The Sony Ericsson W205 represents a simpler time of feature phones, while the Xperia PLAY was a bold attempt at merging smartphones with dedicated gaming. This comparison explores the strengths and weaknesses of each device, highlighting their distinct appeal and technological differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia PLAY decisively wins due to its significantly superior performance, larger screen, and gaming capabilities. However, the W205 offers exceptional battery life and a robust, simple design appealing to those prioritizing calls and basic features over advanced functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 38, 66, 71 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 -W205a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, March. Released 2009, July | 2011, February. Released 2011, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 92 x 47 x 16.4 mm (3.62 x 1.85 x 0.65 in) | 119 x 62 x 16 mm (4.69 x 2.44 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~23.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | - | Touch-sensitive gaming controls
PSP like gaming buttons
Timescape UI |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 205 |
| OS | - | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | - |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 2 GB | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included |
| Internal | 5MB | 400MB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 contacts, Photo call | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (Opera Mini) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML5, Adobe Flash |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Walkman media player
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo | Dedicated game store
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
Organizer
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Music play | Up to 13 h 30 min | Up to 31 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 425 h | Up to 425 h (2G) / Up to 413 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 8 h 25 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 25 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ambient Black, Sakura Pink, Windy Blue | Black, White, Stealth Blue (for Play 4G), Orange |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (head) | 0.36 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 79dB
|
Sony Ericsson W205
- Exceptional battery life
- Durable and robust design
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable for calls and texts
- Outdated technology
- Limited functionality
- Small screen (likely)
- Basic camera
Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY
- Gaming capabilities (slide-out QWERTY keyboard)
- Larger screen
- More modern smartphone features
- Faster processor
- Poor battery life
- Outdated software
- Limited app support now
- Camera quality is basic
Display Comparison
The Xperia PLAY boasts a 4.0-inch display, a substantial upgrade over the W205's likely smaller, non-touchscreen. The Xperia PLAY's screen offers a more immersive experience for gaming and media consumption, while the W205 prioritizes readability for basic text.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are described as having a 'Photo' camera, suggesting basic camera functionality. However, the Xperia PLAY likely has a higher resolution and potentially better image processing capabilities than the W205, though both would be considered rudimentary by modern standards.
Performance
The Xperia PLAY's Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU provides a significant performance advantage. It handles apps and games far better than the W205's likely basic processor. The W205 is adequate for its intended purpose, but struggles with anything beyond simple tasks.
Battery Life
The W205, being a feature phone, likely offers significantly better battery life than the Xperia PLAY. The Xperia PLAY's more powerful processor and larger screen would drain the battery faster, while the W205's limited functionality allows for days of use on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W205 is ideal for users seeking a reliable, long-lasting phone primarily for calls and texts, valuing simplicity and durability. The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY is for gamers and those wanting a more modern smartphone experience, even with its age, accepting compromises in battery life and software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia PLAY worth buying in 2024?
It's a niche purchase. If you're a retro gaming enthusiast, it can be fun. Otherwise, its age and limited software support make it less practical.
❓ What was the main selling point of the Xperia PLAY?
Its slide-out QWERTY keyboard and PlayStation certification, aiming to provide a dedicated gaming experience on a smartphone.
