The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was at the forefront. Today, we're revisiting two iconic models: the C510 and the W890. Both offered unique features and designs, but which one ultimately delivered a better experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sony Ericsson W890 generally edges out the C510 due to its superior camera, more refined design, and slightly better overall performance. However, the C510 might appeal to those seeking a more compact form factor. Both are relics of a bygone era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into mobile history.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| 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 | 2007, November. Released 2008, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 47 x 12.5 mm (4.21 x 1.85 x 0.49 in) | 104 x 46.5 x 9.9 mm (4.09 x 1.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 92 g (3.25 oz) | 78 g (2.75 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 (~25.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | Wallpapers, screensavers |
| 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 4 GB, 2 GB included |
| Internal | 100MB | 32MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p@30fps | 320p@15fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 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/xHTML, HTML (NetFront 3.4), 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, EMS, 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 | Walkman player 3.0
SensMe
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) | Up to 360 h (2G) / Up to 310 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 9 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Future Black, Radiation Silver, Energetic Red | Espresso Black, Mocha Brown, Sparkling Silver |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.36 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.18 W/kg (head) | 1.38 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 78dB / Ring 72dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 69dB / Noise 78dB / Ring 72dB |
Sony Ericsson C510
- Compact and pocketable
- Relatively lightweight
- Classic Sony Ericsson design
- Lower camera quality
- Slightly slower performance
- Smaller screen
Sony Ericsson W890
- Better camera with autofocus
- More refined design
- Slightly faster performance
- Potentially longer battery life
- Larger and less pocketable
- Still limited by 2006 technology
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small displays for their time, typically around 2.2 inches. The W890 likely had a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color reproduction, contributing to a marginally better viewing experience. However, both screens were designed for basic text and image viewing, not multimedia consumption.
Camera Comparison
The W890 boasted a significantly better camera, typically a 2-megapixel unit with autofocus and image stabilization, a notable feature for the time. The C510's camera was likely a lower resolution and lacked some of these advanced features. Image quality on the W890 was noticeably superior.
Performance
The W890 generally had a slightly faster processor and more RAM, leading to snappier performance when navigating menus and running applications. The C510, while functional, might have felt a bit sluggish by comparison. Both phones ran Sony Ericsson's proprietary operating system.
Battery Life
Battery life was a key consideration for all phones back then. While specific figures are unavailable, the W890's larger size likely allowed for a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer talk time and standby time compared to the C510.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson C510 is for collectors seeking a smaller, more discreet classic phone. The Sony Ericsson W890 is for those prioritizing a better camera and a more premium feel, even within the constraints of 2006 technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What year were these phones released?
The Sony Ericsson C510 was released in 2006, while the W890 came out in 2006 as well, with the W890 being released slightly earlier.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, they are still functional, but finding service providers that support their network technology (GSM) can be challenging. They are primarily sought after for their nostalgic value.
