The early to mid-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 W995. Both offer a glimpse into a simpler time of mobile technology, but which one holds up better?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sony Ericsson W995 takes the crown. While the T715 boasts a sleek design, the W995's faster processor, superior camera, and multimedia capabilities make it the more compelling choice for those seeking a nostalgic experience with a bit more power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - T715a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - W995a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, June. Released 2009, September | 2009, February. 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) | 97 x 49 x 15 mm (3.82 x 1.93 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 113 g (3.99 oz) |
| | - | Built-in kickstand |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~34.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~44.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Smart desktop | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 369 MHz ARM 11 |
| 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, 8 GB included |
| Internal | 90MB | 118MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 8.1 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 320p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| | No | Videocall camera |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | GPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder navigator |
| 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 | Yes + downloadable | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email | SMS, MMS, Email, IM |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | MP3/eAAC+/WMA player
MP4/WMV/H.263 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Walkman 4.0 player
Shake control
SensMe |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 20 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 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 (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33) | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Silver, Rouge Pink | Progressive Black, Cosmic Silver, Energetic Red |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) | 1.18 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Sony Ericsson T715
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Classic Sony Ericsson feel
- Potentially longer battery life (due to less demanding hardware)
- Slower performance
- Lower quality camera
- Limited features
- Likely lower resolution display
Sony Ericsson W995
- Faster processor (369 MHz ARM 11)
- Better camera with more features
- Walkman branding and multimedia focus
- More responsive user experience
- Shorter battery life (compared to T715)
- Larger and potentially less pocketable than T715
- Still limited by 2007 technology
Display Comparison
The T715 likely featured a standard QVGA display common for its time, prioritizing clarity over resolution. The W995, being a Walkman phone, probably had a slightly brighter and more vibrant display, potentially with better viewing angles, though both would be considered basic by modern standards. Expect both to be small and not particularly high-resolution.
Camera Comparison
The W995 had a significantly better camera, likely a 2.0MP or higher, compared to the T715's probably lower resolution. The W995 also likely included features like autofocus and video recording, which the T715 might have lacked or offered in a more limited capacity. Image quality on both would be poor by today's standards, but the W995 would be noticeably better.
Performance
Here's where the W995 shines. Its 369 MHz ARM 11 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the T715's likely slower processor. Expect smoother navigation, faster app loading (for the limited apps available), and a more responsive user experience on the W995. The T715 would feel sluggish in comparison.
Battery Life
Battery life on both would be decent by 2007 standards, but the W995's more powerful processor and features would likely drain the battery faster than the T715. Expect a full day of moderate use from both, but the T715 might edge out the W995 in pure battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The T715 is for collectors prioritizing a minimalist design and a classic Sony Ericsson aesthetic. The W995 is for those wanting a more feature-rich experience, including better multimedia playback and a more capable camera, while still embracing the retro feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Were these phones 3G capable?
No, neither the T715 nor the W995 supported 3G. They relied on 2G networks (GSM).
❓ Can I find replacement parts for these phones today?
Finding replacement parts can be challenging. They are quite old, and availability is limited to online marketplaces and specialized repair shops.
