The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was at the forefront. The W395 and T715 were both popular choices, known for their music capabilities and distinct designs. But which one was truly the better phone?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The T715 likely edges out the W395 due to its slightly more refined design and potentially better camera. However, the W395's dedicated Walkman player and slider design offer a unique appeal for those seeking a classic music-focused experience. It's a close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 2100 |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - T715a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, March | 2009, June. Released 2009, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm (3.78 x 1.85 x 0.59 in) | 91.5 x 48 x 14.9 mm (3.60 x 1.89 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 96 g (3.39 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.6 cm2 (~27.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~34.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 16M colors |
| | - | Smart desktop |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB, 1 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 10MB | 90MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 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/xHTML, HTML (Openwave), RSS reader | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront) |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email |
| | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | MP3/eAAC+/WMA player
MP4/WMV/H.263 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 12 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusky Grey, Blush Titanium, Fiesta Black, Happy Pink | Galaxy Silver, Rouge Pink |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | 0.90 W/kg (head) |
Sony Ericsson W395
- Dedicated Walkman player
- Slider design
- Compact size
- Classic Sony Ericsson aesthetic
- Likely lower camera quality
- Basic display
- Limited features compared to modern phones
Sony Ericsson T715
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more modern design
- Good battery life (likely)
- Solid build quality
- Less distinctive design than the W395
- Basic display
- Limited features compared to modern phones
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured small, standard-resolution displays typical of the era. The T715 might have a marginally better display quality due to potentially slightly newer technology, but the difference would be minimal. Expect both to be adequate for basic tasks but not ideal for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The T715 likely had a slightly better camera, potentially with a higher megapixel count or improved image processing. However, both cameras would produce low-resolution images by today's standards. Don't expect high-quality photos from either device.
Performance
Performance would be comparable, relying on the processors common in feature phones of that time. Expect basic functionality – calling, texting, music playback – without any lag. Neither phone was designed for demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life would depend on usage, but both phones likely offered a reasonable amount of talk time and standby time. The T715 might have a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W395 is for those who prioritize a dedicated Walkman experience and a slider form factor. The Sony Ericsson T715 is for those who want a slightly more modern design and potentially better camera quality, while still enjoying a classic feature phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for listening to music?
The W395 has a dedicated Walkman player, making it a strong choice for music lovers. However, the T715 also supports music playback and may offer slightly better audio quality.
❓ Are these phones worth buying today?
They're primarily collector's items or for those seeking a nostalgic experience. Don't expect modern smartphone functionality. They're fun to use as retro devices.