The early 2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was a dominant force. The W395 and W850 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 W850 generally wins due to its superior display, better camera, and more premium feel. However, the W395 might appeal to those seeking a slightly more compact and budget-friendly option, prioritizing portability over top-tier features. Both offer a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler era of mobile phones.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | UMTS 2100 |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / UMTS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, March | 2006, May. Released 2006, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm (3.78 x 1.85 x 0.59 in) | 98 x 47 x 21 mm (3.86 x 1.85 x 0.83 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 96 g (3.39 oz) | 116 g (4.09 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, 30 x 40 mm, 12.4 cm2 (~26.9% 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 Duo Pro, up to 4 GB |
| Internal | 10MB | 16MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | QCIF |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | Videocall camera |
| | No | - |
| 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 | Proprietary |
| 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, 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
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 12 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 350 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 7 h (2G) / Up to 2 h 30 min (3G) |
| 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 | Precious Black, Golden White |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | - |
Sony Ericsson W395
- Compact and pocketable
- Generally more affordable
- Decent music playback
- Lower resolution display
- Less impressive camera
- Basic features
Sony Ericsson W850
- Superior display quality
- Better camera performance
- More premium build
- Larger storage capacity (likely)
- Slightly larger size
- Potentially higher price (at the time)
Display Comparison
The W850 boasted a significantly better display, likely a higher resolution and potentially a wider color gamut compared to the W395. Expect sharper text and more vibrant images on the W850. The W395's screen was functional but less impressive.
Camera Comparison
The W850 featured a better camera, likely with a higher megapixel count and potentially improved image processing. Expect noticeably better photo quality from the W850, especially in low-light conditions. The W395's camera was adequate for its time but lacked the sophistication of the W850's.
Performance
Both phones ran Sony Ericsson's proprietary operating system, so performance was generally adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and music playback. The W850 might have a slight edge due to potentially more RAM or a slightly faster processor, but the difference would be minimal.
Battery Life
Battery life was a key consideration for feature phones. While specific figures are unavailable, the W850, with its larger size, likely housed a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer talk time and standby time compared to the W395.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W395 is ideal for users prioritizing a smaller, more pocketable device and a slightly lower price point. The W850 is better suited for those who value a larger, higher-resolution screen, a better camera, and a more premium build quality, even within the constraints of a feature phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What was the primary focus of these phones?
Both phones were primarily marketed as music phones, with dedicated music playback features and good audio quality.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, they are still functional for basic calling and texting. However, they lack modern features like internet browsing and app support. They are primarily collector's items or for those seeking a nostalgic experience.
