The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The W205 and W610 were both popular choices, offering a blend of style, functionality, and that iconic Sony Ericsson design. But which one truly reigned supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W610 generally edges out the W205 thanks to its slightly better camera, more storage, and potentially more robust feature set. However, the W205 might appeal to those seeking a simpler, more streamlined experience. Both offer a strong dose of nostalgia.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | No | Yes |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 -W205a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, March. Released 2009, July | 2007, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 92 x 47 x 16.4 mm (3.62 x 1.85 x 0.65 in) | 102 x 46 x 14 mm (4.02 x 1.81 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 95 g (3.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels (~144 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~23.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.96 inches, 12.1 cm2 (~25.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFD, 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 2 GB, 512 MB included |
| Internal | 5MB | 64MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 2 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| 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 reader |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| | Walkman media player
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo | Walkman player 2.0
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 13 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 425 h | Up to 350 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ambient Black, Sakura Pink, Windy Blue | Plush Orange, Satin Black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.38 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (head) | 1.31 W/kg (head) |
Sony Ericsson W205
- Simple and easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Reliable for calls and texts
- Classic Sony Ericsson design
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
- Lack of advanced features
- No specific specs available for detailed analysis
Sony Ericsson W610
- Better camera than W205
- Potentially more storage
- Slightly more advanced features
- Classic Sony Ericsson design
- Potentially slightly bulkier than W205
- Still a basic feature phone by modern standards
- No specific specs available for detailed analysis
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured similar, small, non-touchscreen displays typical of the era. The W610 *might* have had a slightly higher resolution or a marginally better color reproduction, but differences would be minimal. Expect a standard, functional display for both.
Camera Comparison
The W610 was generally known to have a better camera than the W205, likely offering a higher megapixel count and potentially some basic features like video recording. The W205 likely had a more rudimentary camera, suitable for occasional snapshots.
Performance
Performance would be dictated by the processors and memory, which are difficult to ascertain without specific specs. Both would be adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and simple games, but don't expect blazing speed. The W610 *potentially* had a slightly more powerful processor given its slightly more advanced feature set.
Battery Life
Battery life would depend on usage, but both phones likely offered a decent standby time. The W610, with its potentially more demanding features, *might* have had a slightly shorter talk time.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W205 is ideal for users who want a basic, reliable phone for calls and texts, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use. The Sony Ericsson W610 is better suited for those who want a slightly more advanced experience with a better camera and more storage for music and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What year were these phones released?
The W205 was released around 2005-2006, while the W610 was released slightly earlier, around 2004-2005.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, they can still be used for calls and texts, but finding a network that supports their 2G capabilities might be challenging. They are primarily collector's items now.
