The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The W205 and W580 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 W580 edges out the W205 thanks to its slightly better camera, music playback capabilities, and more stylish design. While the W205 is a solid, reliable option, the W580 provides a more feature-rich experience for those seeking a bit more from their retro phone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | No | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 -W205a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, March. Released 2009, July | 2007, March. Released 2007, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 92 x 47 x 16.4 mm (3.62 x 1.85 x 0.65 in) | 99 x 47 x 14 mm (3.90 x 1.85 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 94 g (3.32 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~23.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | 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 | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB. 512 MB included |
| Internal | 5MB | 12MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | QCIF |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones, composer |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (Opera Mini) | WAP 2.0/HTML(NetFront), RSS feeds |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email |
| | Walkman media player
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo | TrackID music recognition
Walkman 2.0 player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Pedometer, calories counter
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 13 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 425 h | Up to 370 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ambient Black, Sakura Pink, Windy Blue | Style White, Urban Grey, Boulevard Black, Metro Pink, Jungle Green, Velvet Red |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.26 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (head) | 0.74 W/kg (head) |
Sony Ericsson W205
- Simple and easy to use
- Durable build quality
- Long battery life
- Affordable
- Basic features
- Low-resolution camera
- Limited multimedia capabilities
- Dated design
Sony Ericsson W580
- Better camera than W205
- Music playback capabilities
- Slightly more stylish design
- More features overall
- Slightly shorter battery life than W205
- Still limited by older technology
- Can be harder to find in good condition
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, small, non-touchscreen displays typical of the era. The W580 might have slightly better color reproduction or resolution, but differences would be minimal. Expect a standard QVGA or similar resolution.
Camera Comparison
The W580 likely boasts a slightly better camera (perhaps 2MP vs 1.3MP on the W205), offering marginally improved image quality. Both cameras will be limited by the technology of the time, producing low-resolution images suitable for quick snapshots.
Performance
Performance will be limited by the processors of the time. Both phones will handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and simple games without issue. Don't expect blazing speeds or multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a strong point for both, typical of feature phones. Expect several days of moderate use. The W580's slightly more demanding features (camera, music playback) might result in slightly shorter battery life than the W205.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W205 is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity, affordability, and a robust build. It's a great choice for basic calling and texting. The Sony Ericsson W580 is better suited for those who want a more multimedia-focused experience, including a decent camera and music player, and appreciate a more modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern networks?
These phones primarily support 2G networks. Modern 4G/5G networks are not compatible. You'll need to find a carrier that still offers 2G service, which is increasingly rare.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
Due to their age, these phones are typically found on online marketplaces like eBay or through retro phone enthusiasts. Condition will vary greatly.
