The Sony Ericsson Hazel and Xperia neo V represent a bygone era of mobile technology, offering affordable options in a competitive market. Both phones aimed to deliver a decent experience without breaking the bank, but significant differences exist. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which one holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia neo V edges out the Hazel thanks to its superior chipset, video recording capabilities, and slightly more robust feature set. While both are dated, the neo V's Snapdragon processor and broader functionality make it the more compelling choice for those seeking a functional throwback.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - MT11i |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - MT11a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, December. Released 2010, May | 2011, August. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 102 x 49.5 x 16 mm (4.02 x 1.95 x 0.63 in) | 116 x 57 x 13 mm (4.57 x 2.24 x 0.51 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 126 g (4.44 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~41.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M colors | LED-backlit LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 205 |
| OS | - | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 280MB | 1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | Yes, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader | No |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | No |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | SMS, MMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | 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 | ANT+
HDMI port
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player
TrackID music recognition
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (T9 Trace) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 31 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 469 h (2G) / Up to 588 h (3G) | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 6 h 55 min (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Superior Black, Passionate Rouge | White, Blue Gradient, Silver |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -86.8dB |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -80.9dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 42h
|
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1578:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB
|
Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB
|
Sony Ericsson Hazel
- Simple and straightforward
- Potentially very affordable (if found)
- Compact size
- Extremely limited features
- Unknown processor performance
- Likely basic camera quality
- No video recording
Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
- Snapdragon processor for better performance
- Video recording capability
- Slightly more modern features
- Good battery life
- Still a dated device
- Limited app compatibility
- May be difficult to find in good condition
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a similar contrast ratio of 1578:1, suggesting comparable black levels and image depth. However, the neo V likely has a slightly better display due to its more advanced chipset allowing for better color processing. The Hazel's display is likely more basic, prioritizing power efficiency over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
While both are listed as 'Photo' capable, the Xperia neo V explicitly supports video recording, a significant advantage. The neo V's camera likely benefits from the Snapdragon chipset's image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better image quality and faster capture times. The Hazel's camera is likely very basic.
Performance
The Xperia neo V's Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Hazel's unknown processor. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the neo V. The Hazel's performance would likely feel sluggish by modern standards.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 42h. This suggests comparable battery life, likely due to the relatively low power demands of their hardware and displays. However, real-world usage will vary depending on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Hazel might appeal to someone seeking the absolute bare minimum – a simple phone for calls and basic photos. The Xperia neo V is better suited for users who want a slightly more modern experience with video recording, a faster processor, and a more versatile camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. Network compatibility and app support are major concerns. They are best suited for very basic tasks or as retro devices.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
Finding these phones new is impossible. You'll likely need to search online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro phone retailers.
