sensitive buttons are unbelievably irritating, causing the phone to navigate down menus accidentally as a consequence of you touching the phone to your ear whilst talking. The much vaunted camera produces poor images, not even remotely comparable to even a cheap dedicated camera with half the resolution, & the exposure is very hit & miss. The shiny black finish always looks greasy & horrid no matter how often you wipe it. Plus the phone has locked up several times for no good reason. Avoid like the plague.

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Reviewer: Andy - Wakefield, UK
Date: 14th Dec 2007

Can't believe the disappointment, have been using the K750i for about 2 years, 1MP camera with excellent results, was talked into getting the K850i in the shop, I use the camera a lot, so needed good results. Picture quality was poor, kind of soft & no sharpness, tried all settings, firmware upgrade etc, also flash is a waste of time, it's like the light sensor sees the flash & closes the iris on the camera before the photo has been taken, giving a very dark photo. Also the small touch sensitive buttons are a pain to operate & if you get a cover for the phone, trying to operate the buttons causes other buttons to operate instead because they are more prominent. Needless to say it wasn't long before I was back at the shop exchanging it for a K800i, which is hard to find a bad word said about.

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Reviewer: Frankie Jones - Liverpool, UK
Date: 14th Dec 2007

There's one on the way to me it should arrive tomorrow, can't wait to start playing around with it, it looks great! I am happy to see a lot of positive reviews about the phone & refuse to read the negative ones ha ha =] I'll put another review up once I get the phone & tell everyone what I think!

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Reviewer: Lee - Coatbridge, UK
Date: 13th Dec 2007

Had this phone for a couple of months now, no use writing a review after only having it a few days is there? (dig dig). I find this to be an excellent phone, does everything you need it to do & more.

Everyone keeps going on about the Nokia N95 & Samsung G600 for the 5MP camera, This phone blows any other clear out of the water with its Cyber shot camera, easily the best camera phone on the market today. Only bad thing I can say about the camera is the flash, I actually think it could be visible from space, first photo I had taken of myself made me feel like Ray Charles for a while but other than that it's an awesome camera & don't let anyone tell you otherwise. As for you people who keep complaining of blank or dark photos. Get your damn grubby hands clear of the flash when it goes off, if you keep the front of the camera free from fingers & other shadow making limbs you'll get on just fine. Trust me.

Right. Lots of cool little features like music DJ which lets you compose little tunes & a really cool slide show function in the media part of the phone keeps you amused if your just tinkering with the phone through boredom, & the very cool marble madness 3D game is lots of fun to play thanks to the phone having a motion sensor built in.

The battery life is without a doubt the most impressive I've ever seen on any phone, I can goes 3 maybe 4 days without having to charge my phone & that's with using it every day for work & play.

Touch screen takes a bit of getting used to & so does the D pad which is slap bang in the middle of the number keys, but once you have a play about it becomes second nature. Number keys are kind of small but again once you get used to them it works out fine.

The only possible downside I can find with this phone is the feel of it, fits really well into the hand but it does feel very cheaply made, it's made mostly from plastic & I am a little scared of dropping my phone in case bits fly off, other than that I would highly recommend this phone to anyone, I have the blue one from an O2 shop as it was the only one they offered but if you go to the Carphone Warehouse the green one's available.

Get yourself along to the phone shops if you're considering this phone & have a play around with it before you buy it, I did & I fell in love with it.

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Reviewer: Matt - Chester, UK
Date: 13th Dec 2007

I was really looking forward to getting this phone, having got a Sony Ericsson now, but I have to be honest & say the phone is a disappointment, so much so it is now on its way back & will be replaced with something else.

The shape of the buttons & having the D pad in the middle would probably be bearable on their own, but when you throw in the small buttons above combined with the very unreliable touch screen part, it became a very frustrating phone to use. Sometimes it would recognise that you pressed the screen, sometimes it wouldn't. So then you'd try harder & end up pressing twice.

It was also slow & very irresponsible, & crashed 3 times in the first day, not up to expectations. Great shame, as the spec reads exactly like what I'd want from a phone & I used to be a great fan of the brand.

I am now stuck on what to get next, but I just knew the k850 wasn't for me.

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Reviewer: Rob - UK
Date: 13th Dec 2007

Is this phone WMA compatible?

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Reviewer: Steve - UK
Date: 12th Dec 2007

Oh No, what have Sony done here? I think rushed is the answer, I am looking for! Had Sony Ericsson all my mobile life but this is not very good! Poor camera, bad buttons & Internet is slow. Mine keeps crashing. What a waste of money!

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Reviewer: Jen - UK
Date: 11th Dec 2007

Having used the N95 for 6 months I upgraded to this phone, as it was offered to me. I really dislike it. The camera is faulty will mostly take black photos. Buttons are fiddly & the phone will often freeze. I have gone back to the N95 which is in my opinion the far superior phone.

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Reviewer: Steve - Isle Of Wight, UK
Date: 10th Dec 2007

I got this phone a week ago & love it I have been using the k750i for a few years now & wanted to upgrade to this one. I do love it but I have 2 problems that are really bugging me!

If I go into contacts & type in the name of the person I want it goes onto them then drops to the name underneath? It does it every time no matter what name I type in. If anyone knows why feel free to leave a review & the answer.

Also the auto keypad lock is a great thing but WHY DOES the CAMERA STILL COME ON? I'll be walking down the road & I get a blue glow from my pocket & the camera is on!

Oh I have dust on the inside of the camera as well after 1 week! Don't know how that made its way in there?

I put usability as 50% as there are some people that don't know how to use this phone but for me its 100% useable!

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Reviewer: Scott Higgens - Bishopbiggs, UK
Date: 10th Dec 2007

The phone is very stylish apart from its weight & thickness. Don't WANT TO MAKE THIS NEGATIVE COMMENT BUT, the phone is in its own world as it goes to standby in between calls & it cuts you off unless you press a button. COME ON Sony YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!

I have had it for 2 days & it is fabulous apart from the problem. Work the phone before you buy it, a BIG SUGGESTION! I bought from Edinburgh & I can't be bothered going back there as I have phoned them & they gave me another one which is Mississippi fabulous I definitely recommend this so BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT!

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Reviewer: Simon - Bradford, UK
Date: 10th Dec 2007

For the people whom are having problems with pictures coming out too dark, turn off your flash. Only use the flash in the poorest of light conditions. The new camera is very light sensitive & using the flash if there is light will cancel out the picture. Alternatively, go into the options menu after taking a picture & click on FIX PICTURE. This will bring the image from a dark un seeable image to its correct light levels.

Phones not too shabby at all. I was looking for a High MP camera phone & I prefer this one to the N95 by Nokia. Less heavy, smaller frame & has the usual Sony features.

90% overall.

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Reviewer: Becci - Southampton, UK
Date: 10th Dec 2007

I hate this phone! I have had FOUR replacements & my sister has had SIX, yes SIX replacements!
With mine, the camera took blank pictures! Was replaced did the same! The settings were played about with but still wasn't up to scratch! The bu