In the early days of camera phones, moving from VGA sensors to one megapixel was a big leap. Devices like Nokia’s 7610 and Sony Ericsson’s S700 marked that transition, long before multiple lenses and oversized sensors became standard. GSMArena’s comparison of these two models focuses on one thing: which of these early megapixel phones behaved more like a real camera.
Both phones promise 1MP photos, but they take very different approaches. Nokia keeps it simple and mostly automatic. Sony Ericsson leans into a more camera‑like design, with physical controls and a familiar shooting interface.
The Phones: Nokia 7610 and Sony Ericsson S700
Nokia’s 7610 is described as one of the first widely available megapixel camera phones, arriving in the same conversation as Sharp’s GX30/GX32. It represents Nokia’s early push to bring higher resolution sensors to mainstream users.
Sony Ericsson’s S700, on the other hand, is positioned as an upcoming device at the time of testing, expected after the summer holidays. GSMArena had access to an S700 during a Sony Ericsson presentation and used that opportunity to shoot comparison scenes against the Nokia 7610.
Both phones shoot at roughly one megapixel resolution, putting them in the same basic image quality class on paper. The comparison, however, is less about raw resolution and more about shooting controls, ergonomics, and how much influence the user has over the final image.
Nokia 7610: Simple Megapixel Shooter
On the camera side, the Nokia 7610 is straightforward. Its main claim is that 1MP resolution. Beyond that, GSMArena describes the settings as marginal.
You can change only a few basic parameters:
- Picture size selection
- Picture quality in three levels
- Night mode toggle
- Self‑timer
- 4x digital zoom
That’s basically the full toolkit. There is no exposure compensation, which limits your ability to correct for bright or dark scenes when the automatic metering gets it wrong.
Digital zoom is present, up to 4x, but as usual with early sensors, that’s just cropping into the image, not optical zoom. Combined with mostly automatic exposure, the 7610 behaves more like a point‑and‑shoot for people who don’t want to think about settings.
If you’re the type who just frames a shot and taps the shutter, Nokia’s approach is familiar. But if you care about tuning a shot to match tricky lighting, you quickly hit a wall with the 7610’s limited controls.
Sony Ericsson S700: Designed Like a Real Camera
Sony Ericsson takes a very different path with the S700. GSMArena describes it as standing “much better from the photographer’s point of view,” and the hardware design is a big reason why.
The S700 uses a dual‑front concept. When you rotate it into a horizontal position, you hold it like a standalone digital camera. In that orientation, your finger rests naturally on a dedicated shutter release button on the side, while your other hand can reach controls for exposure compensation.
On the back, the lens system is protected by opening lamellas. Sliding these open does two things at once: it exposes the lens and wakes the camera, making it ready to snap. There’s also a white LED diode near the camera to light up close scenes in darker environments.
The overall effect is intentional: you feel like you’re using a camera, not a generic phone with a camera app tacked on. This matters because it changes how quickly and confidently you can shoot.
Interface and Settings: Pictograms vs. Bare Minimum
Look at the S700’s display in camera mode and you see a familiar digital camera layout. GSMArena mentions standard pictograms and data along the borders of the frame, including:
- Picture size
- Remaining number of shots
- Type of memory being used
- Exposure measurement mode
- White balance settings
Those on‑screen indicators are typical of stand‑alone digital cameras from that era and give the user a clear overview of what’s active. The S700 also exposes more control over how a shot is taken, with quick access to exposure compensation and other parameters.
By contrast, the Nokia 7610’s interface sticks to the basics: size, quality levels, night mode, self‑timer, and zoom. No exposure compensation. No mention of configurable metering or white balance in the comparison summary.
From a control perspective, the S700 treats photography as a core use case. The 7610 treats it as an added feature.
Real‑World Shooting: Automation vs. Control
GSMArena’s test involved shooting the same scenes on both phones. The article teaser asks two key questions: which phone produces better photos, and which offers more settings.
On the settings side, the answer is clear. The Sony Ericsson S700 offers:
- Horizontal, camera‑style grip
- Dedicated shutter release
- Physical access to exposure compensation
- Lamella lens cover that also wakes the camera
- On‑screen indicators for size, memory, metering, and white balance
All of that makes the S700 better suited to users who want to respond to tricky lighting or compose more intentionally. You can correct for backlit subjects or slightly adjust brightness when the metering doesn’t behave.
The Nokia 7610, in contrast, leans on automation. Its limited controls mean you largely accept what the camera gives you. For casual snapshots in decent light, that may be fine. But if the automatic metering chooses poorly and you can’t dial in exposure compensation, you’re stuck.
From a usability standpoint, the S700 is more camera‑centric, while the 7610 is phone‑centric with a camera add‑on.
Which Early Megapixel Phone Makes More Sense?
This comparison isn’t about raw sensor specs or pixel‑peeping; both phones live in the same 1MP era. The real split is philosophy.
Nokia 7610:
- One of the first mass‑market 1MP phones
- Simple interface with minimal settings
- Good fit for users who want point‑and‑shoot behavior
- Limited adjustability when automatic exposure gets it wrong
Sony Ericsson S700:
- Camera‑style hardware with dual fronts
- Dedicated shutter key and exposure compensation controls
- Lens‑protecting lamellas that double as a camera switch
- On‑screen camera data and more granular settings
- Designed for users who think about photography, not just quick snaps
If you were choosing purely on camera control and shooting ergonomics, the S700 clearly targets more serious users. If you just wanted a phone that could occasionally shoot higher resolution photos without fussing over settings, the 7610 would cover the basics.
For modern readers, this comparison is a snapshot of how early manufacturers grappled with merging phones and cameras. One side minimized complexity, the other mimicked dedicated cameras down to physical controls and UI elements.
As more details on image quality and side‑by‑side samples emerge from continued testing, the balance between these two early megapixel contenders will get even clearer. Check back soon as this story develops.