The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. Today, we're revisiting two of their offerings: the T715 and the W508. Both phones offer a glimpse into a simpler time, but which one holds up better?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W508 likely edges out the T715 due to its dedicated music player features and potentially better audio quality. While both offer a classic Sony Ericsson experience, the W508 catered more directly to the burgeoning music phone market of the time.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - T715a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - W508a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, June. Released 2009, September | 2009, January. Released 2009, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 91.5 x 48 x 14.9 mm (3.60 x 1.89 x 0.59 in) | 93.5 x 50 x 14 mm (3.68 x 1.97 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 98 g (3.46 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 (~34.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~32.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Smart desktop | 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 | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 16 GB, 1 GB included |
| Internal | 90MB | 100MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 x 24 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | 320p@15fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | Yes |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | 2.0 | Proprietary |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront) |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | 3, incl. motion-based + 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 player
MP4/WMV/H.263 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | Walkman media player
Shake and gesture control
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Exchangeable Style-Up covers |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33) | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Silver, Rouge Pink | Metal Grey, Poetic White |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) | 0.85 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -85.9dB / Crosstalk -84.7dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 82dB / Ring 76dB
|
Sony Ericsson T715
- Stylish slider design
- Classic Sony Ericsson aesthetic
- Compact form factor
- Limited features compared to W508
- Potentially slower due to slider mechanism
- Basic camera quality
Sony Ericsson W508
- Dedicated music player
- Compact and lightweight
- Potentially better audio quality
- Stylish design
- Basic camera quality
- Limited functionality beyond music
- Smaller screen when closed
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured relatively small, low-resolution color displays typical of the era. The T715, being a slider, might offer a slightly larger screen when extended, but viewing angles and overall quality would be limited by the technology of the time. Expect similar display performance from both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely included basic VGA cameras, offering low-resolution images suitable only for quick snapshots. Image quality would be poor by today's standards, and features would be limited. Don't expect anything beyond basic point-and-shoot functionality.
Performance
Performance would be dictated by the processors and memory available in the early 2000s. Expect basic functionality – calling, texting, and simple applications. Neither phone would be considered 'fast' by modern standards. The T715's slider mechanism might introduce slight delays compared to the W508's simpler design.
Battery Life
Battery life would depend on usage, but both phones likely offered a decent standby time. The W508, with its music-focused features, might consume more power when playing music. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson T715 is for collectors seeking a stylish, classic slider phone with a focus on design and basic functionality. The Sony Ericsson W508 is ideal for those wanting a retro music-focused experience and a more compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What year were these phones released?
The Sony Ericsson T715 was released in 2005, and the W508 in 2006.
❓ Are spare parts readily available?
Finding spare parts for these older phones can be challenging. Online marketplaces and specialized vintage phone retailers are your best bet.
