Sony Ericsson's revival of classic designs continues with the Hazel and Elm. These phones aim to capture the nostalgia of early 2000s mobile phones while offering modern conveniences. But which one is the better choice for those seeking a retro experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Hazel and Elm are remarkably similar, both offering a basic feature phone experience. The Elm edges out slightly due to potentially better build quality and a slightly more refined design, though both are solid choices for a simple, reliable device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/1.8 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, December. Released 2010, May | 2009, December. Released 2010, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 102 x 49.5 x 16 mm (4.02 x 1.95 x 0.63 in) | 110 x 45 x 14 mm (4.33 x 1.77 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 90 g (3.17 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~41.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~30.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable |
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 469 h (2G) / Up to 588 h (3G) | Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 424 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 4 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Superior Black, Passionate Rouge | Metal Black, Pearly Rose |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) | 1.24 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -86.8dB |
Noise -87.2dB / Crosstalk -85.9dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB
|
Voice 61dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 69dB |
Sony Ericsson Hazel
- Classic Sony Ericsson design
- Simple and easy to use
- Long battery life
- Reliable for calls and texts
- Very basic camera
- Limited functionality
- Small screen
- Potentially less durable build
Sony Ericsson Elm
- Slightly more premium design
- Potentially better build quality
- Simple and easy to use
- Long battery life
- Very basic camera
- Limited functionality
- Small screen
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both the Hazel and Elm likely feature small, basic LCD screens, typical of feature phones from their era. Expect limited resolution and color depth. Differences will likely be subtle, potentially in screen brightness or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having a 'Photo' camera. This likely indicates a very basic, low-resolution camera, suitable only for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Image quality will be a significant limitation on both devices.
Performance
Performance will be limited by the processors in both devices. Expect basic functionality like calls, texts, and perhaps simple games. Don't expect multitasking or demanding apps. Performance will be comparable.
Battery Life
Battery life is a strong point for both, given their limited functionality. Expect several days of use on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. Battery capacity is likely similar, though the Elm's potentially more efficient components could give it a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Hazel is ideal for those seeking a truly minimalist phone for calls and texts, prioritizing a simple, classic aesthetic. The Sony Ericsson Elm is better suited for users who want a slightly more premium feel and potentially a more durable build, while still embracing the retro design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones smartphones?
No, the Hazel and Elm are feature phones, offering basic functionality like calls, texts, and limited multimedia capabilities. They do not run modern smartphone operating systems.
❓ Can I use these phones with a modern SIM card?
Likely yes, but it's best to check compatibility with your carrier. They likely support standard SIM card sizes.
