Remember a time before ubiquitous app stores and lightning-fast processors? The Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman and the Apple iPhone 4s represent that era. Both were significant devices in their time, but how do they stack up against each other now, and which one offers a more compelling experience for those seeking a nostalgic smartphone?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPhone 4s decisively wins. While the Live with Walkman boasts a dedicated Walkman music player, the iPhone 4s's superior performance, app ecosystem, and overall user experience make it the clear victor, even by today's standards. It's a testament to Apple's enduring design and software.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - WT19i | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - WT19a | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, October | 2011, October 04. Released 2011, October 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 106 x 56.5 x 14.2 mm (4.17 x 2.22 x 0.56 in) | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 115 g (4.06 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| | - | Scratch-resistant glass back panel |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~180 ppi density) | 640 x 960 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~330 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.2 inches, 30.5 cm2 (~50.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Scorpion | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | iOS 5, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | No |
| Internal | 320MB 512MB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM, 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 35mm (standard), 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi and 3G |
| Video | - | 480p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
TrackID music recognition
Document editor
Voice memo
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 17 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 350 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) | Up to 200 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h 15 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 42 min (3G) | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery | Li-Po 1432 mAh, non-removable (5.3 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Models | - | A1431, A1387, iPhone4,1 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.00 W/kg (head) | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -88.1dB / Crosstalk -87.9dB |
Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 45h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1261:1 (nominal) / 2.269:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 78dB
|
Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 74dB
|
Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman
- Dedicated Walkman music player
- Simple Android interface
- Compact size
- Outdated processor
- Lower screen quality
- Limited app availability
- Slower performance
Apple iPhone 4s
- Superior performance
- Retina display
- Better camera
- Extensive app ecosystem
- More responsive user experience
- Older technology
- Limited storage options compared to modern phones
- Battery degradation likely due to age
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.5-inch display, but the iPhone 4s's Retina display offered significantly better pixel density and color accuracy compared to the Live with Walkman's screen. The contrast ratios are similar, but the iPhone 4s's display is noticeably sharper and more vibrant. Sunlight readability is also comparable.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 4s's 8MP camera was a significant upgrade over the Live with Walkman's camera. While both offer photo and video capabilities, the iPhone 4s captures images with better detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Low-light performance is also noticeably better on the iPhone 4s.
Performance
The iPhone 4s's dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and Apple A5 chipset provide a substantial performance advantage over the Live with Walkman's single-core 1.0 GHz Scorpion processor and Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience is more responsive on the iPhone 4s.
Battery Life
Both devices are reported to have an endurance rating of 45h. However, considering the iPhone 4s's more efficient processor and optimized software, it likely delivers longer real-world battery life despite the similar rating.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman is for dedicated music lovers seeking a simple, dedicated music player experience and a taste of early Android. The Apple iPhone 4s is for those wanting a more versatile smartphone with a robust app ecosystem and a generally smoother user experience, even with its age.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman worth buying today?
Only if you're a dedicated music lover seeking a simple, dedicated music player experience and appreciate the nostalgia of early Android. Don't expect modern smartphone features.
❓ Can I still find apps for the iPhone 4s?
Yes, but the app store support is limited. Many newer apps are not compatible, but a vast library of older apps remains available.
❓ Which phone is more durable?
The iPhone 4s, with its aluminum unibody construction, is generally considered more durable than the Live with Walkman's plastic build.
