Sony Ericsson W395 vs W350: A Retro Feature Phone Face-Off

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson W395 Sony Ericsson W350
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - W350i
EDGEClass 10Class 10
GPRSClass 10Class 10
TechnologyGSMGSM
 -GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - W350a
Launch
Announced2009, February. Released 2009, March2008, January. Released 2008, May
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions96 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)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight96 g (3.39 oz)80 g (2.82 oz)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass-
Resolution176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density)176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density)
Size2.0 inches, 12.6 cm2 (~27.9% screen-to-body ratio)1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colorsTFT, 256K colors
 -Wallpapers, screensavers
Memory
Call records30 received, dialed and missed calls30 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slotMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB, 1 GB includedMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB, 512 MB included
Internal10MB14MB
Phonebook1000 x 20 fields, Photo call1000 x 20 fields, Photo call
Main Camera
Single2 MP1.3 MP
VideoYesNo
Selfie camera
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Alert types-Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.0, A2DP2.0, A2DP
PositioningNoNo
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio, RDS
USB2.02.0
WLANNoNo
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (Openwave), RSS readerWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader
GamesYes, incl. motion-based + downloadableYes + downloadable
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0Yes, MIDP 2.0
MessagingSMS, EMS, MMS, Email, IMSMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
 Walkman player TrackID music recognition Photo editor Organizer Voice memo Predictive text inputWalkman player TrackID music recognition Predictive text input Photo editor Organizer Voice memo
Battery
Music playUp to 12 h 30 minUp to 15 h
Stand-byUp to 480 hUp to 300 h
Talk timeUp to 8 hUp to 7 h
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 950 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Po 780 mAh battery (BST-36)
Misc
ColorsDusky Grey, Blush Titanium, Fiesta Black, Happy PinkElectric black, Ice blue, Hypnotic black, Graphic white, Wisteria Purple, Turbo Red, Pink
PriceAbout 80 EURAbout 70 EUR
SAR-1.48 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.88 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.