Mobile network connectivity is pretty brisk too; the phone's HSPA can provide downloads at up to 7.2Mbps rates, plus faster 3G uploads where supported on the network. This works effectively when uploading images or video clips to blogging or content sharing sites; the W715 is pre-loaded with fast links to Blogger, Picasa Web Album and MySpace online accounts, and users can easily define their own for other services.

The camera isn't the snappiest of snappers, however. It's a middle-of-the-road fixed focus 3.2-megapixel shooter, with no autofocus to get precise focusing on subjects, and has an average set of mid-tier settings adjustments and effects rather than anything more Cyber-shot phone-like. Its average quality pictures are OK in strong light, though they can lack detail look a touch soft when lighting deteriorates. The LED flash isn't particularly strong and, other than very close up images, shots taken in the dark aren't adequately lit.

Video capture

Video capture is no great shakes either, recording at up to 15 frames per second in QVGA resolution for distinctly average quality footage.

Sony Ericsson does provide the usual combination of useful tools, handy apps and bits of time-killing fun. Organiser functionality includes calendar, tasks, notes, timer, stopwatch, voice recorder, calculator, and a code memo app. In addition email and instant messaging are supported, while among other gadgetry there's a Walk Mate pedometer feature as a more sedate alternative to the Tracker GPS running feature, TrackID song identification software, a Music Quiz app, and a selection of demo Java games.

Call quality is certainly up to scratch on this handset, with excellent call reception and audio performance. Best scenario battery life is reckoned by Sony Ericsson to be up to 350 hours of standby time on 3G networks (400 hours in GSM coverage), or 4 hours of talktime (10 hours on GSM). Be aware that heavy usage of the more power hungry features will eat into real-life battery life. We managed just over two days of charge with moderate use of Wi-Fi and A-GPS, plus a normal amount of calling and other Walkman-related use.

Summary

Including many elements of other higher end Walkman phones, this is one of the most attractive of Sony Ericsson's music majoring bunch. Sure, its camera is a weak spot, and while it doesn't break radically new ground for the music phone brand, it has some well-integrated higher-end features like Wi-Fi and A-GPS, a top-drawer Walkman music player experience and a classy design. A fine mid-range addition to the line-up.