NTT DoCoMo has launched its smallest iMode handset, the credit card-sized Premini.

The new phone not only beats Orange's SPV C500 for size, but also the as-yet-unreleased Neonode N1, which, thanks to its later-than-anticipated delivery, has now missed its shot at becoming the world's smallest smart phone.

Developed by Sony Ericsson, the Premini will go on sale in Japan on 1 July. It measures 9 x 4 x 2cm. That compares to the N1's 8.8 x 5.2 x 2.1cm and the C500's 10.8 x 4.6 x 1.6cm.

Premini clearly wins out by volume - 72cm³ to the C500's 79.5cm³ and the N1's 96cm³ - and by weight: 69g to the 88g N1 and 100g C500.

The Premini sports a tiny 1.3in 16-bit 128 x 160 display. Its battery is small too, yielding just 110 minutes of talk time or 310 hours standby time. The buttons are raised and rounded to make them easier to use. With a large lanyard attachment at the top, the handset curves backward, presumably to make it easier to hold.

DoCoMo didn't announce pricing today, but the handset will be available in two colours: silver and black. ®

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