Labs

Like the K800i, the K770i has Sony Ericsson's Cyber-shot branding and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

It's slimmer than the K800i, and its lens cover is stiffer and unlikely to come open in your pocket. The phone is more comfortable to use, as it has a directional keypad rather than a joystick and more space between the number keys. It doesn't feel as well made as the K800i or Samsung's D900i, though, and

ADVERTISEMENT

the plastic creaks when you hold it.

Sony Ericsson's menu system is easy to use, as each function is represented by both an icon and a text description. The phone has comprehensive standard applications, with excellent calendar, tasks and notes programs and easy PC synchronisation with the supplied software. The web browser is far better than the Samsung's D900i's, and could reformat even complicated pages to fit the screen.

Unlike the K800i, the K770i has only an LED camera light and not a full Xenon flash, so it can only cope with close-up photos in dim conditions. It took good shots in sunlight, but they suffered in comparison with those from the K800i and Samsung D900i. Images weren't always in focus, and colours appeared muddy.

The K770i is a good phone, but it can't match the K800i or Samsung D900i's camera quality or the D900i's build quality. If you want a good camera and web browser, buy the K800i; or for a slim and stylish camera phone, go for the D900i.