Posted by mriley
Finally, C901 users can now share their reviews of the phone in one thread so others can compare different reviews without searching the entire internet
Ok, I'll start
I bought the phone about a year ago in early December, I found out about it on esato 2 months before I bought one, after looking at the photos it could take I decided it would be my next phone. I bought it mainly for the camera and that's where the phone excels.
Positives
Small, very pocketable
Very good camera quality
Fully customizable
Cheap compared to rivals
Loads of good features
Very durable when dropped
Fast, good performance
Good value for money
Battery life (depends on brightness)
Negatives
Heavy for its size
Bad video quality
Poor build quality
Keys are fingerprint magnet
Average HSDPA reception due to antenna placement
Annoying light sensor
No Wifi or aGPS
Overview
The C901 is very easy to use as a practical phone, the menus are simple and easy to flick through which makes the UI very fluid. It's very cheap but ironically has best camera out of the cyber-shot range. It gives you a better camera than the C905, at less than half the price! At such a low price (GBP £120 - £160) it's a bargain... that is, if you can find one to buy in the first place as Sony Ericsson have released the C901 to 'selected markets' only, which means it wont be released in the UK or most other countries so most people will have to buy online.
The phone is avaliable in 3 different colours, Noble Black, Precious Peach, and Sincere Silver. There is also the C901 Greenheart which uses waterborne paint to give the Ocean White colour.
Performance
The performance of the phone is one of the best things about the C901 and it's suprisingly good, the responce time between pressing a button and the phone responding is almost instantanous. Flicking through the camera album is also very fast. The multi tasking ability of the phone is what amazed me the most, you can run as many apps as you want at the same time and minimize and select any one you want to use with the dedicated shortcut button to the left of the D-pad. Even if you have about 10 apps running and music playing, the performance and speed of the phone is just
as fast as it was originally.
Hardware & Build quality
Physically the phone is small whilst also being very slim, it can fit into any pocket with no problem. However, for it's small size the phone is very heavy, compared to the K750 which is twice as thick, the C901 feels about double the weight. The keypad on the C901 is very different compared to standard keypads, the keys are curved with chrome strips seperating each row of keys.
A lot of people have mentioned how comfortable and easy to use the keypad is, I would have to dissagree with that. The keypad is very cramped, which is ok if you have small fingers, but if your fingers are quite big then you will end up pressing more than one key at once, or instead of pressing the curve of the key, you press the space between the two rows of keys. Because the keys are curved it's hard to text by feel, I have to look at what keys I'm pressing to get it right, I prefer the standard keypad of the K750. The keys on the front side of the phone aren't tactile, some keys need much more pressure than others (this might be just my phone)
The phone is housed in a plastic casing that runs along the outside of the front of the phone and curves slightly at the back. The problem is that the plastic housing feels very cheap. It's a very glossy plastic which will easily slip out of your hands, partly due to its weight as well.
It appears in it's product pictures as a matt, rubbery plastic that looks easy to grip, in reality the plastic is flimsy and shiny.
The battery cover, which is used to grip the phone, doesn't have much grip and tends to slip out your hands - many times I have given the phone to someone and they have nearly dropped it or commented about its weight. The battery cover will start to creak if it's opened many times, it's made out of a thin plastic cover that's very flimsy and you can bend it very easily in your hands.
The plastic housing is so glossy it makes it relflect any light touching it, these pics give an impression of the type of plastic used:
After a few months the chrome ring around the D-pad starts to wear off too and the camera cover tends to slide open without me realizing because it only takes a small force to open it and it doesnt provide much grip.
Here you can see the chrome ring around the D-pad coming off: (the blue tint is the reflection from the sky, the keys are solid black as they appear in other pictures)
A good point about the build quality is that, despite the phone casing being made out of plastic, the phone is actually very durable, I have dropped it many times onto concrete where a normal phone would have broken, but the C901 has survived every fall. It has a metal body underneath the plastic casing which makes it very robust.
Display
The 2.2" screen takes up most of the front side of the C901 and provides good colours and contrast. But it makes the 5MP photos hard to view in their original quality, you have to zoom in on the photo to show any detail. The screen is scratch resistant and it does a pretty good job at preventing damage.
The main issue with the display is the light sensor, the display can go from very dark to very light because the sensor isn't accurate. However, the light sensor can be disabled with a patch and most of the time the display is easy to read, even in very bright sunlight.
Camera
Arguably the best camera of 'C' and 'K' series from Sony Ericsson. Although it hasn't been marketed like the C905 has, suprisingly it produces much more detail in its photos. Photo quality is also better than the C902 (and C903) which lacks the xenon flash of the C901 and suffers from purple fringing.
