The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The W395 and W580 were both popular choices for music lovers and those seeking a stylish, compact device. But which one truly reigned supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W580 edges out the W395 thanks to its slightly better design, improved camera, and more refined user experience. Both offer solid music playback, but the W580’s overall package makes it the preferable choice for those seeking a nostalgic throwback.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, March | 2007, March. Released 2007, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm (3.78 x 1.85 x 0.59 in) | 99 x 47 x 14 mm (3.90 x 1.85 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 94 g (3.32 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.6 cm2 (~27.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~26.6% 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 | 12MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | QCIF |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones, composer |
| 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), RSS feeds |
| 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 |
| | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | TrackID music recognition
Walkman 2.0 player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Pedometer, calories counter
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 12 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 370 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusky Grey, Blush Titanium, Fiesta Black, Happy Pink | Style White, Urban Grey, Boulevard Black, Metro Pink, Jungle Green, Velvet Red |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.26 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | 0.74 W/kg (head) |
Sony Ericsson W395
- Extremely compact and pocketable
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Good music playback capabilities
- Decent battery life
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera quality
- Limited features compared to the W580
- Feels somewhat plasticky
Sony Ericsson W580
- Slightly better design and build quality
- Improved camera compared to the W395
- More refined user interface
- Good music playback capabilities
- Decent battery life
- Still a low-resolution display
- Camera is still limited
- Can feel a bit bulky compared to the W395
- Limited features overall
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small, low-resolution color displays typical of the era. The W580 likely had a marginally better screen quality due to slightly improved technology, but the difference would be subtle. Viewing angles and brightness were limited on both.
Camera Comparison
The W580 boasted a slightly better camera (likely 2MP vs. the W395's 1.3MP), resulting in marginally improved image quality. Both cameras were primarily for novelty rather than serious photography, producing low-resolution images suitable only for quick snapshots.
Performance
Performance was dictated by the processors and memory, which were limited by today's standards. Both phones were adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and music playback, but multitasking was non-existent. The W580 might have had a slightly more responsive UI due to minor hardware differences.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both devices, offering several days of moderate use. The W580's slightly larger battery capacity likely provided a small advantage in longevity, but both phones were known for their respectable battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W395 is ideal for those prioritizing a very compact form factor and a simple, straightforward user experience. The W580 is better suited for users who want a slightly more premium feel, a better camera, and a more polished overall design, even within the limitations of a feature phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What was the primary focus of these Sony Ericsson phones?
Both the W395 and W580 were primarily marketed as music phones, emphasizing their audio playback capabilities and compact designs.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
While technically usable, these phones lack modern features like internet browsing and app support. They are primarily of interest for nostalgic purposes or as collectibles.
