Sharp 902 mobile phone

Sharp 902 is a dual mode cameraphone, capable of operating on the 3G and GSM tri-band networks. This elegant looking clamshell-style mobile phone is Europe’s first 2 megapixel cameraphone, and an exclusive model for the Vodafone network. Although it is a little chunkier and heavier than other handsets, it is still of a manageable size, but then extra bulk is part of the price that has to be paid for packing so much technology into the case. The white and silver finish gives this model a slightly unusual appearance, although that does mean the owner has a distinct style difference to set them apart from the crowd.

Sharp 902The Sharp 902 is one of the top models that Vodafone uses to promote its 3G services. So, there is clearly a lot to live up to, and it is gratifying that the model’s specification can offer plenty of features to satisfy the demanding buyer, as well as providing a few surprises. The phone’s key features include the following: Bluetooth™ connectivity, 3G data handling, GPRS and WAP technology, two-way video calling, MMS multimedia messaging, SD memory card slot, video and audio streaming, MPEG4 and MP3 players, voice memo recorder, video capture download and playback, speakerphone for hands-free conversations, Java™ enabled, and an e-mail client.

The active matrix TFT display offers an impressive state-of-the-art QVGA resolution screen (320 x 240 pixels), plus the best quality of colour reproduction at up to 262,144 different colours. The interesting feature of the screen is that it can be swivelled around by up to 180 degrees, and it will even fold back on itself so that the phone resembles a digital camera; this comes in useful when you use the screen as a viewfinder for taking pictures. By swivelling the display around you can also use it for taking self-portraits with the main camera. The external screen is a very small affair, although it still manages to provide you with the important details, such as the signal strength, battery condition, and the time.

In common with other 3G mobile phones that support 2-way video calls, the 902 has two cameras. There is a small VGA camera above the main screen, which can be pointed at the user during video calls, and this means the caller can see the other party while still being visible to them. During a video call you can swap the images sent to the other party, so that they may see either the picture taken by the external or the internal cameras. There are three settings to choose from when controlling the quality of an incoming image from the other party: “normal” for a standard quality, “Quality Priority” where the quality of the picture takes priority over the frame rate, and “Frame Rate Priority” where the frame rate takes precedence over the quality.

However, the main camera is what buyers will be attracted to in this phone, with its 2 megapixel resolution and 2x optical zoom control; when you exceed the 2x optical zoom then it is replaced by the digital zoom. Although the 902 could not be considered a substitute for the dedicated digital camera, it does get one step nearer to the desire for a phone that can take reasonably adequate photographs, and which also offers the user some control over the results. Unfortunately, the built-in flashlight does not match the improvements in the camera, as this is the usual LED device that barely helps with taking pictures in poor lighting conditions. Another camera feature worth noting is the continuous shoot mode, which enables you to set up various types of rapid sequence photo shots (either 4 or 9 frames) - these shots may be overlapped into one picture to create an afterimage effect.

The other feature found in digital cameras, but almost always missing in cameraphones, is an adjustable focus control; here you can choose auto focus or manual focus. Seven picture sizes are available from the camera: 1224 x 1632, 960 x 1280, 768 x 1024, 480 x 640, 240 x 320, 120 x 160 and 120 x 128 pixels. Pictures at the maximum resolution can become quite memory demanding, and file sizes of up to about 800 kB per picture should be expected. There are also three picture qualities that may be used (Super Fine, Fine, and Normal), and pictures can be given a choice of a frame - although frames are only possible on pictures up to 240 x 320 pixels in size. When using the camera in its macro mode, it is possible to make it operate as a barcode reader, and it can also handle QR codes. This macro feature of the camera has the added advantage that it can even act as a text reader - reading one line at a time with OCR (optical character recognition) - and you can then utilise the read text in a message, or you might save it as a note.

Being MMS enabled means that this phone can send and receive messages containing a combination of video clips, images, sounds and text. MMS messages of up to 300 kB are supported by the Sharp 902. The phone can also shoot video pictures, although the quality is not great, in common with many other video capable phones. The captured video may be set to a size suitable for use in sent messages, where there are limitations on the file size, and in this case a picture resolution of QCIF or SubQCIF may be selected. For extended video recording (up to 30 minutes) QCIF, SubQCIF or QVGA (MPEG4) may be used. One interesting design feature included in this model is the ability to connect via a supplied video cable, which allows you to view your video clips and photos on a TV.

For musical entertainment the 902 has a built-in MP3 player, and this gives users the chance to carry around their favourite music tracks. The music output may be played through the supplied stereo headset, or it can be sent to the phone’s stereo speakers to be shared with other people. The MP3 player provides you with all the usual controls, such as playlists, random or repeat play, as well as a tone control to adjust the quality of the sound output.

Being full of multimedia features means that the 902 is a memory-hungry phone, and so it is satisfying that a large 26 MB of internal storage capacity is available to the user. However, this amount of memory will not be enough for many users, and so the SD memory card slot offers an ideal way to expand the space. A 32 MB SD card is supplied with the phone, and, as this is plugged into a slot on the phone’s side, it allows for the easy changing of cards.

The ability to personalise the 902’s wallpapers, screensavers, and ringtones, means that you can customise the look and sound of this phone, and more content may be downloaded over-the-air when required. A contact’s picture may be assigned to their number, as well as a particular ringtone, to assist with caller ID. The phone also has 6 profiles to set the phone for use in different environments, and these profiles may be further customised.

Being Java™ enabled allows you to make use of a range of Java applications and games, and the 902 can run Java applications of up to 1 MB in size. To give faster and more lifelike three-dimensional rendering when playing games, the phone incorporates the Mascot Capsule 3D engine. The game Dragon Island comes preloaded, although it a quick matter to download new games and applications when you want to try something different.

With this phone’s access to the broadband-like speed of 3G, packet data rates of up to 384 kbps are achievable. When outside the range of 3G coverage, then it is still possible to use the phone’s GPRS technology to make a fast data connection with the network, and you also get the “always on” feature, which means you only pay for the data you actually send and receive (not the length of time you are connected). As this phone is set up to access the Vodafone live! portal, you can download games, music, or make us of other online services, and there is plenty of opportunity to explore the many services now on offer. An e-mail client is also provided, and this offers you the opportunity to keep up with your normal correspondence while you are away from the home or office.

A full complement of connectivity options is available in the 902. Wireless Bluetooth™ technology is integrated into the phone, so that users may link up within a 10-metre range with other compatible phones and devices, or alternatively you might use the infrared port to link with IrDA equipment. For those who prefer to connect by wires, it is possible to use a USB data cable to exchange information with other devices. Once you have established a connection, then it is possible to synchronise your phonebook or calendar with, say, your home or office computer, and to transfer files. This phone supports synchronisation with Microsoft® Outlook or Outlook Express, and you can also synchronise remotely over-the-air using SyncML.

The 902’s organiser facilities include a calendar, tasks, world clock, alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch, calculator, and currency converter. The phonebook is capable of storing up to 500 contacts, and each one may have 3 telephone numbers, 3 e-mail addresses, a group name (up to 16 groups are possible), full postal address, and even their birthday. Business use is supported with the addition of an Expenses Memo, to record details of expenditure while you are going about your daily activities. To help with texting and note taking, the T9™ predictive text input system is provided in the phone, and there is also a vibration alert.

Sharp 902 Cameraphone specification

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Last updated 10th September 2009, 08:33 BST