UK Mobile Phones - Sony Ericsson S500i Review

Your Sony Ericsson S500i Reviews

Click here to add your own review for the Sony Ericsson S500i


Reviewer: Stacey - Ipswich, UK
Date: 8th May 2008

I Got This phone In March. For the first Month I Had Zero Problems With It. Therefore I would Say Its A good phone. The Only Problem I have Had With It people Is that the Battery Goes Really Quick & Three Of My Buttons Have Split. It's Load Rubbish, by the way they only Split If You Use Your Nails because I don't Have Nails & Mine Have done It So Yeah.

Also can't Go On To the Internet & Download A Game. O Rubbish!

I Do Love this phone. But I don't think It Was Worth the Money But Overall Its An Alright phone & I would Never Get A Samsung, I would only ever have A Sony Ericsson phone! Good Luck People!

---

Reviewer: Lisa - Wigan, UK
Date: 7th May 2008

The key cracked on my phone send back to manafactuer there about the only thing on the phone covered by a 12 months warranty free by the manufactuer

---

Reviewer: Fran - UK
Date: 6th May 2008

I have had this phone for a year now. I love the different themes & the phone is easy to use.

The worst thing about it is the cracking keys. I have had the keypad changed 3 times & it is not down to being heavy handed either.

Just about to change it at the end of contract for a Samsung Soul, that looks so cool!

---

Reviewer: Emma - UK
Date: 1st May 2008

I really like this phone. Have had it for several months now & no sign of the keys cracking. The design features are great & it does what you would expect from a phone. A good all rounder.

---

Reviewer: Nat - Murphy, Ireland
Date: 29th Apr 2008

Hi, I just literally purchased a S500i on the 26th March it is just one month since I got this phone. I was really impressed with the phone it looks lovely is very girly with the flowers & how the months change & that & you wouldn't get bored with it.

The one thing I will say is that the buttons have already cracked one month into owning it. I am extremely careful with my phones always take care of them so I am extremely annoyed that this happened, it also happened to my cousins & his girlfriend so please be careful buying it.

I do not text hard am very slight when using the keypad & it still happened I have mailed Sony Ericsson to see what they can do now.

---

Reviewer: Mel - Glasgow, UK
Date: 23rd Apr 2008

I give the S500i 90% for the design because it is so sleek & beautiful. Not too manly & not too girly. The light effects are very interesting & cool. I find that flat keys are no problem when texting but if you have chubby fingers then you might want to rethink small keys. HOWEVER, I think that the idea of changing themes are great, but some of the normal wallpapers are quite rubbish & they could be better.

The features are good, musicDJ (I had an old phone that had something like this. Really cool, make your own music by adding beats, bass, drums, piano etc) videoDJ & photoDJ. Internet connection is really good, never had a problem with the Internet automatically going on but then again I lock my phone before I put it into my pocket. LOVE the fact that when you send a message, it shows you your credit balance. I have a habit of forgetting to check & then suddenly realising I have like 62p in my phone! Games aren't the best. The brain one is like brain training. You get one that is similar to Tetris but really different & strange. Picture is great, really clear & not fuzzy or pixelly like some other phones.

The usability, OK it took me a little while to get used to working the buttons as my other phone was different but you do get used to it eventually. The battery life was driving me crazy! The day I got it I charged it fully & then at night, it had run out of battery & I had to charge it again. Then the next morning, before it had even reached noon, I had to recharge it again & then 7 hours after that I had to recharge it again. But I do spend a lot of time on the Internet & on games so I guess that if I want to keep the battery life going I have to cut down on web time. Oh, but for the life of. Me battery!

I have no problem with the keys. People that have keys breaking are being too rough on their phone. Texting & pushing the keys too hard or pressing with their nails.

No problem with camera freezing & although at the start, the back of the phone was hard to get on, it will go on eventually. There's just a technique of doing so correctly.

THIS PHONE ID REALLY GOOD & ID recommend IT TO anyone BUT IF YOU ARE UNSURE, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED YOUR PHONE TO HAVE, DESIGN OVER PRACTICALITY, OR PRACTICALITY OVER DESIGN. YOU'LL FIND ENOUGH REVIEWS FOR IT & I HOPE THIS HELPS.

Oh & for the price, I got my purple S500i around £80, good value for money any day!

---

Reviewer: Tina - Norway
Date: 23rd Apr 2008

This phone is medium good but you really have to be careful because my phone doesn't even work because I dropped it on the floor a lot of times trust me & then it got scratches & now I don't even know why it doesn't work.

