In case you were wondering, the microphone is on the main body of the phone rather than the flip, so its flimsiness isn't an issue at all.

The power performance of the W350i was acceptable too. Estimated by Sony Ericsson to provide up to 7 hours of talktime or 300 hours in standby, or up to 15 hours of music playback, we found that in our average usage tests, we managed around three days between charges, with a small amount of music playing.

Factor in heavier tune playing – as you'd expect from a Walkman phone – and standby and talktime will fall accordingly.

Fantastic music phone

Sony Ericsson's Walkman range now seems to have most bases covered when it comes to different types of phones for different categories of music listener, and the W350i's budget-buyer appeal is clear.

While its specification may not be the finest around, particularly the disappointing camera, and the curiously flimsy flip, it still has a good level of standard Sony Ericsson functionality underpinning it.

If imaging quality is a priority or you want 3G multimedia functionality, you should look elsewhere.

But the real deal-maker for cash-short music mobile buyers will be its core music capabilities and eye-catching skinny looks; the high quality Walkman player delivers a fine performance, while the slimline retro-chic design hits the right notes too.

Network availability: T-Mobile, O2, Orange, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile

Looks: 4/5
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Features: 3/5
Call quality: 4/5
Value: 4/5