Sony Ericsson W995 vs W595: A Retro Feature Phone Face-Off

Remember the days of dedicated music phones? Sony Ericsson was a leader, and the W995 and W595 were key players. But which one offered the better experience? We're diving deep into a comparison of these classic devices to help you decide which one is worth remembering (or even collecting!).

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The W995 takes the crown. Its faster processor, superior camera, and expandable memory give it a noticeable edge. While the W595 is a solid, more compact option, the W995's feature set and performance make it the more compelling choice for enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sony Ericsson W995	Sony Ericsson W595

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	HSDPA 2100 - W595 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, July. Released 2008, September
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	97 x 49 x 15 mm (3.82 x 1.93 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	113 g (3.99 oz)	104 g (3.67 oz)
	Built-in kickstand	-

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 (~31.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 256K colors	TFT, 256K colors
	-

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 8 GB, 2 GB included
Internal	118MB	40MB
Phonebook	1000 x 20 fields, Photo call	1000 x 20 fields, Photo call

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	-
Single	8.1 MP, AF	3.15 MP
Video	320p@30fps	320p@15fps

Selfie camera
	Videocall camera	No

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	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	GPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder navigator	No
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/xHTML, HTML (NetFront )
Games	Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable	Yes + downloadable
Java	Yes, MIDP 2.0	Yes, MIDP 2.0
Messaging	SMS, MMS, Email, IM	SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Sensors	Accelerometer	Accelerometer
	MP3/AAC/MP4 player TrackID music recognition Photo editor Organizer Voice memo/dial Walkman 4.0 player Shake control SensMe	Walkman player TrackID music recognition SensMe Shake control Predictive text input Photo editor Organizer Voice memo

Battery
Music play	Up to 20 h	Up to 26 h
Stand-by	Up to 370 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G)	Up to 385 h (2G) / Up to 365 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G)	Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 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	Jungle Grey, Lava Black, Ruby Black, Cosmopolitan White, Active Blue, Peachy Pink, Sandy Gold
Price	About 100 EUR	About 120 EUR
SAR	-	1.41 W/kg (head) 1.20 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.18 W/kg (head)	1.00 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB	Noise -86.4dB / Crosstalk -85.3dB
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB	Voice 75dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 83dB

Sony Ericsson W995

Faster 369 MHz Processor
Better Camera (2MP with Autofocus)
Expandable Memory (Memory Stick Micro)
Larger Display
More Features (e.g., 3G)

Larger Size
Potentially Slightly Shorter Battery Life (under heavy use)

Sony Ericsson W595

More Compact and Pocketable
Likely More Affordable (if found)
Decent Music Playback

Slower Performance
Lower Quality Camera
Limited Memory (likely no expansion)
Smaller Display
Fewer Features

Display Comparison

The W995 boasts a 2.2-inch QVGA display, offering slightly better resolution and color reproduction compared to the W595's likely smaller and lower-resolution screen (estimated around 2 inches). While both are TFT, the W995's larger size allows for a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The W995 features a 2-megapixel camera with autofocus, a significant advantage over the W595's likely fixed-focus camera. Image quality and detail are superior on the W995, making it the better choice for capturing memories.

Performance

Here's where the W995 shines. Its 369 MHz ARM 11 processor provides a significantly smoother and faster user experience than the W595, which likely used a slower processor. App loading, menu navigation, and overall responsiveness are noticeably better on the W995.

Battery Life

Both phones likely offer similar battery life, around 8-10 hours of talk time and several days of standby. However, the W995's more powerful processor might slightly impact battery life under heavy usage.

Buying Guide

The Sony Ericsson W995 is for collectors and those seeking a feature-rich music phone with a decent camera. The W595 is ideal for users prioritizing a smaller, more pocketable device with basic music playback and calling functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What kind of memory card does the W995 use?

The Sony Ericsson W995 uses a Memory Stick Micro card, allowing for expandable storage.

❓ Is the W595 a good option for basic calling and texting?

Yes, the W595 is a perfectly adequate device for basic calling and texting, and offers decent music playback as well.

❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?

Primarily for collectors or those seeking a nostalgic experience. Functionality may be limited by modern standards, and finding working units can be challenging.