Unfortunately the video recording quality is dissapointing, at QVGA resolution, the C901 definately isn't the phone to choose if you demand good video recording quality. But it makes up for it with it's still camera, it's potential is incredible. There are lots of camera settings which help you get the best shot in any sitaution. The xenon flash works well in most lighting conditions, it works especially well for night portraits. The C901 photo thread speaks for itself.
Reception
The antenna is in the bottom right hand corner, so every time you hold the phone in your right hand whilst browsing the internet or especially watching youtube videos, the HSDPA signal drops so you can't load pages quickly and videos freeze and buffer. There are no problems with calling and there hasn't been any situations where a call is ended due to loss of signal.
Conclusion
Overall the C901 is a great phone, it's only let down by it's plastic feel and build quality, but at the same time that saves money and brings the price of the phone down. It offers all the features expected of a standard Cyber-shot phone and combines that with a fantastic camera module at a very low price tag... it's the perfect choice for anyone wanting a simple, easy to use phone with a great camera. That's why I would certainly recommend the C901.
[ This Message was edited by: mriley on 2011-01-29 23:06 ]
Posted by hihihans
Nice work.
I never had a C901 but I did recommend it to some people.
Posted by Bonovox
Nice review Matt puts mine to shame but I thought the c901 had a 2.4 inch display??
Posted by Fredrix
This message was posted from a WAP device
Posted by hihihans
Come on Fredrix. No need to be shy
Posted by mriley
Thanks, the review is focused on user experience rather than the specifications, although the screen is 2.2" not 2.4
You can find the C901's specification here
Posted by Bonovox
He never said a word
Posted by Bonovox
Anyway 11/10 for this review
Posted by mriley
His WAP device let him down, he should have got a C901.
Anyway, hopefully other C901 users will post their review if they want to, ehamiter and crossmatched have already posted them here
Others:
C901 Mini Review & Unboxing by Rookwise
GSM Arena review
Translated
Video tours:
Short C901 review
User Interface
Camera features
Posted by thesun
omg, that pretty sums up everything about C901, i have nothing to say anymore
Posted by mochuothp
On 2010-08-30 00:51:23, Bonovox wrote:
Anyway 11/10 for this review
me too
now I'm using x10mini
but whatever Se's phone i use, c901 is the best of them
Posted by Junz
nice review, but i have some different experience
Negatives
Battery life - only lasts one day
i've 2 days and sometimes 3 days (use gsm only, call about 30 minutes, texting about 50, and listening music about 1 hour and opera mini) may be because 10% of display brightness and turn-off the keypad light
A lot of people have mentioned how comfortable and easy to use the keypad is, I would have to dissagree with that.
yes it's very comfortable for me, better than my w810i keypad.[/quote]
After a few months the chrome ring around the D-pad starts to wear off too and the camera cover tends to slide open without me realizing because it only takes a small force to open it and it doesnt provide much grip.
not happened to my phone mate, its still like the day i bought this phone.
Posted by Bonovox
Matt if your getting poor signal with 3G turn it off just use GSM you will gain more juice
My Elm battery I can go nearly 3 days without charging it thats what I love about Sony Ericsson a2 phones their battery life is second to none. Though as with most phones using 3G alot and other features it drains quicker.
Posted by domipost
Nice review matt!
Funny though that some -s and +s you give are exactly the opposite for me
I've the GreenHeart version and imo the build is fine. The back cover sucks a bit, but it feels verry solid and doesn't attract any fingerprints or dust. I think the features are only so-so for the price (around €200 here), as you can get for instance an Elm for €150 and even some Android phones (LG GT540, Samsung i5500) for €130 and €150. Well, there goes your low price too
Anyway, in general I certainly agree with you that it's a great phone
(though i'd rather recommend Elm or Hazel to someone atm)
Posted by ceaser2008
Oh very good review. I remember you asking me what is my next phone after K850i? I want c901.
You made me to have this phone. But unfortunately it is not available here in India. 
Posted by APR
@mriley, good review post!
For me, the battery life is better than the old K810i a lot, mine atleast can last for 4~5 days, maybe because i have 2 phones
The bads:
1. The UI looks laggy compare to K810i, i know it's not cause by the phone performance, maybe can be fixed with dispdriver
2. The phone stop production very quick, make me have to buy a cheap phone with higher price
But it's worth for me!
