Unboxed – Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness
In a recent survey on most wanted phone features, Stuff readers voted a transparent screen into 257th place – just behind a plasticine keypad and Mini
In a recent survey on most wanted phone features, Stuff readers voted a transparent screen into 257th place – just behind a plasticine keypad and Minidisc slot. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to see this kind of craziness made real – and luckily Sony Ericsson has obilged with the Xperia Pureness.
Its limited spec sheet – there’s no camera, web browsing or any post-2003 features – but the Pureness is no budget simpleton. According to Sony Ericsson, it’s a ‘work of art rather than technology’ – and has a £600 price tag to match.
The Pureness’s build quality isn’t what we’d expect from a phone with that price tag, but we can’t deny its translucent screen is more than a little beguiling (as long as you keep it out of direct sunlight).
The Pureness is transformed in the dark, when its keypad and screen glow impressively, marking it as a phone to whip out in a dimly lit bar packed with iClones.
Scroll through the Pureness’ menus and you’ll find a music player, alarm, text messaging, radio and this – a Pacman game. It doesn’t blind you with retina-scorching colour, but playing it on a translucent screen is certainly a ‘unique’ challenge.
Due to its exclusive billing, the Xperia Pureness is only available through ‘selected retail distribution channels in key cities’ – which in London means Selfridges.
If you’re not quite convinced, there is one final sweetener – the phone comes with a 24-hour concierge service, with a team on hand to provide support for all ‘lifestyle requests’. Sure, it’s not quite the same as the Vertu range’s dedicated concierge button, but as long as we don’t have to speak to Pizza Hut that’s all that matters.
We’ll bring you a full review and video soon, but in the meantime hit your scroll wheel for more images.
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