---

Reviewer: Iva - London, UK
Date: 23rd Apr 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE. Sony Ericsson have greatly disappointed me. I will know from now on not to be fooled by pretty images on the Internet.

- This phone is so fragile it makes a weird sound when you hold it because it's all plastic. You feel it will crack open any minute
- It's really difficult to open, again because you worry you may break it & I am gentle.
- the card holder is just ridiculous, once you slide a card in you can only get it out with tweezers!
- As normal (for this silly phone), the keys split & I am no heavy texter, BIG DESIGN ERROR!

The features are nice but their importance fades away in the light of the afore mentioned issues.

I should have bought that pretty slick metal Nokia.

---

Reviewer: Chelsea - UK
Date: 21st Apr 2008

I was thinking of buying the Sony Ericsson S500i or the W580i but now after reading the reviews I am worried if the buttons are going to break.

Do the buttons only break if you are rough with the phones?

Which is best the S500i or the W580i?

---

Reviewer: Anon - UK
Date: 17th Apr 2008

Well I really liked the look of this phone (the purple one) BUT from reading all the reviews I am worried about that thing of keys cracking, are the new models with stronger key pads out now?

ALSO is it worth as much as it costs? I am going to have to save up loads of money so I am wanting the phone to be decent quality!

The lighting effects & screen changing thingy look amazing though!

So far the cheapest one I have found is £80 quid, anyone know of any place that does it cheaper? CHEERS.

---

Reviewer: Theresa - Cardiff, UK
Date: 16th Apr 2008

Don't bother. This phone keeps logging itself onto the Internet & I keep getting charged. Buttons too close together & I cannot send or receive picture messages due to a down load thingy!

---

Reviewer: Jenkins - Burlington, Canada
Date: 15th Apr 2008

I used to have a w580i, great phone, loved the music it could pump out. Upon searching for specs on the S500i, I found this review & all of the funny comments about 'rubbish service' or 'terrible phone' junk. The problem nowadays with mobile phones is that people are WAY too rough with them, & don't even know it.

When I first got the w580i in White, my friend had gotten one the same day in Grey & Black. It was SIX MONTHS before I replaced it because the Return key wasn't working, & Sony Ericsson just decided give up & gave me a BRAND NEW MODEL.

I got the phone back & it felt better than ever, & the slide was even smoother than it had been.

My friends phone? He had the same problems all of you did after about half a month to a month & a half, because he treats phones like garbage, hammering keys & always screwing with functions (AKA, sliding it up & down for no reason). Phones & Tanks have only one thing in common, they're here because of advancements in technology. Phones can hardly take a rough phone dial.

Anyway. The s500i looks so much more beautiful than my old w580i white. Unfortunately keys won't be breaking for a long time.

---

Reviewer: Emily - Peterborough, UK
Date: 11th Apr 2008

This phone looks really good a stylish however, I brought the phone but within a week the speaker went. This meant I could only talk when on speaker phone not ideal when you're walking through town looking rather silly! Ha.

I took this back & got it replaced with another phone. This was OK for a while but then the camera broke. It just turned green & would not save photos. Then Bluetooth would not work.

Therefore, I would not advice anyone to get this phone. Oh yeah one of my keys broke too. It does still work but doesn't look very nice!

Overall bad phone!

---

Reviewer: Princess - UK
Date: 10th Apr 2008

This phone looks so nice!

---

Reviewer: Rihanne - London, UK
Date: 7th Apr 2008

Look at the phone its sleek & pretty & the key cracking thing only happens if you text with YOUR NAILS so use your fingers & just buy you won't regret it I've had this phone since August 2007 & I've had no problems so buy it. Good Luck :D.

---

Reviewer: Jk - Liverpool, UK
Date: 4th Apr 2008

It is fabulous so if you see this review get it OR else. It is great.

---

Reviewer: Hannah - Australia
Date: 4th Apr 2008

I am not sure whether I should get this phone! I like the looks & the features but this cracking keys business is a little bit of a worry.

---

Reviewer: Shivana - US
Date: 3rd Apr 2008

Sleek phone but the buttons crack way too easily.

---

Reviewer: Katie - UK
Date: 30th Mar 2008

Really nice looking phone, but a shame about all the problems. I bought one in September last year, & within a week the keys had cracked, but I ignored this. By December, the microphone had stopped working, so I could not be heard when making phone calls, so I had it repaired.