3. The keypad is too hard to use for me
4. No front camera
5. No WIFI
6. Night shot quality worse than K810i (both with Raiderski camdriver)
7. Lag in Media Center(i have 13236 pics) and when playing music in the background
8. Less mods compare to K810i
The Goods:
1. Good camera quality! (except night shot)
2. Good sound quality!
3. Small size and light weight! (atleast lighter than K810i)
4. Very durable screen surface! (My screen don't have screen protector, but it still remain no scratch till now!)
5. Fast to open camera!
6. Support flash!
Overall, it's a great phone for me! I can snap anything everywere when I want!
Posted by cyber-shoter
reserved
I will back after two Weeks.....
Posted by arcmhyke
7. Lag in Media Center(i have 13236 pics) and when playing music in the background
LOL thats a lot of pics!!!
i think that lag you are experiencing is normal to what loads of pics you have n your media center.
@Mriley
You have said it all, and the good thing about it, its a user review for almost a year
Nice one mriley
[ This Message was edited by: mhyke on 2010-08-30 12:53 ]
Posted by Bonovox
Most A200 phones have lag in media centre at least a little
Posted by APR
On 2010-08-30 12:39:04, mhyke wrote:
7. Lag in Media Center(i have 13236 pics) and when playing music in the background
LOL thats a lot of pics!!!
i think that lag you are experiencing is normal to what loads of pics you have n your media center.
@Mriley
You have said it all, and the good thing about it, its a user review for almost a year
Nice one mriley
[ This Message was edited by: mhyke on 2010-08-30 12:53 ]
I collect these pics since the K810i....
Almost all about cars
Posted by Navar
@rava i found it in UAE. Ok guys.my c901 with me now.just a few hours back i got it from UAE deliverd to jordan here using aramix.so..i dont find the black color.just white ocean.u knw what.its ugly in white.any way i found a orginal black cover in UAE too.but still waiting the reply after i order it by aramix.i got the green heart version.the screen is good but yellowish as k850.i think every screen have a screen sensor is yellowish.it have new look from inside.many options.new lyout.the browser can be auto routate.thats cool.iam still using it and discovering.its lite n0t heavey.slim.and the cover good and the lenses cover strong.u will feel its metal.i just want the way to how change the housing cover?if any 1 explane with pic wuld be verey nice..thank you and i will keep updating abut any new discover things
Posted by Navar
But I feel its slow :s as nothing change from k850:s the screen is same yellwish.and in typing any thing for long time in chat throw mig33 example.its so lag.i feel disapointed with c901.even k850 better with taken pic in some shots (mean k850 with my camdrive) spicaly pic with flash.k850 much better and no over bright problem as c901 :s
Edite: Fast in browsing and start up.but when using opera mod 3.12 and start typing and press ok its take a half second then accept the ok as iam typing now after I finshd and press ok it will be like what I said above.and the same in messinger
[ This Message was edited by: Navar on 2010-08-30 15:56 ]
Posted by Navar
Hey guys.i found an option in c901 I dont hear any 1 talkd abut it b4.that option is in camera its add postion.when it turne on and view ur pic in media player .press option then view on map.then when u press it it will open googlemap auto and show ur pic in the map in the same location u tooke the pic in it
its great.this phone impressing me day after day .and 1 thing more.if u have the orginal facebook app then u go to camera album press option then u will find 'more' press it the it show 'to facebook' I think it will share the pic on ur fb dirctly I hope to see more feuter in this amazing phone
Posted by mriley
@Junz
We all have different experience of the phone, so it's good to know what you think differently
I am surprised you get so long out of your battery, I wish I got up to 3 days of use, but I think it's because I use the phone all the time at 100% brightness with light effects and keypad on. But I have two batteries so I never have to wait for C901 to charge Seems like mine has had some wear and tear from me using it too much
@Bono
I need HSDPA to use internet fully, I need to play HD youtube videos via opera mini with no buffering, if I use GSM then videos will buffer, if I avoid putting my hand over the antenna then they will play fine
I think you had the same problem with the Elm as the antenna is at the bottom of the phone.
@Dominick
The Greenheart version looks good in its product pics, all phones are so expensive in UK
@Ceaser
Don't give up in your search if you still want it, it took my almost 2 months to find one but I took a leap of faith and it worked out
@APR
Nice review there
seems like you have same experience as me with the keypad, I like the flat keys instead of curved ones that C901 has
@cyber-shot
We'll wait for your info on C901
@mhyke
No, I just went on a long rant about what I thought about it
yours is better, the one you posted in c901 discussion:
I got my c901 way back october last year and replaced my aging k800i, its a solid phone and cheap here in the Philippines.
