The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The W395 and W610 were both popular choices, offering music playback and a stylish design. But which one truly reigned supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sony Ericsson W610 generally edges out the W395 thanks to its slightly better camera, improved design, and potentially more robust feature set. However, the W395 might appeal to those seeking a more compact and streamlined experience. Both are relics of a bygone era, offering a nostalgic trip.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Class 10 | Yes |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, March | 2007, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm (3.78 x 1.85 x 0.59 in) | 102 x 46 x 14 mm (4.02 x 1.81 x 0.55 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 95 g (3.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels (~144 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.6 cm2 (~27.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.96 inches, 12.1 cm2 (~25.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFD, 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 2 GB, 512 MB included |
| Internal | 10MB | 64MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| 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 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, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| | Walkman player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | Walkman player 2.0
TrackID music recognition
Predictive text input
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 12 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 350 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 7 h |
| 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 | Plush Orange, Satin Black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.38 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | 1.31 W/kg (head) |
Sony Ericsson W395
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Good for basic calls and texts
- Nostalgic design
- Limited features
- Basic camera
- Small screen
- Slow performance
Sony Ericsson W610
- Better camera than W395
- Slightly more refined design
- Potentially more features
- Good music playback
- Still limited by early technology
- Slow performance
- Small screen
- Bulky compared to W395
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured similar, small, non-touchscreen displays typical of the time. The W610 might have had a marginally higher resolution or slightly better color reproduction, but differences would be subtle. Expect a small, functional screen for text and basic graphics.
Camera Comparison
The W610 generally boasted a better camera than the W395. While both were limited by early camera phone technology, the W610 likely offered a higher megapixel count and potentially better image quality. Expect grainy photos and limited features.
Performance
Performance would be limited by the processors of the time. Both phones would feel slow by modern standards. The W610, potentially having a slightly more powerful processor, might offer marginally faster menu navigation and application loading, but the difference would be minimal.
Battery Life
Battery life would depend on usage, but both phones likely offered a decent amount of talk time and standby time for the era. The W610, potentially with more features, might have consumed slightly more power.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W395 is ideal for collectors seeking a smaller, more basic feature phone. The W610 is a better choice for those wanting a slightly more advanced camera and a more refined design, even within the limitations of the era.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, but with limitations. They require SIM cards and networks that support 2G connectivity. App support is non-existent, and internet access is extremely slow.
❓ Where can I find these phones?
You'll likely find them on online marketplaces like eBay or through collectors. Condition will vary greatly.
