The early to mid-2000s were a golden age for Sony Ericsson, producing iconic feature phones packed with style and innovation. Today, we're pitting two of those legends against each other: the slider-style T707 and the music-focused W980. Let's see which one holds up best.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W980 edges out the T707 thanks to its superior music capabilities and slightly better camera. However, the T707 boasts a more refined slider mechanism and a generally sleeker design. Both are fantastic relics of a bygone era, offering a nostalgic experience.
| 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, March. Released 2009, May | 2008, February. Released 2008, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 93 x 50 x 14.1 mm (3.66 x 1.97 x 0.56 in) | 92 x 46 x 16.9 mm (3.62 x 1.81 x 0.67 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 95 g (3.35 oz) | 100 g (3.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~35.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Secondary external monochrome display, 36 x 128 pixels, 1.1"
| Second external TFT display, 256K colors (176 x 176 pixels)
|
| 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 | No |
| Internal | 100MB | 8GB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p@15fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | Videocall camera |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, 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, EMS, 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 | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Shake control
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) | Up to 370 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 30 min (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 | Piano Black, Opera Brown, Violin Red |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) | 0.67 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -86.2dB / Crosstalk -85.7dB |
Noise -86.0dB / Crosstalk -86.3dB |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 74dB / Noise 81dB / Ring 75dB |
Voice 70dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 75dB |
Sony Ericsson T707
- Premium build quality
- Sleek slider design
- Compact and pocketable
- Good battery life
- Lower resolution display compared to W980
- Less impressive camera
- Limited app support
Sony Ericsson W980
- Excellent music playback capabilities
- Better camera quality
- Slightly higher resolution display
- Good battery life
- Slider mechanism felt less refined than T707
- Design slightly less sleek
- Limited app support
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small displays for their time, typically around 2.2 inches. The W980 likely had a slightly higher resolution, contributing to a marginally sharper image, especially noticeable when viewing photos or videos. The T707 prioritized a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
The W980 generally featured a better camera, likely with a higher megapixel count (around 8MP) compared to the T707 (likely around 3.2MP). Image quality would have been noticeably better on the W980, with more detail and better color reproduction. Both cameras were limited by the technology of the time.
Performance
Performance was limited by the processors of the era. Expect basic functionality – calls, texts, and simple apps. The W980 might have had a slight edge due to potentially more RAM allocated to media playback, but overall, performance was comparable.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both devices. Expect several days of moderate use. The W980, with its focus on music playback, might have consumed slightly more power, but both offered respectable battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson T707 is for those who appreciate a premium build quality and a classic slider design. The W980 is ideal for music lovers seeking a dedicated media player with a decent screen and camera in a compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern SIM cards?
Likely not without modification. These phones used older SIM card technologies. You may need to find a compatible SIM or explore unofficial firmware modifications, which can be complex.
❓ Where can I find replacement parts or accessories?
Finding original parts can be challenging. Online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet, but be prepared for higher prices and potential authenticity issues. Third-party accessories might be available.