After about a month, most of the keys had cracked again, & some of the navigation buttons had stopped working, so off it went to be repaired again. 5 weeks later, I found out the phone could not be repaired, & so I was getting a replacement. 6 weeks on, I only have 2 buttons which have not cracked.

---

Reviewer: Help - UK
Date: 29th Mar 2008

I really wanted this phones as I know that Sony Ericsson's are great for music but I have really been put off by some f these reviews please help me!

Do the Keys Crack? Does It Freeze? Is It Just Not A Very Good Phone? Please Help me I don't know whether to buy it now. Thanks.

---

Reviewer: Emily - Leicestershire, UK
Date: 29th Mar 2008

Hey I am thinking of getting the S500i in purple but does the keys crack on this 1 I love this phone to bits & really want it, can you guys help me!

---

Reviewer: Candy - Malaysia
Date: 26th Mar 2008

Ha ha I got this phone already. It's really cool I have waited for about a month for the black S500i but I bought contrasted copper because it's out of stock & I can't wait to have it. It's cool! Buy this phone it can be used in the whole world.

---

Reviewer: Mel - Scunthorpe, UK
Date: 24th Mar 2008

Had this phone for a month & love it. All I can say is, so far so good. I use my phone a lot but I don't abuse it & nothing broken on it. Love Sony Ericsson phones.

---

Reviewer: Kate - Canada
Date: 24th Mar 2008

I've had this phone for 7 months & it is a great phone. It has never freeze on me & the battery does last for a long time. However, I have two buttons that cracked but it still works.

---

Reviewer: Emily - UK
Date: 20th Mar 2008

I love this phone. It's so pretty & I love the way it changes colour & the flowers change. But it's built so badly. Two of my keys have cracked, it occasionally freezes, when I call landlines I get a strange rattle down the speaker & if you drop it, even from a small height, the whole front casing falls off, but you can't take the back off to get the battery out for neither love nor money! It's such a shame because it's such a nice design, but I'll be taking it back & seeing if I can exchange for a Samsung. Oh & all this breaking has happened in only a month & a half.

---

Reviewer: Steve - Merthyr, UK
Date: 19th Mar 2008

I've had the phone about 5 months love the phone easy to use but the Internet keeps coming on due to the easy access button on the front, being easy to accidently being pressed so I've had to set the Internet on the wrong net work to stop this. I've also had it repaired twice one the main menu button broke & one side light stopped & the keypad buttons cracked this is a common fault on this type of phone as I was told once I took it back this also happens on the w580, fair play it was repaired very quickly.

---

Reviewer: Mufl - UK
Date: 18th Mar 2008

I love this phone, it's great.

---

Reviewer: Aky - UK
Date: 18th Mar 2008

I really like the look of the phone, & being a bit of a nature boy the themes sound really appealing. Having the k700i since it was first released the joystick hardly ever works on it & I am jealous of the memory capacity & picture quality my friends now get on their phones : ( Also the buttons are flat & me being more of a texter than anything else & the fact that some keypads crack would make my life quite difficult & the alternative would be a w660i (don't know why) so can anyone shed some light on what to do. Thanks.

---

Reviewer: Jj - UK
Date: 15th Mar 2008

I was looking to buy this phone & normally look at reviews & to be honest the entire page is filled with negative comments & of course your opinions so not moaning about that but the whole key cracking thing.
- Does the keys still work even after they crack?

- Does the battery cover get slack?

Also I am definitely getting a Sony Ericsson but since the new phones that they have put on the market are slide up the keys seem to crack on all of the models.

Wrote to Sony Ericsson & they said that they never got anything about the keys cracking & it was a rumour. They said if it did happen I can send it back. I was going to get it tomorrow but the lot of comments have made me think again. Can you answer the questions please asap.

Thanks.

---

Reviewer: Rebecca - Leeds, UK
Date: 14th Mar 2008

I love this phone. Had it a week & three of the buttons have cracked. Just getting a contact with Dial a Phone who I got it from.

I hadn't read the reviews on it. I think they've cracked from playing the games on it. But really they shouldn't crack so easily, you're meant to press the keys!

So anybody who is writing a review saying the buttons don't crack. They do! So if you get the phone, just be aware of this.

