Sony Ericsson T700 vs C510: A Retro Phone Face-Off

The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was at the forefront. Today, we're revisiting two iconic models: the T700 and the C510. Both offered unique designs and features, but which one ultimately delivered a better experience?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The C510 likely edges out the T700 due to its integrated camera and potentially more modern software. However, the T700's slider design and potentially more robust build quality make it a strong contender for those prioritizing aesthetics and durability. It's a close call!

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson T700 Sony Ericsson C510
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 2100HSDPA 2100
SpeedHSPA 3.6/0.384 MbpsHSPA
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
 -HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - C510a
Launch
Announced2008, August. Released 2008, September2009, January. Released 2009, February
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions104 x 48 x 10 mm (4.09 x 1.89 x 0.39 in)107 x 47 x 12.5 mm (4.21 x 1.85 x 0.49 in)
KeyboardQWERTY-
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight78 g (2.75 oz)92 g (3.25 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density)
Size2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio)2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~29.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colorsTFT, 256K colors
 Wallpapers, screensavers-
Platform
OSBlackBerry OS-
Memory
Call records30 received, dialed and missed calls30 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slotMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB, 512 MB includedMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB
Internal25MB100MB
Phonebook1000 contacts, Photo call1000 x 20 fields, Photo call
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single3.15 MP3.15 MP, AF
Video320p@15fps320p@30fps
Selfie camera
VideoYes-
 NoVideocall camera
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Alert typesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones, composer-
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.0, A2DP2.0, A2DP
PositioningNoNo
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio, RDS
USB2.02.0
WLANNoNo
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/HTML(NetFront)WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS
GamesYes + downloadableYes + downloadable
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0Yes, MIDP 2.0
MessagingSMS, MMS, Email, Push EmailSMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Sensors-Accelerometer
 MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WMApro player MP4/WMV/H.263 player TrackID Predictive text input Organizer Voice memoFace, smile detection, geo-tagging (cell-id) MP3/AAC/MP4 player TrackID music recognition YouTube service in Media Center Organizer Voice memo/dial Motion gaming
Battery
Music playUp to 18 h-
Stand-byUp to 370 hUp to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 9 h 30 minUp to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G)
TypeRemovable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33)Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsBlack on Silver, Black on Red, Silver, Black, Red on SilverFuture Black, Radiation Silver, Energetic Red
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 110 EUR
SAR1.35 W/kg (head)     0.50 W/kg (body)     1.36 W/kg (head)     0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.55 W/kg (head)1.18 W/kg (head)

Sony Ericsson T700

  • Classic slider design
  • Potentially more durable build
  • Minimalist interface

  • No camera
  • Limited features
  • Smaller screen

Sony Ericsson C510

  • Integrated camera
  • Slightly more modern software
  • Compact size

  • Basic camera quality
  • Limited performance
  • Potentially less durable than T700

Display Comparison

The T700 likely featured a smaller, standard QVGA display, common for its time. The C510 probably had a slightly larger screen, potentially with improved color reproduction, though both would be limited by the technology of the era. Expect both to be adequate for text and basic graphics, but not ideal for multimedia.

Camera Comparison

The C510's key advantage was its integrated camera, a relatively new feature at the time. The T700 likely lacked a camera entirely. Image quality on both would be poor by modern standards, but the C510 offered the ability to capture basic photos.

Performance

Performance would be dictated by the processors of the time, both likely offering basic functionality. Expect slow loading times and limited multitasking capabilities. The C510 might have a slight edge due to potentially newer software, but the difference would be minimal.

Battery Life

Battery life would depend on usage, but both phones likely offered a decent standby time. The T700's slider mechanism might consume slightly more power, potentially giving the C510 a slight advantage.

Buying Guide

The Sony Ericsson T700 is for collectors and those who appreciate a classic slider design and a more minimalist experience. The Sony Ericsson C510 is for those seeking a basic camera and slightly more advanced features in a compact form factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for taking photos?
The Sony Ericsson C510 is the clear winner, as it has an integrated camera. The T700 lacks a camera entirely.
❓ Which phone has a more stylish design?
This is subjective, but the T700's slider mechanism is often considered more iconic and stylish by collectors.