The early to mid-2000s were a golden age for Sony Ericsson, producing iconic phones with unique designs and innovative features. Today, we're pitting two of those classics against each other: the slider-style T707 and the camera-focused C905. Let's see which one holds up best.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The C905 wins overall due to its superior camera, more advanced features, and slightly better performance. However, the T707’s sleek slider design and compact form factor make it a stylish and appealing choice for those prioritizing aesthetics and a classic feel.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - T707a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - C905a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, March. Released 2009, May | 2008, June. Released 2008, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 93 x 50 x 14.1 mm (3.66 x 1.97 x 0.56 in) | 104 x 49 x 18-19.5 mm |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 95 g (3.35 oz) | 136 g (4.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~35.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Secondary external monochrome display, 36 x 128 pixels, 1.1"
| - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 16 GB | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 8 GB, 2 GB/ 8 GB included |
| Internal | 100MB | 160MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | xenon flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 320p@15fps | 320p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | GPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder Navigator 7 |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | 1 + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WMApro player
MP4/WMV/H.263 player
Gesture control
TrackID
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo | MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
TV-out
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) | Up to 380 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Spring Rose, Lucid Blue, Lime Forest, Sensitive Bronze | Night Black, Ice Silver, Copper Gold, Tender Rose |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) | 0.77 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -86.2dB / Crosstalk -85.7dB | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 74dB / Noise 81dB / Ring 75dB |
Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 73dB |
Sony Ericsson T707
- Sleek slider design
- Compact and pocketable
- Stylish aesthetics
- Good build quality
- Lower resolution camera
- Limited features compared to C905
- Slower performance
Sony Ericsson C905
- Superior camera with Xenon flash
- Larger display
- More features (e.g., 3G)
- Generally faster performance
- Bulkier than T707
- Design less iconic than T707
- Can feel dated compared to modern phones
Display Comparison
The T707 featured a 2.2-inch QVGA display, known for its vibrant colors. The C905 boasted a slightly larger 2.8-inch QVGA display, offering a bit more screen real estate. Both were typical of the era, but the C905’s size advantage gives it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
This is where the C905 truly shines. It featured an 8.1-megapixel camera with Xenon flash, capable of capturing relatively high-quality images for its time. The T707 had a 3.2-megapixel camera, a significant downgrade. The C905 also offered better video recording capabilities.
Performance
Both phones ran Sony Ericsson's proprietary UI. The C905 generally felt a bit snappier due to potentially slightly more powerful internal components, though both were limited by the technology of the time. Expect basic functionality and slower speeds compared to modern smartphones.
Battery Life
Battery life was generally comparable on both devices, offering a few days of moderate use. The C905's more powerful features and camera might have slightly impacted battery life compared to the T707.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson T707 is ideal for collectors, fans of slider phones, and those seeking a compact and stylish retro device. The Sony Ericsson C905 is better suited for those who value a decent camera, more features, and a slightly more modern (for its time) experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, but with limitations. They lack modern features like 4G/5G, app stores, and high-speed internet. They are best suited for nostalgia or as collectibles.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely find them on online marketplaces like eBay or through retro phone collectors. Condition and price will vary greatly.
