The latest from the much-lauded Cyber-Shot series of Sony Ericsson phones, the K850i's big draw is the 5 MP camera that comes with a Xenon flash and a separate triple LED video light. The design of the phone is somewhat of a mixed bag. SE has done away with the traditional joystick and replaced it with a unique (and somewhat weird) O-pad. Since the o-pad encircles the '2' and '5' keys, it takes some getting used to. Plus selection and extra options are handled by three touch-sensitive keys just under the display.

So while many aspects of the the interface remain the same as the K81 Oi, operation is entirely different. The keypad has a nice feel, though the small size of the keys are not for heavy SMS users. Even the dedicated answer and end keys are quite small. No complaints from the backlight though; it's nice and bright. I liked the battery-SIM card cover. Unlike a regular phone where the entire back comes off, this works jUS(t like a Sony CyberShot camera. A spring loaded flap opens up to reveal the battery, SIM card, and memory card slots.

And just to show you how much of a camera it is, there's even a dedicated camera power button. power on, and the motorized lens cover opens up. The back of the phone houses the xenon flash, the LED video light. and the light sensor. Just like the K790i and K81 Oi, the Xenon flash makes a great difference while taking photos in low light. There's just one big flaw with the camera; placing a finger anywhere near the light sensor (not covering it) on the back completely throws the metering system off track.

To get perfect pictures, you have to hold the phone in such a way that your fingers neither touch the backside of the phone nor do they cast a shadow on the light sensor. This could be a problem with an over-sensitive light I sensor and will most probably be fixed with a firmware update. Another flaw is that the phone'S glossy surface is prone to fingerprints. This affects the cover above the camera lens most due to the placement of the lens toward the centre of the phone. All else is excellent; call quality, multimedia features, FM, and applications.

The battery life is impressive; over 7 hours of continuouS talktime and about two days of real world usage. There is another new 5 MP kid on the block too-the Nokia
N82. For just a little more, it offers built-in Wi-Fi, GPS receiver, and a 3.5 mm audio out. I would say go for it if you need a slick interface and are a fan of the CyberShot series. Otherwise look to the N82.

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Specs:-
Quod bond GSM with EDGE/HSPDA,
256K 2.2-inch 240x320 pixels 1FT,
Memory Stick Micro tM2)/microSD,
Bluetooth with A2DP, 5 MP, Xenon flash,
LED video light,
FM radio, Motion sensor, 118 g.