In a world dominated by smartphones, the feature phone still holds appeal for those seeking simplicity, durability, and extended battery life. The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and Sony Ericsson W205 represent two prominent examples of this category, appealing to users prioritizing core communication over advanced functionality. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable, no-frills feature phone, the Sony Ericsson W205 likely offers a slightly better experience due to Sony Ericsson’s historically strong build quality and user interface design within the feature phone space. However, the GLEAM+ may appeal to those prioritizing a potentially more modern aesthetic.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | Yes | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | - | GSM 850 / 1900 -W205a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, February. Released 2012, April | 2009, March. Released 2009, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 52.5 x 13.5 mm, 75.8 cc (4.21 x 2.07 x 0.53 in) | 92 x 47 x 16.4 mm (3.62 x 1.85 x 0.65 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 105 g (3.70 oz) | 96 g (3.39 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 22.3 cm2 (~39.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~23.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 2 GB |
| Internal | 50MB | 5MB |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.0 |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/HTML (Opera Mini) |
| Games | Yes | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | SMS, MMS |
| | - | Walkman media player
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 13 h 30 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 417 h | Up to 425 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 50 min | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Winter White, Silver | Ambient Black, Sakura Pink, Windy Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) |
Motorola GLEAM+ WX308
- Potentially more modern aesthetic design.
- Motorola brand recognition.
- Likely durable construction.
- Limited feature set compared to smartphones.
- Low-resolution camera.
- Proprietary charging connector.
Sony Ericsson W205
- Sony Ericsson’s reputation for reliable feature phones.
- User-friendly interface.
- Potentially longer battery life.
- Basic camera capabilities.
- Small screen size.
- Limited storage capacity.
Display Comparison
Given the era of these phones, both likely feature small, low-resolution color displays – likely around 1.8 to 2 inches with resolutions around 128x160 pixels. The GLEAM+’s potential for a slightly more modern design might translate to marginally better screen clarity, but the core experience will be similar. Neither display will offer outdoor visibility comparable to modern smartphones. The lack of any protective glass on either screen means both are susceptible to scratches.
Camera Comparison
Both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and Sony Ericsson W205 likely include a basic VGA camera (0.3 megapixels). Image quality will be extremely limited, suitable only for very basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. The cameras are primarily a marketing feature rather than a functional one. Expect significant noise and lack of detail in any photos taken with either device. The absence of autofocus or flash further limits their usability.
Performance
Performance is largely irrelevant in this segment. Both phones rely on basic chipsets designed for voice calls and SMS messaging. The Sony Ericsson W205, benefiting from Sony Ericsson’s optimization of software for their hardware, likely offers a slightly smoother user experience navigating menus and accessing basic features. The GLEAM+’s performance will be adequate for its intended purpose, but may feel less refined.
Battery Life
Feature phones excel in battery life, and both the GLEAM+ and W205 are no exception. Expect several days of standby time and hours of talk time on a single charge. The W205, potentially benefiting from Sony Ericsson’s power management optimizations, might offer slightly longer battery life. Charging will be via a proprietary connector, and charging times will be relatively slow compared to modern smartphones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 if you need a potentially more stylish and modern-looking feature phone, and are comfortable with a brand that historically focused on broader mobile innovation. Buy the Sony Ericsson W205 if you prefer a phone from a manufacturer renowned for its robust feature phone designs and user-friendly interfaces, prioritizing reliability and ease of use above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the camera on either phone suitable for taking photos of documents?
No. The VGA cameras on both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and Sony Ericsson W205 are extremely low resolution and lack the clarity needed for legible document scanning. Images will be blurry and difficult to read.
❓ Can I use a microSD card to expand the storage on either phone?
It's unlikely. Feature phones of this era typically had very limited internal storage and rarely supported microSD card expansion. Any storage available will be sufficient for a small number of contacts and SMS messages.
❓ Will these phones work with modern 4G/5G networks?
No. Both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and Sony Ericsson W205 are 2G/2.5G phones and are not compatible with modern 4G or 5G networks. They will only function on older cellular networks where available.