---

Reviewer: Shannon - UK
Date: 12th Mar 2008

I just bought this phone, it's really beautiful with an amazing camera & amazing sound quality. There isn't much memory at all, but I am going to buy a memory card so that's fine. Also, the program on my computer doesn't work, but I am getting a replacement CD for it. Nobody else has reported this problem so it could just be my computer. My keys haven't cracked. Three of my friends have this phone & 2 of their keys have cracked. However, they both use their nails to text & the people who's keypads haven't broken use their fingers. I use my fingers so I am OK.

So buy this phone, or the W580i they're both really good.

---

Reviewer: Wendy - Gainsborough, UK
Date: 10th Mar 2008

I had this phone for a massive 26 days! I really liked the way it used to change its theme from night to day & special days like valentines it went red. It really does make us girls go wow!

I read all the reviews prior to buying it & took a chance. On the 25th day yep you guessed it the space button cracked in half, & I was upset. I contacted the company & they said to return it & I got a full refund.

I liked the design so much that I have now purchased a W580i & I am just hoping that it won't do the same!

Don't even bother contacting Sony Ericsson because they just kept telling me that they have no reported cases of keys cracking. Absolute rubbish!

Apparently if you purchase this phone prior to Nov 2007 the keys will crack. Anything manufactured after then is supposed to be fine, according to Carphone Warehouse anyway!

I wouldn't be put off the phone itself, all I can say is if you do buy it make sure you can send it back if anything happens. But all said it is a nice phone!

It's well worth buying a memory card too as not a lot of memory space on phone.

---

Reviewer: Craig - Bedfordshire, UK
Date: 10th Mar 2008

I think this phone is the top dog I have had this phone for 3 months now & I have no problems with it, wish I got it in black though LOL.

---

Reviewer: Valerian Alan Yap - Malaysia
Date: 8th Mar 2008

I have used Sony Ericsson mobile phones for quite sometimes now, ranging from K700i to W800i, then W300i, Z610i, Z310i, Z530i, K750i, & recently W610i. My latest addition is this one, S500i! You know what, I simply LOVE this one! Ever fall in love & feel like you can't let go of that loved one's hand? Ah, that's the feeling when I became a proud owner of this model! I never thought I'd feel so enticed by a mobile phone for its sheer beauty & of course, its usability!

I guess it's the nature inspired theme, & the light effect. Or maybe its user friendly software & an affordable piece of charm. I know Sony Ericsson had overcome the keypad nuisance, so this is a splendid phone to own. No complain from me so far. The battery life does wear out pretty quickly, but I am so used to this Sony Ericsson's mobile phone's predictable loophole. Beside from that, it's nice in your palm, & overall, a superb phone for its range! Great sound, great design, great features, both the hardware & the software.

---

Reviewer: Sally - UK
Date: 4th Mar 2008

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE! In fact I won't be buying a Sony Ericsson again as they have obviously lost the plot. Sure it looks great but the keys cracked within a few weeks (which I lived with) but then some of the navigation keys stopped working also. I contacted the customer support by email & they told me to send it to a service centre in Banbury they promised a 3 to 5 working day turn around, that was on January 5th & I got the phone back yesterday, 3rd March. I got tired of emailing them as they take about a week to reply. When I finally got through by phone (after being kept on hold for 40minutes! ) they accepted that there were design & manufacturing issues with this model & a problem getting spares which had caused mine to be at the service centre for 8 weeks or 40 working days as they prefer to call it. Take my advice, spend your hard earned cash elsewhere.

---

Reviewer: Anon - UK
Date: 3rd Mar 2008

I was thinking of getting this phone but it's too risky. I'd be afraid I'd break it. (Dropped my k610i three times today :P).

I guess for me it's not durable enough to adapt to my prone to phone breakage lifestyle LOL.

---

Reviewer: Jan - UK
Date: 2nd Mar 2008

Don't buy this phone! What an absolute load of rubbish! It may look fantastic & offer you all sorts of wonderful features but my daughter is now onto her 4th phone since Christmas. Sony customer services really should think to changing their name to Sony Lack of Customer Services & O2 who I purchased the phone from really need to get their act together too!

After 2 weeks the phone froze, just decided it didn't like the world & froze. New phone issued screen cracked. Another new phone issued, could ring out & receive calls but no one could hear anything! Phone sent away for repair, returned phone exactly the same! Tripe phone! Tripe service!

---

Reviewer: Sam Cav - Australia
Date: 28th Feb 2008

This phone is the biggest piece of rubbish ever anybody thinking of buying it, don't BUY IT. My keys have cracked reception drops out phone freezes menu's freeze sometimes. The speakers don't work & the phone has to be turned on & off it always says, insert sim & I haven't had it last till the battery has run out without this happening. Also today the phone heated up ridiculously I thought the battery was going to blow up.