I'm Using Noble Black
and here's what i can say about it about your concern:
Len's Cover/Back Cover
>yes, its not that solid like other k or c series, the lens cover tends to slightly out of its track in the sliding mechanism, so sometimes even you open the lens cover the camera wont start or it started then will go off and on, but there's a solution if this happens, just add a little piece of a paper of tape on the contacts of the lens cover, it will to the trick.
i really miss the solid back cover of K series phone
Color Fades
>another yes, for the silver part in the Directional button, it wears off, that's all for the color though, i dunno the part in the keypad
Camera Len's
>During Auto focus, the screen gets a bit blurred after the focus it will back to normal, i don't know if this is normal o not? but it doesn't affect the picture quality or anything, this only happens when lighting is poor, so i think its normal
Here's my
Pros
+Light and Slim
+Cool Design and Construction
+5mp Camera with lots of Camera Controls and Led/Xenon Flash
+Very Tactile Keypads
+Cheap Phone i bought it $230 Last Year
+Very Responsive Phone
+Face Book, Google Maps, Youtube, Web Feeds Integration
Cons
-No On/off Dedicated Media button
-No Front Facing Camera
-Loud Speaker is not that Loud
-Body made of Plastic only, no Metal >.<
-No Wifi/GPS
- Box Contents: No Memory Card, No Data Cable
But Overall, c901 is great and i think this is the last cybershot phone that SE made.
I'm Using Noble Black
and here's what i can say about it about your concern:
Len's Cover/Back Cover
>yes, its not that solid like other k or c series, the lens cover tends to slightly out of its track in the sliding mechanism, so sometimes even you open the lens cover the camera wont start or it started then will go off and on, but there's a solution if this happens, just add a little piece of a paper of tape on the contacts of the lens cover, it will to the trick.
i really miss the solid back cover of K series phone
Color Fades
>another yes, for the silver part in the Directional button, it wears off, that's all for the color though, i dunno the part in the keypad
Camera Len's
>During Auto focus, the screen gets a bit blurred after the focus it will back to normal, i don't know if this is normal o not? but it doesn't affect the picture quality or anything, this only happens when lighting is poor, so i think its normal
Here's my
Pros
+Light and Slim
+Cool Design and Construction
+5mp Camera with lots of Camera Controls and Led/Xenon Flash
+Very Tactile Keypads
+Cheap Phone i bought it $230 Last Year
+Very Responsive Phone
+Face Book, Google Maps, Youtube, Web Feeds Integration
Cons
-No On/off Dedicated Media button
-No Front Facing Camera
-Loud Speaker is not that Loud
-Body made of Plastic only, no Metal >.<
-No Wifi/GPS
- Box Contents: No Memory Card, No Data Cable
But Overall, c901 is great and i think this is the last cybershot phone that SE made.
@Navar
Yeah, you are right, despite the C901 not having GPS chip the google maps tracking does a good job, I have used a a few times before with success
Posted by Navar
New things discoverd
the calculater have a bult in converter
Posted by PeterKay
Got to admit one of the best phones i have used, not only for style but quality features.
Had it for a few months and loved it to bits, i had the white version.
Tempted to get another one! maybe soon.
Will try and upload some piccies later if i can.
more later.........
Posted by Bonovox
Matt I know that about HSDPA but just turn it off when not in use
Posted by Junz
Battery life be long, thats one of many good things from modded phone.
I can life with just 10%-20% indoor, when outside 30%. But for that we must using a contrast theme (i'm use a black and white, so every thing still clear in my eye)
Accourding to me using IEM when listening music better for long battery life than a normal headset too. Just in my mind
Posted by mriley
Im on c901 now, you can still load pages fast with gsm only which I have on now
It only makes a difference when trying to play hd videos
I also found out how you guys are getting so long out of the battery, I have lowered my brightness to 10% and enabled gsm only and in 2 hours of non stop use the phone has remained the same battery percentage
@PK
Looking forward to pics
@Junz
Whats IEM?
[ This Message was edited by: mriley on 2010-08-30 19:06 ]
Posted by Junz
In Ear Monitor
Have u check it untill the battery indikator under 5%?
Trust me from 100% to 80% have different long time than 30% to 10% (this happen to my phone)
I dont know why navar say this phone slower than k850i. May be some1 with both this phone can make a test, codehp may be.
[ This Message was edited by: Junz on 2010-08-30 19:19 ]
Posted by Navar
@junz I have don master rest rest all and its much better.its faster than k850 far awaaaay...
and strong to open built in browser with an 3 or 4 runing app not like k850 it was slow or not open if 1 app runing..c901 is super update from k850 waw waw WAW i start love this phone.and even love that ocean white color after I was decide to change it for black
Posted by arcmhyke
my battery only last in just 1-2 days full charged
i always go online with my phone using operamini5 final every weekdays, battery drains really fast when browsing + watching videos and listening to music and always 100% brightness
.
but i think this normal, if you used your phone that way
Posted by APR
@mriley, actually my phone still in a extremely good condition like a new phone, i'm so surprise that my phone is no scratch without any protection!
