The early to mid-2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The C510 and C902 represent different points in their evolution. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which of these iconic devices holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The C902 generally wins due to its superior camera, slightly better design, and more advanced features like A2DP Bluetooth. However, the C510 might appeal to those seeking a simpler, more compact experience. Both offer a nostalgic trip back to a simpler era of mobile.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 - C902i only |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - C510a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, January. Released 2009, February | 2008, February. Released 2008, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 47 x 12.5 mm (4.21 x 1.85 x 0.49 in) | 108 x 49 x 10.5 mm (4.25 x 1.93 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 92 g (3.25 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~29.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~23.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB |
| Internal | 100MB | 160MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 320p@30fps | 320p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | QCIF videocall camera |
| | Videocall camera | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Instant Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, Instant Messaging |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | 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 | MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Future Black, Radiation Silver, Energetic Red | Swift Black, Luscious Red, Titanium Silver, Cinnamon Bronze |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.36 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | 1.32 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.18 W/kg (head) | 1.34 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 78dB |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 78dB |
Sony Ericsson C510
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Good battery life
- Classic Sony Ericsson design
- Basic camera
- Limited features
- Lower resolution display
- Slower performance compared to C902
Sony Ericsson C902
- Better camera with autofocus
- Slightly more premium design
- A2DP Bluetooth support
- Potentially faster performance
- Larger and heavier than C510
- Still limited by older technology
- Can be harder to find in good condition
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small displays for their time, typically around 2.2 inches. The C902 likely had a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color reproduction, though both were limited by the technology of the era. Expect a pixelated experience by modern standards.
Camera Comparison
The C902 boasted a significantly better camera, typically a 5-megapixel unit with autofocus and a flash, compared to the C510's likely 2-megapixel camera. Image quality on the C902 would be noticeably superior, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
Performance was dictated by the processors of the time, which were significantly slower than modern smartphones. The C902, being a slightly newer model, might have a marginally faster processor and more RAM, leading to slightly smoother navigation and app loading. However, don't expect blazing speeds from either device.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both phones, typical of feature phones. The C902's slightly larger size might have allowed for a marginally larger battery, but both should offer several days of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson C510 is ideal for users who prioritize a smaller form factor and a straightforward user experience. The C902 is better suited for those who value a more advanced camera and a slightly more premium feel, even within the context of a feature phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern networks?
No, these phones use 2G networks, which are being phased out in many regions. They may only work in areas with limited 2G coverage or with specific network configurations.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely need to search online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro phone retailers. Condition and price will vary greatly.
