Introduction

Building upon Sony Ericsson's hugely popular Z520a, the new Z525a adds Push-to-Talk functionality to an already feature-laden phone. The compact and stylish clamshell handset also includes Bluetooth connectivity, a VGA camera, messaging, special lighting effects for incoming calls, and seemingly endless opportunities to customize the look of the phone.

The Push-to-Talk (PTT) feature offers a fun and easy way to stay in touch with friends, colleagues, or family with just the touch of a button. This addition also inadvertently fixes one of the biggest complaints of the Z520a - the button to activate PTT replaces the dedicated camera button on the outside of the phone. The camera button was prone to being accidentally pressed while talking on the phone or while in a pocket. The PTT features a lock which minimizes the problem although it still could have been better located elsewhere.

The phone features Style-Up exchangeable front and back covers that allow users to change the exterior to match their mood or wardrobe. The customizable options go beyond wallpaper and ringtones as it provides several themes to choose from that radically change the look of the menus. The phone also allows the user to set a photo, ringtone, and lighting effect that can be unique to each caller.

Design

The Z525a features the distinctive loop antenna, a characteristic of Sony Ericsson phones. While it generates mixed reviews on style, it delivers better reception than its internal counterparts. The silver, plastic molded exterior of the phone is highlighted by interchangeable style-up covers on the front and rear. The plastic exterior helps with the light weight of the phone but gives it a less solid feel. Additional covers can be purchased separately.

Smaller and lighter than the Z500a, the Z525a shares the Z520a's dimensions, measuring in at 83 x 46 x 24 mm and weighing just 98 g, a size suitable for the pocket.

The front of the phone features a 4K-color 80 x 101 px screen, which when active offers at-a-glance status and access to limited phone features. When idle, it conserves battery life by faintly revealing just the time. The lens for the VGA camera is located at the bottom right, and can take images up to 640 x 480 px.

Volume keys can be found on the left side of the phone and are ideally situated for in-call adjustment. The Push-to-Talk button replaces the Camera button (on the Z520a) just above the volume keys. This location is a bit troublesome, but a lock feature - that the camera lacked - prevents any accidental interruption of a call. The infrared port is located on the bottom left.

The multi-function port for headsets, accessories, and the charger can be found on the bottom of the phone. On the back of the phone just below the loop antenna, a speaker grill offers handsfree communication.

The clamshell opens to reveal a 65K-color 128 x 160 px LCD, 4-way directional plus select key and numeric keypads which provide easy navigation and comfortable typing through T9 predictive text. The backlighting on the sizeable keypad makes for easy visibility during the day and at night.

The Z525a presents a pleasant appearance but with a virtually identical look as the Z520a, it lacks the cutting edge style of many of the newer phones on the market such as the popular RAZR.

Out of the box, the Sony Ericsson Z525a comes with a Standard 900 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Style-Up Faceplates (one set), Home Charger, and User Manual.

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