---

Reviewer: Francesca - UK
Date: 26th Feb 2008

Can I just say to all the people out there who complain that their keys have cracked.

- IF YOU HAD DONE YOUR HOMEWORK YOU WOULD KNOW THIS.
- IF YOU TREATED YOUR PHONE WITH RESPECTS INSTEAD OF MURDERING IT WHEN YOU TEXT YOU WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM!

& to all the people who want to buy this phone buy it because there's nothing at all wrong with it, it's the people who have bought it & mistreated its fault. NO FAULT OF the PHONE!

---

Reviewer: Lisa Chelton - Cayman Islands
Date: 22nd Feb 2008

I loved this phone which is why I bought it. Have had no problems using it, the problem is when I am not! When it is in my bag it tends to slide open & the Internet button gets pressed & it connects to the Internet & uses all my credit. It does lock when the slider is opened but this doesn't kick in for at least a minute which is too late. I am now trying to find a case to keep it in to prevent this happening.

---

Reviewer: T Jeff - UK
Date: 21st Feb 2008

Had this phone less than 2 months, it was replaced once because of broken keys. Second phone was damaged by breathing on it. If you have one don't take it to Florida the humidity will kill it. Sony Ericsson's customer service in my opinion is the worst of any company I had ever dealt with. Since they gave me duff information on why the phone is not working & I complained, this mighty global company won't talk to me or even apologise. I for one will not touch Sony Ericsson again.

---

Reviewer: Samantha - UK
Date: 20th Feb 2008

I love this phone! The best phone I have ever had! I have had it for four months & I have had no problems with it so far. It rocks! The buttons (keys) don't crack & there are no internal problems with this phone. Some friendly advice, BUY IT NOW!

---

Reviewer: Tina - UK
Date: 19th Feb 2008

Does anyone know how long it takes to charge these phones up for the first time?

---

Reviewer: Lorraine - Australia
Date: 17th Feb 2008

I bought this phone, & within a week the keys cracked, I then took it back & bought another one, (mind you it was a stupid mistake that I should not have done) the second phone, worked fine for about a month or two until one day when people would call me, no one could hear me talking. MY microphone had busted & was covered constantly, by the little piece with the little holes on it, right under the key pad, well that kept moving slightly & would cover the microphone. I have sent the phone off to repair & yet a month later, left with no mobile phone to use, I am still waiting for it to be returned to me, only to find out that in a few days I am sure something else will happen to the phone. I am honestly sick of it!

---

Reviewer: Millie - UK
Date: 16th Feb 2008

IT IS ALL TRUE the FREEZING the CRACKING & the POOR Sony Ericsson SERVICE.

LUCKILY Carphone Warehouse are GOOD & I am GETTING A DIFFERENT PHONE NOW.

STAY AWAY, I can't LIVE WITHOUT MY PHONE & NUMBER P & 3 HAVE CRACKED AGAIN AFTER BEING REPAIRED I ONLY HAVE SMALL FINGERS & CHERISH ALL MY PHONES HOWEVER THEY STILL CRACK.

BUT the EVERCHANGING THEME IS AMAZING BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO SPEND 150 POUNDS ON A PHONE & I have ONLY HAD IT 2 MONTHS.

HOPE THIS HELPS PEOPLE.

---

Reviewer: Alex - UK
Date: 15th Feb 2008

Good phone easy to use but as in the last review cracked keys & I have had mine less then 2 months which is a silly for the price you pay.

---

Reviewer: V - UK
Date: 15th Feb 2008

Nice, but would be better if the lights on the side could be change to what ever colour you want without the automatic season change for the lights to change.

---

Reviewer: Nicola - Kent, UK
Date: 14th Feb 2008

Anyone thinking of buying this phone. Don't!

Of course I loved mine when I first got it, it was yellow & great to use. But the first one I got I had to take it back the very next day as the connections were dodgy. Then the new one I was given the camera decided to stop working & would freeze every time I went on to it so I would have to take the back off & remove the battery, turn it on again. It was sent in for repair 3 times, each time the camera didn't work when I got it back. & then the buttons began breaking, in the end Carphone Warehouse decided to replace it (with a 2nd hand one, which was black & green. & not very nice), when I got this one 3 of the buttons didn't work, so they ordered me a new one & I had to put up with this phone for a while not being able to go back to the main screen as the back button didn't work, & the select button didn't work either. In the end after a lot of hassle & hours spent on the phone to Carphone Warehouse, they gave in & let me change make & model, & I now have a lovely Samsung phone which works perfectly!

