Sony Ericsson G502 and Z780 with HSDPA and aGPS

Sony Ericsson have launched two new phones, and for once, they're not CyberShot or Walkman phones! The Sony Ericsson G502 (above) and Z780 are low to mid-range phones that are similar to the Nokia 5320 and 5220 in that they bring super-fast HSDPA connectivity down to an affordable level. Although both phones are different in appearance, they're very similar underneath, offering 2 megapixel camera, MP3 player, HSDPA and Google maps already installed.

The Z780 is the slightly more advanced model, though, in that it comes with aGPS, letting you navigate easily across Google Maps (either road view or satellite view). It also comes with a weather application that takes advantage of the high speed Internet connectivity and built-in GPS to tell you what the weather will be like in your area for the next three days.

Neither model will set the world on fire, but in terms of good quality phones with a good range of quality features, all for an affordable price, they'll be hard to beat. With the addition of HSDPA, they're also another indication of how the mobile Web is steadily coming of age.

More details and pictures of the Sony Ericsson G502 and Z780 after the jump.
Sony Ericsson Z780 and G502

From the press release:

Sony Ericsson today introduced two new HSDPA phones into its line-up; each clearly designed to take its range of web-enabled phones in a different direction. The Z780 expands the company’s range of devices for markets outside of Europe and the compact G502 brings the power of the web to a mainstream audience.

"These two phones are quite distinct, yet both have the potential to introduce more users to the world of web on your mobile," said Martin Winkler, director of global marketing and head of multimedia web at Sony Ericsson. "Being able to check your email whenever you like or surf the web when on-the-move should not just be the preserve of professionals. The Z780 and the G502 will appeal to anyone juggling a busy life"

The Z780, a sister product to the recently announced Z770, is set to broaden the range of web-enabled phones into more markets across the globe. It packs tri-band 3G and HSDPA into its stylish clamshell frame, letting you receive email or browse the web at high speed in countries across the world. It also introduces built-in aGPS, giving users the opportunity to carry their navigation solution with them on their phone.

The new G502 is the latest in an established line of classic Sony Ericsson phones that cram a wealth of time-saving features into an affordable, pocket-sized phone.

The G502 is the first such model, however, to feature high-speed HSDPA capability. This means that more users can now benefit from faster browsing and downloading capabilities in a phone that has a feature-set that is impressive and incredibly easy to use – perfect for those who want to stay in control of their lives.
In touch, on the move

Both the Z780 and the G502 come with the latest version of Google™ Maps for Mobile. This application allows you to view high quality maps that give you a satellite view of the local area and view listings of the restaurants and hotels, complete with any reviews or ratings available. The built-in aGPS functionality of the Z780 means that wherever you are, you’ll always be able to find what you need – whether locating the address of your friend’s party or finding the quickest route to your next meeting. Google™ Maps for Mobile then enables you to receive turn-by-turn directions that help you to find your way without complication.

With the G502, you just enter start and finish locations, and receive point-by-point directions of how to get to your destination. Plugging the GPS Enabler HGE-100 accessory into the phone adds GPS capability here as well, making sure that you need never get lost again.
Easy email, simple setup

Sony Ericsson Z780 mobile phone, closed
Accessing your emails on the Z780 and the G502 couldn’t be more straightforward. An easy-to-follow ‘set-up wizard’ guides you through a series of very easy steps so that your existing webmail account can be directed to your phone. Or if it is push email that you need, then the G502 and Z780 also support Exchange ActiveSync® for your security and complete mobility.
What you want, when you want it

Accessing your favourite websites is now four times faster than with standard 3G (UMTS), thanks to the HSDPA speeds of the Z780 and the G502. If you use one particular website more than others, you can select an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed that will give you 1-click access directly to this page from your phone’s desktop. What’s more, the pre-loaded weather forecast application on both of these phones allows you to check the weather before you head out, so you’re sure to be prepared for any unexpected rainstorms.

The Z780 is a UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Grand Onyx and Amethyst Silver. The Sony Ericsson Z780 release date is scheduled for Q2 2008.

The G502 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel. The Sony Ericsson G502 release date is scheduled for Q2 2008.