Sony Ericsson Aino vs. K810: A Retro Phone Face-Off

The Sony Ericsson Aino and K810 represent a fascinating era of mobile technology. Both phones were highly regarded in their time, boasting impressive features for their generation. But which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to determine the ultimate champion.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Aino edges out the K810 thanks to its superior multimedia capabilities and slightly more modern design. While the K810 was a camera pioneer, the Aino’s enhanced music features and improved display give it a slight advantage for those seeking a nostalgic multimedia experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson Aino Sony Ericsson K810
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100UMTS 2100
SpeedHSPA 7.2/2 MbpsYes, 384 kbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / UMTS
 HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 Aino (a) for Americas-
Launch
Announced2009, May. Released 2009, October2007, February
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions104 x 50 x 15.5 mm (4.09 x 1.97 x 0.61 in)106 x 48 x 17 mm (4.17 x 1.89 x 0.67 in)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight134 g (4.73 oz)103 g (3.63 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 432 pixels (~165 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density)
Size3.0 inches, 24.6 cm2 (~47.4% screen-to-body ratio)2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFTTFT, 256K colors
 Limited touchscreen functionalityWallpapers, screensavers
Memory
Call records30 received, dialed and missed calls30 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB includedMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 2 GB, 128 MB included
Internal55MB64MB
Phonebook1000 x 20 fields, Photo call1000 x 20 fields, Photo call
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashxenon flash
Single8.1 MP, AF3.15 MP, AF
Video480p@30fpsQCIF
Selfie camera
Single-Videocall camera
 No-
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Alert types-Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones, composer
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP2.0, A2DP
Infrared port-Yes
PositioningGPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder NavigatorNo
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio, RDS
USB2.02.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNANo
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront 3.5), RSS readerWAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader
GamesYes, incl. motion-based + downloadableYes + downloadable
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0Yes, MIDP 2.0
MessagingSMS(threaded view), MMS, EmailSMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
SensorsAccelerometer-
 Remote play for Playstation 3 Photo editor Organizer Voice memo SensMe Predictive text inputMP3/AAC/MP4 player TrackID music recognition Predictive text input Photo editor Organizer Voice memo/dial
Battery
Music playUp to 31 h-
Stand-byUp to 380 h (2G) / Up to 367 h (3G)Up to 400 h
Talk timeUp to 13 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)Up to 10 h
TypeRemovable Li-Po 1000 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33)
Misc
ColorsObsidian Black, Luminous WhiteNoble Blue, Golden Ivory, Pulse Red
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR1.00 W/kg (head)     0.95 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.74 W/kg (head)1.31 W/kg (head)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -81.4dB / Crosstalk -80.2dB-
Camera Photo-
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB -

Sony Ericsson Aino

  • Superior OLED display
  • Enhanced multimedia features (music player)
  • Slightly faster performance
  • Larger battery capacity (potentially)

  • Camera not as impressive as K810
  • Can be harder to find in good condition

Sony Ericsson K810

  • Excellent 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash
  • Compact and classic design
  • Historically significant camera phone

  • Limited multimedia features compared to Aino
  • Likely LCD screen with less vibrant colors
  • Potentially slower performance

Display Comparison

The Aino features a 3.0-inch OLED display, offering vibrant colors and deeper blacks compared to the K810's likely LCD screen (specs are limited). The Aino's display is also slightly larger, providing a more immersive viewing experience. While the K810's screen was respectable for its time, the Aino's OLED technology gives it a clear edge.

Camera Comparison

The K810 was renowned for its 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash, a significant advancement at the time. While the Aino also has a camera, the K810's camera was a major selling point and likely produces superior image quality, especially in low light. The Aino's camera is primarily for casual snapshots.

Performance

Both phones run on Sony Ericsson's proprietary operating system. The Aino likely has a slightly faster processor and more RAM, resulting in smoother performance, especially when multitasking or running music applications. The K810, while capable, might show its age with slightly slower loading times.

Battery Life

The Aino generally has a slightly larger battery capacity than the K810, potentially offering longer battery life, especially with heavy multimedia usage. However, battery performance will also depend on usage patterns and the condition of the battery after years of use.

Buying Guide

The Sony Ericsson Aino is ideal for those seeking a retro phone with a focus on music and multimedia. The K810 is a good choice for camera enthusiasts who appreciate a classic, compact design and a strong emphasis on photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for photography?
The Sony Ericsson K810 is the clear winner for photography, thanks to its 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash. It was a groundbreaking camera phone in its time.
❓ Is the Aino worth buying for music lovers?
Yes, the Aino is a great choice for music enthusiasts. It has enhanced multimedia features and a better display for enjoying music and videos.
❓ Are replacement parts readily available for these phones?
Finding replacement parts for both phones can be challenging due to their age. However, online communities and specialized repair shops may offer some options.