Apparently this is the first Sony Ericsson slidy phone they did so it was really badly made & which is why there have been so many problems.

Please don't waste your money buying this phone, it will have to be sent in for repair before you know it.

---

Reviewer: Kerry - Haverhill, US
Date: 12th Feb 2008

At first was impressed with the new phone. Pretty on the outside with some great features, until after about one week of owning it, one of the keys cracked down the middle, thinking it was just me being a heavy texter, I checked it out on the website & found over 300 reviews of people with the same problem. Around 20 other people I no own the phones cousin the w850i, which also has buttons which crack. When changing my sim card, I removed the back of the phone which took me around 20 minutes, then when trying to re-apply the back, it wouldn't go on, now being held together with selotape. The software on the phone is also disappointing, as the phone likes to black out when it gets bored. Ashamed of this awful piece of technology, I am not getting another Sony Ericsson unless I read at least 2000 good reviews. I have lost my pride with them.

---

Reviewer: Emma - UK
Date: 12th Feb 2008

This is the best phone I have ever had, I have had it basically since it came out & I haven't had any problems at all its great!

---

Reviewer: Laura - UK
Date: 12th Feb 2008

I got this phone for Christmas, had it a week & the keys broke! I sent it back to be repaired that was at the end of January 08. I still haven't got it back. 3weeks without my phone. It cost nearly £200. I feel like a fool as I paid £200 for a pile of rubbish I may as well have thrown my money straight into the bin! DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE. IT'S APALLING!

---

Reviewer: Stacie - UK
Date: 10th Feb 2008

I thought this phone looked totally gorgeous when I first saw it so I decided to get it.

It worked fine for about three weeks & then disaster struck! It kept telling me I had no network access. I tried various sim cards & none would work so I knew it was a problem with the phone. I took it back to the 02 shop & they sent it away to be fixed.

Two weeks later I got it back & they'd had to send me a new phone, which meant I'd lost all my numbers, messages & pictures.

To make matters even worse. Tonight it's stopped working again, the same problem with the network. When I tried to make calls today it didn't ring out on my phone but the person I was calling knew I was calling & answered, however, my phone remained silent.

Overall I think this phone is lovely to look at but when it comes to it actually functioning as a phone it's been practically useless for me. I will never buy another Sony Ericsson ever again.

I would not recommend anyone this phone.

---

Reviewer: Jal - UK
Date: 9th Feb 2008

Other than the keys cracking after about a month the design is flawless & the only reason I haven't given 100% for features is because there are other phones with cameras twice as good as the one this phone possesses. The phone does what it claims to do with minimal fuss is the most reliable phone I have ever (apart from the Nokia 3310. Obviously).

---

Reviewer: Beckie - UK
Date: 9th Feb 2008

I really want this phone! But I can not get it in 02, does any body know if they are automatically unlocked, or what networks are unlocked?

---

Reviewer: Hannah - Essex, UK
Date: 7th Feb 2008

I have just brought this phone & I love it.

---

Reviewer: Mark - UK
Date: 7th Feb 2008

Great phone, looks fantastic with the lights but oh dear, it's so fragile, on third phone now, & that has just gone to be repaired with cracked keys, apparently this known problem has not been sorted out, lady in Carphone Warehouse wasn't surprised it was back told me to get it repaired & then get a different phone, according to her Sony have discontinued them, looks great in black but that all you can do with it, look at it, would seem these latest Sony's aren't as robust as the older models, had a w880I & that had many faults, which is shame as always had Sony's, had a k800 before this one but that too died, certainly the better phone though but that much better, keep away from s500i, it rubbish!

---

Reviewer: Isaac - Canada
Date: 7th Feb 2008

Ha ha ha, what are you talking about Sean saying you have this phone & it's the rubbish!

Nothing wrong with the keys. Text messaging is so fast other than the keys are kind of small but that don't matter because doesn't do much. Buy this phone. You'll love it.

