The Sony Ericsson C902 and C903 were titans of the mid-2000s, renowned for their impressive camera capabilities in a feature phone form factor. Both devices captured the imagination of mobile enthusiasts, but subtle differences set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The C903 generally edges out the C902 due to its slightly improved design, marginally better camera, and subtle refinements. However, the C902 remains a compelling choice, especially if found at a lower price point. Both offer a nostalgic glimpse into a golden age of mobile photography.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 - C902i only |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - C903a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, July | 2008, February. Released 2008, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 97 x 49 x 16 mm (3.82 x 1.93 x 0.63 in) | 108 x 49 x 10.5 mm (4.25 x 1.93 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~37.5% 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 16 GB | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB |
| Internal | 105MB | 160MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 320p@30fps | 320p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | QCIF videocall camera |
| | No | - |
| 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 | GPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder Navigator 7 | 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 reader | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, Instant Messaging |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
YouTube application
TV-out
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | 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 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lacquer Black, Techno White, Glamour Red, Metal Pink, Warm Silver | Swift Black, Luscious Red, Titanium Silver, Cinnamon Bronze |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.32 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.55 W/kg (head) | 1.34 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 78dB |
Sony Ericsson C903
- Slightly improved camera (5MP)
- Refined design with a more premium feel
- Potentially slightly better battery life
- Classic slider design
- Can be harder to find in good condition
- Price may be higher than the C902
- Limited app support
Sony Ericsson C902
- More compact and pocketable
- Generally more affordable
- Classic design
- Decent camera for its time (3.2MP)
- Camera quality slightly inferior to the C903
- Design feels slightly less premium
- Battery life could be better
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small, 2.2-inch QVGA displays. The C903's screen may have had a slightly improved color reproduction, but the difference was minimal. Viewing angles and brightness were typical for the era.
Camera Comparison
The C903 boasted a 5-megapixel camera with Xenon flash, a slight upgrade over the C902's 3.2-megapixel camera. While both produced decent images for their time, the C903 generally captured sharper and more vibrant photos, especially in low light conditions. Video recording capabilities were also comparable.
Performance
Powered by similar processors, performance was adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing. Don't expect blazing speeds by modern standards. Both phones ran Sony Ericsson's proprietary UI, which was functional but not particularly innovative.
Battery Life
Battery life was a common complaint for both devices. Expect a day's use with moderate usage. The C903 might have had a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a marginal improvement in longevity.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson C903 is ideal for collectors and enthusiasts seeking the slightly more refined experience. The C902 is a great option for those wanting a classic camera phone experience on a budget, or those who prefer the slightly more compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern SIM cards?
Likely not without modification. These phones used older SIM card technology and network standards. You may need to research compatibility and potential modifications.
❓ Can I install apps on these phones?
App support is extremely limited. These phones ran Sony Ericsson's proprietary operating system, which is no longer actively supported. You'll be limited to pre-installed apps and potentially some very old Java apps.
