Having been positioned below the K500 and K700, we can expect the K300i to be lower in price and has been created for such a segment. However, features are not sacrificed in the K300i. Aside from providing a 65,536 Color LCD, and VGA camera, the K300i is also enabled with video recording and also offers, the currently very much in demand, MP3 file support.

Camera
The K300i captures clear images with its VGA (640x480) camera. More flexibility is given to the user as the picture size can be adjusted to “medium (320x420),” “small (160x120),” and even provides an “extended (1280x960)” image size option, which works well depending on the lighting conditions in the area.

Video recording features also come as a present surprise for a phone designed for its segment. The image quality of which is very good and at par with similar or higher priced models. Videos are recorded in 3gp format. The K300i also plays videos in MPEG4 formats.

Digital zoom can be used when images are set below VGA. It offers up to 4x zoom in the small image size settings and 2x zoom while recording video ─ something even higher priced models of other brands do not offer.

Image brightness can also be adjusted even before taking pictures. This results in shooting more accurate photos.

There is also a night mode for taking evening or low light pictures. This feature, however, does not fair well when compared to the other models and brands. The STN display does not also help when viewing and appreciating the night-mode taken images.

Frames and effects, such as black and white and sepia, for captured images also add up to the K300i’s novelty.

MP3 support
Aside from the standard polyphonic and monophonic tone formats, the K300i plays MP3 files, which have proved to be pleasant addition to the phone. However with the K300i’s 12MB shared memory, we can not expect to load a lot of full-length songs or music. We can, however, enjoy good quality sound and personalize ring tones with ease through this feature.

A tone composer is also included in the K300i. Again, personalization is the key. You can make your own original tones to complement your mood, your personality, or just be unique.

The K300i also has its own sound recorder, which provides unlimited recording depending on the free memory. This is very useful for individuals who often record interviews, meetings or lectures.

A loud speaker for hands-free usage is also included in the K300i. However, placing the loud speaker in the phone’s back-side sometimes make conversations hard to listen-to and facilitate.

Interface
Like most SE phones, the K300i’s immediate functions can also be personalized through short cut keys. Keys can be programmed for usually used functions. Just pushing the joystick to the left, allows you to immediately write your SMS. Though I am used to another brand, I find it easy to learn to navigate and use the K300i.

Size
At only 85 grams and at 99.9 x 45.2 x 19.4 mm, the K300i is actually lighter and shorter than most phones with similar features.

Display
Viewing the 128 x 128 pixel STN display, as mentioned, can sometimes be a drawback. The STN display obscures some image details. With most phones now providing a TFT display, the K300i’s use of a STN display may seem to be a step backward. Photos may not be easily appreciated because of this. However, images taken by the k300i actually look better when transferred to a personal computer.

As with most color phones, the K300i’s wallpaper can be personalized with stock images in the phone, and from the camera. The wallpaper and viewing photos, however isn’t full-screen which is usually the weakness of most imaging phones.

Connectivity
The K300i only provides infrared connectivity. So far, usage of it has been most efficient. Having transferred pictures and video files from the K300i to other phone models, I encountered no problems ─ even with compatibility. Infrared connectivity, though basic, is still simple and fast.

Design
At first glance the K300i looks like the T610, a model that brought fame to SE a few years back. The two-toned exterior finish and the rectangular shape remind very much of the T610, as well as most features the K300i haves. The noticeable difference is its lack of Bluetooth capability and the addition of video recording features. But in this case, infrared alone will suite its purpose. Overall, the K300i is a very good phone for its segment. With all the features it has and it’s positioning in the market, demand for this model will surely be a lot.

Other features
The K300i is also tri-band, equipped with Internet browsing, Java games, organizer features and PIM synchronization.