---

Reviewer: Kerry - Surrey, UK
Date: 5th Feb 2008

This is the best phone I have ever had, I love the design & the layout. However my 3, 6 & 9 key did split in half but it was still useable, also the front of the phone is very easy to scratch & noticeable when you do. I like the fact that when you press send on a text it shows you the last few numbers you sent a text to, this makes it very quick & easy to send text. Overall this phone is very good & id recommend it highly however it is easy to crack the keys & if you like you phone you look brand new however long you have had it you will not like this phone.

---

Reviewer: Mark - Derbyshire, UK
Date: 5th Feb 2008

Great phone, no issues whatsoever!

Always got a strong signal even in poor areas, its stylish, sleek & good looking, just like me! Just needs a radio & it would be perfect for me. If you don't have one BUY ONE NOW it's the best mobile I have ever owned.

---

Reviewer: Ali - UK
Date: 4th Feb 2008

I want to buy this phone for my partner but she is on T Mobile, if I buy it & get it unlocked will she still be able to access the Internet & receive picture messages? If she can does anyone know how thanks.

---

Reviewer: Chris - St Michael, Barbados
Date: 4th Feb 2008

Total rubbish, my buttons started to crack barely had it for a week.

---

Reviewer: Zainab Uddin - UK
Date: 3rd Feb 2008

Awesome, No cracking keys whatsoever. It's the best phone, best I've ever owned. 10 out of 10!

I love it to bits, it's just amazing, keep it up Sony Ericsson! It's so pretty, the MP3 players awesome. No problems.

---

Reviewer: Kimster - Adelaide, Australia
Date: 2nd Feb 2008

Like, I can't seem to get the video on! But I still like this phone. Only brought it today, I hope those 'cracking' things won't happen. It's a good phone.

---

Reviewer: Cordy - UK
Date: 1st Feb 2008

I loved the look of this phone which is why I got it. Cool lights, I like something a bit different! However I've only been using it for 2 weeks & the keys are starting to crack! Sob sob! I am waiting to hear back from my contract provider to hear what they suggest, repair or replace? I also had 1 day of being connected to the Internet without realising, must have been the fairies that did it!

I still love this phone, hope the problems can be easily fixed.

---

Reviewer: Emma - Kent, UK
Date: 31st Jan 2008

Love this phone! One question though. When the phone is stable & your just looking through the phone, can you change the colour of the lights because mine are either blue in the day or brown at night! Thanks.

---

Reviewer: Jane - UK
Date: 30th Jan 2008

I had this phone bought for me at Christmas & for the first 3 weeks everything was great & I would absolutely agree that it was the most stylish, sleek phone I have owned BUT & it's a BIG BUT. About 2 weeks ago when I tried to get my sim card out, it was stuck fast & would not budge, even using tweezers etc, so when I took it to the O2 shop they had to effectively smash the phone open to get my sim & they gave me a new handset which I was happy with. THEN no more than 4 days after I got the new handset the number 6 key cracked & when I took it to the O2 shop it had been purchased from they said all they could do was send it back for repair but if I did I would lose all my pictures, stored numbers, messages etc. So I decided it would be best to leave it. However 2 days later the number 4 key cracked too (I had been told that the problem with the keys on the earlier model had been solved, but clearly NOT! ). Then, today to top it all off the screen just went blank. I restarted it & low & behold when I try & send a text message now, I have to basically guess what I am typing as the actual text is invisible, as is the recipient's name when you try & send the message. This is really frustrating as I have been sending the text messages I want to send, to myself, just to check they are spelt right & not some random words & then forwarding them to the right people! I will be returning this phone to the O2 shop tomorrow & will expect a new phone there & then as it is in my mind completely ludicrous that after only a month's use it should be doing this. Please don't buy this phone if you are disappointed easily. I fully admit it's lovely to look at, but underneath, I suspect, it's seriously flawed. Sony Ericsson please take note!

---

Reviewer: Paul F - Surrey, UK
Date: 30th Jan 2008

I purchased this phone for my daughter & she thinks it great & lots of fun to use. She is not interested in the Tecky side of things but just wanted a phone for the looks & trendy stuff. Overall a good buy.

Where we live in surrey the signal is poor to bad but this phone gets a good signal every time. A GOOD PURCHASE.

---

Reviewer: Ajam - Leicester, UK
Date: 28th Jan 2008

Well well, what can I say about Sony Ericsson, Well shall I class this phone as S500i, a beauty? of course this phone is one of the best phone I have ever purchased & fell in love with it at an instance, the sleek design the beauty of the phone & overall the phone itself, is phenomenally brilliant.

Excellent phone. Mwah love it.

