Sony Ericsson Cedar vs Nokia 5233: A Throwback Tech Showdown

Remember the days of feature phones and simple joys? The Sony Ericsson Cedar and Nokia 5233 represent a bygone era of mobile technology. Both phones offer a nostalgic experience, but which one delivers the better package? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia 5233 edges out the Cedar thanks to its slightly faster processor and dedicated gaming features. While the Cedar likely boasts Sony Ericsson's renowned design and potentially better audio, the 5233's broader functionality and established reputation make it the stronger choice for most.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson Cedar Nokia 5233
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 2100-
EDGE-Class 32
GPRS-Class 32
SpeedHSPA 7.2/2 Mbps-
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM
 HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 -
Launch
Announced2010, June. Released 2010, September2010, January. Released 2010, January
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions111 x 49 x 15.5 mm (4.37 x 1.93 x 0.61 in)111 x 51.7 x 14.5 mm, 83 cc (4.37 x 2.04 x 0.57 in)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight84 g (2.96 oz)113 g (3.99 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density)360 x 640 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~229 ppi density)
Size2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~27.6% screen-to-body ratio)3.2 inches, 28.2 cm2 (~49.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colorsTFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors
 -Handwriting recognition
Platform
CPU-434 MHz ARM 11
OS-Symbian 9.4, Series 60 rel. 5
Memory
Call recordsYes-
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal280MB70MB 128MB RAM
Phonebook1000 entries, Photocall-
Main Camera
Single2 MP2 MP
Video320p@15fps640x360@30fps
Selfie camera
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP2.0, A2DP
PositioningNoNo
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANNoNo
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/HTMLWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite
GamesYes-
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0-
MessagingSMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM-
Sensors-Accelerometer, proximity
 MP3/eAAC+/WAV player MP4/H.264 player YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter apps Organizer Widget manager Eco friendly materials Voice memo Predictive text inputComes with music on select markets MP4/H.264/WMV player MP3/WAV/eAAC+/WMA player Organizer Photo editor Voice memo/dial Predictive text input
Battery
Music play-Up to 33 h
Stand-byUp to 420 h (2G) / Up to 475 h (3G)Up to 432 h
Talk timeUp to 12 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G)Up to 7 h
TypeRemovable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43)Removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery (BL-5J)
Misc
ColorsBlack/Silver, Black/RedBlack, White
PriceAbout 50 EURAbout 100 EUR
SAR1.08 W/kg (head)     0.56 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.16 W/kg (head)1.10 W/kg (head)

Sony Ericsson Cedar

  • Sleek and compact design
  • Potentially excellent audio quality (typical of Sony Ericsson)
  • Simple and user-friendly interface

  • Likely slower performance
  • Limited features compared to the 5233
  • Lack of detailed specifications available

Nokia 5233

  • Larger display for better viewing
  • Faster processor for smoother performance
  • Dedicated gaming features and support
  • More readily available information and support

  • Design may be considered less premium than the Cedar
  • Camera quality is basic

Display Comparison

The Cedar likely featured a smaller, more compact display, typical of Sony Ericsson's design philosophy. The Nokia 5233, with its 3.2-inch screen, offered a larger viewing area, making it better for browsing and gaming. Expect the 5233 to have slightly better color reproduction.

Camera Comparison

Both phones featured basic cameras, likely in the 2-3 megapixel range. Image quality would be comparable, adequate for casual snapshots but not exceptional. The Nokia 5233 might have slightly better software for image processing.

Performance

The Nokia 5233's 434 MHz ARM 11 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Cedar, which likely used a less powerful processor. This translates to smoother app navigation and a more responsive user interface on the 5233. The Cedar would feel more basic in terms of speed.

Battery Life

Battery life is difficult to definitively compare without specific specs for the Cedar. However, feature phones generally offered excellent battery life. The Nokia 5233, with its slightly larger battery, likely provided marginally better endurance, especially with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Sony Ericsson Cedar is ideal for those prioritizing a sleek, minimalist design and a simple, focused user experience. The Nokia 5233 is better suited for users who want a bit more functionality, including gaming and a slightly more responsive interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are spare parts readily available for these phones?
Finding spare parts for both phones can be challenging due to their age. Online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet, but availability will vary.
❓ Can I use these phones with a modern SIM card?
These phones use older SIM card technology. You may need an adapter or a SIM card cut down to the correct size. Compatibility isn't guaranteed.