Remember the days of slider phones and dedicated number pads? We're revisiting two iconic devices from the mid-2000s: the Sony Ericsson C510 and the Nokia E5. This comparison will explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide which retro phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia E5 edges out the C510 thanks to its more powerful 600MHz processor and slightly more modern features. While the C510 boasts a unique design, the E5 offers a more robust and functional experience for its time. Both are relics of a bygone era, but the E5 has a slight advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 10.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - C510a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, January. Released 2009, February | 2010, April. Released 2010, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 47 x 12.5 mm (4.21 x 1.85 x 0.49 in) | 115 x 58.9 x 12.8 mm, 75 cc (4.53 x 2.32 x 0.50 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 92 g (3.25 oz) | 126 g (4.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~169 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~29.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.36 inches, 17.2 cm2 (~25.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 600 MHz ARM 11 |
| OS | - | Symbian 9.3, Series 60 rel. 3.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | - |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 100MB | 250MB; 256MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 320p@30fps | 480p@15fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| | Videocall camera | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | GPS, A-GPS; Ovi Maps |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP & DLNA technology |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Instant Messaging | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | - |
| | Face, smile detection, geo-tagging (cell-id)
MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
YouTube service in Media Center
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Motion gaming | Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF viewer
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
Voice command/dial
Organizer
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 38 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) | Up to 635 h (2G) / Up to 670 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 13 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 15 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-4D) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Future Black, Radiation Silver, Energetic Red | Carbon Black, Chalk White, Sky Blue, Copper Brown, Silver Grey |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.36 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | 1.18 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.18 W/kg (head) | 0.88 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.0dB / Crosstalk -91.5dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -90.0dB / Crosstalk -91.5dB |
| Camera | - | Photo |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Sony Ericsson C510
- Unique slider design
- Compact size
- Classic Sony Ericsson feel
- Likely slower processor
- Limited features
- Lower screen resolution
Nokia E5
- Faster 600 MHz processor
- Slightly more modern features
- Potentially better battery life
- Less distinctive design
- Basic camera
- Outdated software
Display Comparison
The C510 likely featured a smaller, lower-resolution display typical of its time. The Nokia E5 probably had a slightly larger screen, though still relatively small by today's standards. Both would offer limited viewing angles and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones featured basic 'photo' cameras, likely around 2-3 megapixels. Image quality would be poor by modern standards, suitable only for quick snapshots. Don't expect impressive low-light performance from either device.
Performance
The Nokia E5's 600 MHz ARM 11 processor gives it a clear advantage over the C510, which likely had a slower processor. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the E5. The C510 might feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both phones. The Nokia E5, with its slightly more efficient processor, might have a marginal advantage in battery endurance, but both should offer several days of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson C510 is for collectors and those nostalgic for Sony Ericsson's design aesthetic. The Nokia E5 is for users seeking a slightly more capable and functional device from that era, prioritizing performance over pure style.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
While functional, these phones are severely limited by modern standards. Network compatibility and app availability are major concerns. They are best suited for collectors or as novelty items.
❓ Which phone is more durable?
The Nokia E5, known for Nokia's robust build quality, likely offers better durability than the C510. However, both are susceptible to damage from drops and wear and tear.
