Sony Ericsson Aino

Phones aren’t really about just making calls any more; they’re as much about staying up to date on social networking or entertainment. The Sony Ericsson Aino is a slider phone that can certainly do social networking with it’s built in Facebook app but it really scores if you want to be entertained on the move.

It has a sharp and clear 3in touchscreen that rotates automatically. There are shortcuts for playing music or video and starting the camera when the phone is closed. The camera is an 8.1-megapixel model and takes good photos. There’s 8GB of storage on the phone and it can use microSD cards if that isn’t enough.

There is a reasonable selection of ring tones, none of which are too annoying or embarrassing and it can gradually increase the ring volume for added discretion. Just about every connection type you could want is provided with Bluetooth, Wifi and USB in addition to the 3G phone. The built in GPS can be used with Google Maps for directions.

Unlike most mobile phones we see, the Aino comes with its own Bluetooth headset. The microphone is built in and it has a standard 3.5mm socket for headphones. There are some decent headphones supplied with Aino or you can use your own. It has control over the tracks and swiping along one edge controls the volume. As much as we like this system, it’s a shame that there is no headphone socket on the phone itself as this would use less battery power than Bluetooth. Wired headsets are available separately.

There is a charging dock that charges both the phone and the headset. There’s no onscreen keyboard but there is predictive text that also suggests the next word. It’s not perfect, but it’s unobtrusive and useful when the right word is offered.

We found the Aino at no cost on phone tariffs from £25 or for £400 without a contract.