The Sony Ericsson Hazel and Zylo represent a nostalgic era of mobile phones, both boasting unique designs and features. But which one holds up better today? We're diving deep into a comparison to help you decide which retro device is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zylo edges out the Hazel due to its slightly more modern design and potentially better multimedia capabilities, though both offer a charming throwback experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for aesthetics and specific features, as both are quite similar.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, December. Released 2010, May | 2010, April. Released 2010, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 102 x 49.5 x 16 mm (4.02 x 1.95 x 0.63 in) | 103 x 52 x 16 mm (4.06 x 2.05 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 115 g (4.06 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~41.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~39.1% 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 | 260MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | 2000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@24fps |
| 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader | WAP 2.0/xHTML, 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 | Walkman 4.0 player
FLAC/MP3/eAAC+/WAV player
SensMe, Track ID
MP4/H.264 player
Photo editor
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter applications
Organizer
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 469 h (2G) / Up to 588 h (3G) | Up to 340 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 4 h (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery (BST-43) | Removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Superior Black, Passionate Rouge | Jazz Black, Chacha Silver, Swing Pink, Energetic Black, Meteorite White, Nebula Red |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) | 0.88 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -86.8dB |
Noise -85.5dB / Crosstalk -84.8dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB
|
Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 78dB
|
Sony Ericsson Hazel
- Unique, eye-catching design
- Simple and easy to use
- Good battery life
- Limited features
- Low-resolution camera
- Outdated technology
Sony Ericsson Zylo
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially better multimedia playback
- Good battery life
- Limited features
- Low-resolution camera
- Outdated technology
Display Comparison
Both the Hazel and Zylo likely feature similar, relatively small, LCD screens typical of their time (around 2.2-2.4 inches). Expect decent color reproduction but limited resolution compared to modern smartphones. The Zylo might have a slightly brighter display, but the difference would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having a 'Photo' camera, suggesting basic camera functionality. Image quality will be low by today's standards, suitable only for casual snapshots. Expect limited resolution and poor low-light performance on both.
Performance
Performance will be comparable on both devices, powered by similar processors and limited RAM. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding app support. They're best suited for basic calling, texting, and simple multimedia playback.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for phones of this era. Both the Hazel and Zylo likely offer several days of standby time with moderate use. The Zylo might have a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially leading to marginally longer talk time.
Buying Guide
The Hazel is ideal for those seeking a truly vintage Sony Ericsson experience with a focus on simplicity. The Zylo is better suited for users who want a slightly more feature-rich retro phone with a more contemporary design within the same era.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones compatible with modern SIM cards?
No, these phones use older SIM card formats and will not be compatible with modern nano-SIM cards. You'll need to source an older SIM card.
❓ Can I install apps on these phones?
The app ecosystem for these devices is extremely limited. You'll be restricted to the pre-installed apps and any very basic Java apps that might be available.
