The Sony Ericsson W series was legendary for its focus on music playback. The W395 and W595, both sliders, aimed to deliver a premium audio experience in a compact form factor. But which one truly reigned supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W595 generally edges out the W395 thanks to its slightly improved camera, better connectivity options (like 3G), and a more refined design. However, the W395 might appeal to those seeking a more budget-friendly option with a similar core music experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 2100 - W595 only |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, March | 2008, July. Released 2008, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm (3.78 x 1.85 x 0.59 in) | 100 x 47 x 14 mm (3.94 x 1.85 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 104 g (3.67 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 (~31.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - |
|
| 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 8 GB, 2 GB included |
| Internal | 10MB | 40MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | 320p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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 ) |
| 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 |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
SensMe
Shake control
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 12 h 30 min | Up to 26 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 385 h (2G) / Up to 365 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery (BST-33) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusky Grey, Blush Titanium, Fiesta Black, Happy Pink | Jungle Grey, Lava Black, Ruby Black, Cosmopolitan White, Active Blue, Peachy Pink, Sandy Gold |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.41 W/kg (head) 1.20 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | 1.00 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.4dB / Crosstalk -85.3dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 83dB |
Sony Ericsson W395
- More affordable
- Classic slider design
- Good music playback quality
- Decent battery life
- Lower resolution camera
- Limited connectivity (no 3G)
- Basic features
- Smaller screen
Sony Ericsson W595
- Better camera quality
- 3G connectivity
- Slightly improved design
- Good music playback quality
- Decent battery life
- More expensive
- Still limited by older OS
- Small screen
- Basic features
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small, standard-resolution displays typical of the era. The W595 likely had a marginally brighter screen, but the difference was minimal. Viewing angles and color accuracy were not strengths of either device.
Camera Comparison
The W595 boasted a slightly better camera (likely 3.2MP vs. 2MP on the W395), resulting in marginally improved image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Both cameras were primarily for casual snapshots and lacked advanced features.
Performance
Performance was adequate for basic tasks like music playback and calls. The W595, potentially having a slightly faster processor, might have offered marginally smoother navigation, but both were limited by their older operating systems. Expect some lag when multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both devices, offering several hours of music playback. The W595's slightly larger battery might have provided a small advantage in overall endurance, but both were respectable for their time.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W395 is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a dedicated music player and a classic slider design. The Sony Ericsson W595 is better suited for users who want a slightly more modern feature set, including a better camera and faster data speeds, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What's the main difference between the W395 and W595?
The W595 offers a slightly better camera, 3G connectivity, and a marginally more refined design compared to the more budget-friendly W395.
❓ Are these phones worth buying today?
They offer a nostalgic experience for fans of classic Sony Ericsson phones and can be fun for music lovers. However, their limited features and outdated technology mean they're not practical for modern use.