And, the white colour is greenheart version right? Mine is white, but i see no difference between other version
And the last, it's not my phone, it's my camera!
Posted by APR
@Navar, looks like we will have a new camera mod soon!
Posted by code28h4p
On 2010-08-29 23:42:41, mriley wrote:
Keys are fingerprint magnet
I'm not agree with this...If your phone was a noble black one...yup you will got those fingerprint magnet issue. but if it was Precious peach, there was no area with this issue but screen area. The key was very comfortable for me even compare with my K800i (black), K850i, C905 or others...
Posted by mriley
@APR
Yeah the white one is Greenheart. Does it get dirty easily?
@code24hp
You are right code, it's because I have black version, I think the appearance of finger prints will change as you ahve a different colour
But you agree with the rest?[ This Message was edited by: mriley on 2010-08-31 17:41 ]
Posted by Navar
@APR nex mod camdrive!? Hmmm.i dont think so
iam sestified with rider camdrive.and I cant do moding as I did with k850 because the codes is diffrent too
Posted by APR
@mriley, why my Greenheart version seems like no different with normal versions? Like extra wallpaper or Greenheart theme, but last time i flash my phone to W995 and then flash back to C901, i get the Greenheart theme and ugly Cyber-shot theme than normal version, no, my phone is still white! So sexy
@Navar, maybe you can mod base on Raider's driver? Like improve night shot or something like that
Posted by Navar
On 2010-08-30 15:51:34, Navar wrote:
Guys what that hole near camera.between the xenon flash and the camera sensor?
guys
I found it I know what is it its a red light turn on when u start recording video I try it today
Edite: @APR yea maybe later after I understand rider driver well I will stay in tuch with raider and see what we can do to improve the auto mod in night and maybe in day too
[ This Message was edited by: Navar on 2010-09-01 08:30 ]
Posted by APR
For me, the day quality is damn good! Just only the night mode a little bit disappointed because it can't support 2s slow shutter
Posted by Navar
New thing discoverd.u can mark and copy text in bulit in browser
Posted by Navar
APR yea I agree
Posted by APR
lol, K850i can do 2 sec slow shutter?
Posted by ceaser2008
Yes, K850i can take pic at 2 sec shutter speed.
About battery life, thanks to someone is adviced to reduce brightness and it really worked on my K850i. Previously my fully charge battery would not see the evening from morning and had to plug charger. But now it is still running even with 36 % charge left till night with my normal heavy use of phone with audio streaming to bluetooth, elfs running, heavy gprs use on operamini.
Thank
Posted by Navar
New things discoverd
1st in alarms now u can adjust snooz duration time as you want and you can adjust the alarm volume levele to every eatch alarm
Posted by APR
Damn, why C901 can't do the 2s slow shutter?!
Posted by Navar
New discoverd.you can send the web address via bluetooth or email or sms with bulit in browser
Posted by cyber-shoter
On 2010-08-30 12:37:43, cyber-shoter wrote:
reserved
I will back after two Weeks.....
I'm Back!!!
so far so good have this C901 on my hand
+
fast a2 phone I ever know
good camera, support flash and has back cover
very nice design
slim. comportable to use
nice key pad
great sound quality
nice screen size (better than K800)
better batery consumption
-
no video call camera
no wi fi
the body has no anti slip like K800 does, so far I drop my c901 often for suddenly
(this is the most I hate about it)
very fast appearance on market
no play button like K800 did
overall I like this cyber-shot phone, very fit for my everyday use (photography and cellphone)
[ This Message was edited by: cyber-shoter on 2010-09-30 01:41 ]
Posted by mriley
@Arief
I was waiting for you
Nice to see you back.
I agree with the phone being slippy, that's the worst thing about it, feels too plasticy in the hand so will very easily try to escape it's owner, you can't blame it it's a rare phone
Good job the phone is indestructible, there have been so many falls onto concrete and hard its metal but it survives every time, in that way C901 is very impressive
I'm happy to be the owner of this limited edition phone
I have noticed that the display is yellowish now I have something to compare it to. Now I own an Elm I was wondering if I should compare them in this thread or create a C901 vs Elm thread to describe differences. I'm still waiting for a sunny day to do a camera comparison.
Posted by Bonovox
Yes do it a comparison