---

Reviewer: Saffron - UK
Date: 27th Jan 2008

I love this phone but in the pink & purple x.

---

Reviewer: Lucy - UK
Date: 26th Jan 2008

Can I just say, before I decided which phone to get, I read all of these reviews that were submitted before Christmas & it did put me off. After looking through all kinds of mobile shops & magazines, there was nothing at all that I thought would be better than this phone. I went to t mobile & the lady there said that they only had 2 in stock, because there were all kinds of software problems with it, & the cracking key problem was also an issue.

However, I decided to take a risk, & get it anyway for Christmas. I have had now for a month, & I can safely say that it's the best phone I have ever had. None of the keys have cracked. I have had no software problems. & I am constantly amazed by the ever changing background, that really does change constantly!

I don't know whether I was just lucky to get a good phone where there are obviously a few not so good ones around, but if you want to take a risk, I would urge you to buy this phone :).

It is actually amazing, & I love it!

---

Reviewer: Sean - UK
Date: 25th Jan 2008

RUBBISH PHONE. I have had 5 of these's phones now since November. Each of them with the same old story of CRACKING KEYS. Don't buy! COMPLETE RUBBISH.

---

Reviewer: Chilligrape - UK
Date: 25th Jan 2008

I've had this phone a month now & I can say without doubt it's the best phone I've ever had. The only gripe I have with it is that I keep connecting to the web on it as the web browser button is really close to the back button. It could also do with a radio. The music player is just as good as a Sony Ericsson Walkman phone. I love the ever changing themes, one day I have butterfly's the next firefly's the next multicoloured raid, I never know what is going to be there when I open my phone! It holds loads of texts & the volume is great. I've had no trouble with keys cracking or anything like that & I have dropped it a few times & not a mark on it. Lovely phone.

---

Reviewer: Nicola - Weston Super Mare, UK
Date: 24th Jan 2008

I absolutely love this phone. Have had it since Sunday & have so far had no problems with it. I have the purple one & I love the colour & the lights. I just love everything about it really. Also when I dropped it on the floor none of it came apart & it didn't break in any way.

---

Reviewer: Vino - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Date: 24th Jan 2008

Can someone, anyone, please tell me if they have fixed the problem with the keys?

---

Reviewer: Dimitrios Zoulis - US
Date: 23rd Jan 2008

I really love this phone I just can't find it anywhere to buy it new. I love its sleek look the themes & stuff can someone help me?

---

Reviewer: Celia - Andorra
Date: 21st Jan 2008

It holds a total of 1000 texts. But that is with both the sent messages & the inbox messages. The numbers are a little squished, but it really isn't bad & the numbers do keep cracking. I really do like the design of the phone though & the music plays pretty loud.

---

Reviewer: Jo - UK
Date: 21st Jan 2008

Great phone, great looks & packed with features. You need to treat it with care but hey so you should do to.

---

Reviewer: W - Arkansas, US
Date: 21st Jan 2008

OK. I've heard a lot about this phone & I need someone who has this phone to tell me if these problems are resolved or not.

- Are the key problems true? Do the keys crack or split?

- Is the volume too loud? Does the volume go on silent?

If someone could help me that would be great but I need to know soon!

---

Reviewer: Blake Harvey - Mackay, Australia
Date: 21st Jan 2008

Good phone I have one myself & I have the metal metallic keys so I have had no problems with this phone & the keys can't really crack.

---

Reviewer: Samantha - UK
Date: 20th Jan 2008

The BEST PHONE I HAVE EVER HAD! I wrote a review for this site before I got the phone, about the keys cracking. But I have had this phone since Boxing Day (26th December 2007) & now it's the 20th of January 2008, no problems at all. None of the buttons look as though they are going to crack. Someone said the phone feels cheap & plasticy, but it feels very solid & metalish.

Overall the phone is brilliant, but the only problem is with my network. I was supposed to get ten pounds credit with the phone & I still have not got it. I called them up several times but every time they told that I will receive my credit in 24 hours, but obviously I didn't. BUY THIS PHONE!

---

Reviewer: Adrian - Brighton, UK
Date: 15th Jan 2008

OK the phone is pretty cool but don't expect it to last very long, it should only be used as a fashion accessory, I.e. Very occasionally! I've had this phone for under 6 months & am about to send it back for the 3rd time due to the keypad buttons cracking (on 2 occasions), ear piece speaker breaking, phone going completely silent & lights not working.

The features on this phone are nice, it lo