The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. Today, we're pitting two of their offerings – the Hazel and the T715 – against each other. This isn't about cutting-edge technology; it's about nostalgia, design, and the charm of a simpler mobile experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Hazel likely edges out the T715 due to its confirmed photo camera and generally more documented features. While the T715's specs are scarce, the Hazel's design and camera capabilities offer a slightly more compelling retro experience, assuming both are in good working order.
| 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 |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - T715a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, December. Released 2010, May | 2009, June. Released 2009, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 102 x 49.5 x 16 mm (4.02 x 1.95 x 0.63 in) | 91.5 x 48 x 14.9 mm (3.60 x 1.89 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 96 g (3.39 oz) |
| | 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 (~34.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M colors | TFT, 16M colors |
| | - | Smart desktop |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 280MB | 90MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) |
| 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(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email |
| 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+/WMA player
MP4/WMV/H.263 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 469 h (2G) / Up to 588 h (3G) | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Superior Black, Passionate Rouge | Galaxy Silver, Rouge Pink |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) | 0.90 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -86.8dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB
| - |
Sony Ericsson Hazel
- Stylish design
- Confirmed photo camera
- Good battery life (estimated)
- Relatively well-documented
- Limited functionality
- Outdated technology
- Potential for parts scarcity
Sony Ericsson T715
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to use (assumed)
- Potential collector's item
- Lack of detailed specs
- Unknown camera capabilities
- Potential for parts scarcity
- Limited functionality
Display Comparison
The Hazel likely featured a small, standard LCD screen typical of the era, probably around 2.2 inches. The T715's display size and resolution are unknown, but it likely followed a similar design philosophy – prioritizing compactness over visual fidelity. Expect both to offer basic color displays suitable for text and simple graphics.
Camera Comparison
The Hazel's key advantage is its confirmed photo camera. While image quality would be rudimentary by today's standards, it offered a basic level of photography. The T715's camera capabilities are unknown, potentially lacking a camera entirely or featuring a very basic model.
Performance
Both phones ran on Sony Ericsson's proprietary feature phone operating systems. Performance would be limited by the hardware of the time, focusing on basic tasks like calling, texting, and simple games. Don't expect multitasking or demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for feature phones. Both the Hazel and T715 likely offered several days of standby time with moderate use. Actual talk time would depend on network conditions and usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Hazel is for those seeking a stylish, camera-equipped feature phone with a touch of early 2000s flair. The T715 might appeal to hardcore Sony Ericsson collectors or those looking for a very basic, minimalist phone, provided they can find one in good condition and are willing to overlook the lack of detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are replacement parts readily available for these phones?
Finding replacement parts for these older Sony Ericsson phones can be challenging. Parts scarcity is a significant consideration before purchasing.
❓ What operating systems did these phones use?
Both phones ran on Sony Ericsson's proprietary feature phone operating systems, which were designed for basic functionality and limited application support.