The Sony Ericsson W395 and W350 represent a nostalgic era of feature phones, offering a blend of classic design and essential functionality. Both sliders were popular choices, but subtle differences set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W395 generally edges out the W350 due to its slightly more robust feature set, including FM radio with RDS and a more refined design. Both offer a classic slider experience, but the W395 provides a bit more value for those seeking a feature-rich retro phone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - W350i |
| EDGE | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | - | GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - W350a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, March | 2008, January. Released 2008, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm (3.78 x 1.85 x 0.59 in) | 104 x 43 x 10.5 mm (4.09 x 1.69 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 80 g (2.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.6 cm2 (~27.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K 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 4 GB, 1 GB included | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB, 512 MB included |
| Internal | 10MB | 14MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| 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/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 12 h 30 min | Up to 15 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 300 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 780 mAh battery (BST-36) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusky Grey, Blush Titanium, Fiesta Black, Happy Pink | Electric black, Ice blue, Hypnotic black, Graphic white, Wisteria Purple, Turbo Red, Pink |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.48 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | - |
Sony Ericsson W395
- FM Radio with RDS
- Slightly more premium build quality
- Potentially better image processing
- More feature-rich overall
- Limited app support
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
Sony Ericsson W350
- Simple and easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Potentially more affordable
- Fewer features than W395
- Basic camera
- Limited app support
- Less premium feel
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, small, non-touchscreen displays typical of their era. Expect resolutions around 176x220 pixels. The W395 might have a marginally brighter or slightly better color reproduction, but differences would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a basic VGA camera. Image quality will be low by modern standards. Don't expect high-resolution photos or advanced features. The W395 might offer slightly better image processing or a marginally improved lens.
Performance
Performance will be limited by the processors of the time. Expect basic functionality like calling, texting, and simple applications to run smoothly. Neither phone is designed for demanding tasks. The W395 might have a slightly faster processor due to potential minor hardware revisions.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend on usage, but both phones should offer several days of standby time. The W395, potentially with a slightly larger battery, might offer marginally longer talk time.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W395 is ideal for users seeking a feature-rich slider phone with FM radio and a slightly more premium feel. The W350 is a good choice for those prioritizing simplicity and a more budget-friendly option within the retro feature phone category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones compatible with modern SIM cards?
Likely not directly. These phones use older SIM card sizes. You may need an adapter or a SIM card cutter, but compatibility isn't guaranteed.
❓ Can I install apps on these phones?
App support is extremely limited. These phones run proprietary operating systems and don't support modern app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.