Remember the days of slider phones and feature-rich devices without breaking the bank? The Sony Ericsson Elm and Cedar were popular choices in the early 2010s. Let's revisit these nostalgic phones and see how they stack up against each other in a modern comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Elm edges out the Cedar due to its confirmed camera capabilities and slightly more documented features. While the Cedar was likely a solid budget option, the Elm's known camera and design give it a slight advantage for those seeking a functional retro device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/1.8 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, December. Released 2010, March | 2010, June. Released 2010, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 110 x 45 x 14 mm (4.33 x 1.77 x 0.55 in) | 111 x 49 x 15.5 mm (4.37 x 1.93 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 90 g (3.17 oz) | 84 g (2.96 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~30.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~27.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 280MB | 280MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 320p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader | WAP 2.0/HTML |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | - |
| | HD Voice ready
MP3/eAAC+/WAV player
SensMe, Track ID
MP4/H.264 player
Photo editor
Widget Manager
Organizer
Eco friendly materials
Walkmate, CO2 Calculator
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | MP3/eAAC+/WAV player
MP4/H.264 player
YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter apps
Organizer
Widget manager
Eco friendly materials
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 424 h (3G) | Up to 420 h (2G) / Up to 475 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 12 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metal Black, Pearly Rose | Black/Silver, Black/Red |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.24 W/kg (head) | 1.16 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.2dB / Crosstalk -85.9dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 61dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 69dB | - |
Sony Ericsson Elm
- Confirmed Camera
- Slider Design
- Likely Good Battery Life
- Nostalgic Appeal
- Limited Performance
- Low-Resolution Display
- Outdated Technology
- Camera Specs Unknown
Sony Ericsson Cedar
- Potentially Very Affordable
- Compact Size
- Simple to Use
- No Camera Confirmation
- Missing Specs
- Limited Functionality
- Outdated Technology
Display Comparison
Both the Elm and Cedar likely featured small, standard LCD screens typical of their era (around 2.4-2.8 inches). Expect resolutions around 240x320 pixels. Neither phone prioritized display quality; functionality was key.
Camera Comparison
The Elm is confirmed to have a camera, though the resolution is unknown. The Cedar's camera status is unconfirmed, a significant disadvantage. Photo quality on both would be basic, suitable only for casual snapshots.
Performance
Performance was limited by the processors of the time. Expect basic functionality – calls, texts, simple apps. Don't expect multitasking or demanding games. Both phones would feel slow by today's standards.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for these phones. Expect several days of moderate use, thanks to the low-power displays and processors. Exact mAh ratings are difficult to confirm without detailed specs.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Elm is for those seeking a functional slider phone with a camera for basic photography and a touch of nostalgia. The Sony Ericsson Cedar might appeal to collectors or those looking for an extremely budget-friendly, minimalist phone, but its lack of detailed specs makes it a riskier purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern SIM cards?
Likely not without modification. These phones used older SIM card technologies. You may need to find an adapter or a compatible SIM card, but functionality isn't guaranteed.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely find them on online marketplaces like eBay or through retro phone collectors. Be prepared to pay a premium for a working model in good condition.
