The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The W205 and W550 were both popular choices, offering a blend of style and functionality. But which one truly reigned supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W550 generally edges out the W205 thanks to its slightly better camera, music playback capabilities, and more refined design. However, the W205 might appeal to those seeking a simpler, more budget-friendly option with a focus on core calling and texting features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 -W205a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, March. Released 2009, July | 2005, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 92 x 47 x 16.4 mm (3.62 x 1.85 x 0.65 in) | 93 x 46.5 x 22.5 mm (3.66 x 1.83 x 0.89 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 120 g (4.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels (~157 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~23.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 28 x 35 mm, 10.2 cm2 (~23.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | Dedicated gaming buttons
Wallpapers, screensavers |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 2 GB | No |
| Internal | 5MB | 256MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 x 24 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones, composer |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| 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 (Opera Mini) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront) |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| | Walkman media player
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo | MP3 Player
Predictive text input
Organizer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 13 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 425 h | Up to 400 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 8 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Po 900 mAh battery (BST-37) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ambient Black, Sakura Pink, Windy Blue | Vibrant Orange, Orchid White, Universe Blue |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (head) | - |
Sony Ericsson W205
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable
- Reliable for calls and texts
- Compact and lightweight
- Basic features
- Lower quality camera
- Limited multimedia capabilities
- Outdated design
Sony Ericsson W550
- Better camera than W205
- Enhanced music playback
- Slightly more stylish design
- More features overall
- Slightly more expensive
- Still limited by older technology
- Can feel dated compared to modern smartphones
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, small, non-touchscreen displays typical of the era. The W550 might have a slightly higher resolution or better color reproduction, but the difference would be minimal. Expect a standard QVGA or similar resolution.
Camera Comparison
The W550 is expected to have a superior camera, likely a 2MP sensor compared to the W205's potentially lower resolution. Image quality will be limited by the technology of the time, but the W550 should produce slightly better results.
Performance
Performance will be limited by the processors of the time. Both phones will be adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and simple games. Don't expect blazing speeds or multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend on usage, but both phones should offer reasonable standby time. The W205, with potentially fewer features, might have a slight edge in battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W205 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity, affordability, and a basic feature phone experience. It's a great option for those who primarily need a reliable device for calls and texts. The Sony Ericsson W550 is better suited for users who want a more multimedia-focused experience, including a decent camera and enhanced music playback.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, but with limitations. They require a 2G network, which is becoming increasingly rare. They're best suited for nostalgia or as basic backup phones.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely need to search online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro phone retailers. Condition will vary greatly.
