The early to mid-2000s were a golden age for feature phones, and Sony Ericsson was at the forefront. Two models, the W995 (a Walkman-focused powerhouse) and the C702 (a stylish slider), stand out. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W995 wins for dedicated music lovers thanks to its superior audio capabilities and expandable storage. The C702 offers a more refined design and potentially a slightly better camera, but overall, the W995's music focus gives it the edge for enthusiasts.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 - C702i only |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - W995a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, May | 2008, February. Released 2008, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 97 x 49 x 15 mm (3.82 x 1.93 x 0.59 in) | 106 x 48 x 15.5 mm (4.17 x 1.89 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 113 g (3.99 oz) | 105 g (3.70 oz) |
| | Built-in kickstand | IP54, dust and water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~44.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~29.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | Wallpapers, screensavers |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 369 MHz ARM 11 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | 30 received, dialed and missed calls |
| Card slot | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 16 GB, 8 GB included | Memory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB |
| Internal | 118MB | 160MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8.1 MP, AF | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | 320p@30fps | 320p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | QCIF videocall camera |
| | Videocall camera | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder navigator | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), 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, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | - |
| | MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Walkman 4.0 player
Shake control
SensMe | MP3/AAC/MP4 player
TrackID music recognition
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 20 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 370 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G) | Up to 300 h (2G) / Up to 300 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 7 h (2G) / Up to 2 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery (BST-33) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Progressive Black, Cosmic Silver, Energetic Red | Speed Black, Cool Cyan, Energy Black |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.18 W/kg (head) | 1.00 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Voice 75dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB |
Sony Ericsson W995
- Excellent music playback quality
- Expandable storage (Memory Stick Micro)
- Dedicated Walkman player
- Slightly faster processor (369 MHz)
- Compact design
- Lower resolution camera (2MP)
- Smaller screen
- Can feel dated
- Plastic build quality
Sony Ericsson C702
- Sleek slider design
- Better camera (3.2MP)
- Larger screen
- Numeric keypad
- More refined feel
- No expandable storage
- Potentially slower processor
- Music playback not as focused as W995
- Slider mechanism can be fragile
Display Comparison
The W995 features a 2.2-inch QVGA display, while the C702 boasts a 2.8-inch QVGA display that slides open to reveal a numeric keypad. The C702's larger screen provides a better viewing experience for media and text, though both are limited by the QVGA resolution. The slider mechanism of the C702 also adds a tactile element.
Camera Comparison
The W995 has a 2MP camera, while the C702 features a 3.2MP camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the C702's higher resolution camera likely produces slightly better image quality, especially in good lighting conditions. Both cameras are limited by the technology of the time.
Performance
The W995 is powered by a 369 MHz ARM 11 processor. The C702's processor speed is unknown, but it likely falls within a similar range for phones of that era. Both phones will feel slow by modern standards, but the W995's slightly faster processor might offer a marginal performance advantage in some tasks.
Battery Life
The W995's battery life is estimated to be around 25 hours of talk time and 15 hours of music playback. The C702's battery life is similarly estimated, likely around 22 hours of talk time and 18 hours of music playback. Both offer reasonable battery life for their time, but the W995's dedicated music focus might drain the battery faster during extended playback.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W995 is ideal for those who prioritize music playback and storage. The C702 is a better choice for users who value a sleek design and a more balanced feature set, including a decent camera and a comfortable form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable with modern carriers?
No, these phones are 2G devices and will not work on modern 4G or 5G networks. They can be used for basic calling and texting where 2G service is still available, or as retro devices for offline use.
❓ Where can I find replacement parts or accessories?
Finding original parts can be challenging. Online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. Be aware that parts may be used or in varying condition.
