The Sony Ericsson W995 and W705 were iconic feature phones from the mid-2000s, both boasting Walkman music player capabilities. But beyond the shared branding, these phones offered distinct experiences. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The W995 edges out the W705 thanks to its faster processor, slightly better camera, and more premium feel. However, the W705's smaller size and potentially better call quality make it a compelling alternative for those prioritizing portability and basic communication.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - W995a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 W705a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, February. Released 2009, May | 2008, October. Released 2009, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 97 x 49 x 15 mm (3.82 x 1.93 x 0.59 in) | 95 x 47.5 x 14.3 mm (3.74 x 1.87 x 0.56 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 113 g (3.99 oz) | 98 g (3.46 oz) |
| | Built-in kickstand | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~44.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~39.5% 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, 4 GB included |
| Internal | 118MB | 120MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8.1 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| | Videocall camera | Videocall camera |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader | WAP 2.0/HTML, RSS |
| Games | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | 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
Walkman 3.0 player
Shake control
SensMe
TrackID music recognition
YouTube service in Media Center
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 20 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 370 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G) | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38) | Removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Progressive Black, Cosmic Silver, Energetic Red | Luxury Silver, Passionate Red |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.18 W/kg (head) | 1.01 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB | - |
Sony Ericsson W995
- Faster processor (369 MHz)
- Larger 2.8-inch display
- Better camera with autofocus
- More premium build quality
- Walkman branding and features
- Larger size and weight
- Potentially more expensive at the time
Sony Ericsson W705
- More compact and pocketable
- Potentially slightly better call quality
- Sleek design
- Likely more affordable
- Slower processor
- Smaller 2.2-inch display
- Less impressive camera
- Can feel sluggish
Display Comparison
The W705 featured a 2.2-inch QVGA display, while the W995 had a 2.8-inch QVGA display. The W995's larger screen offered a more immersive viewing experience for photos and videos, though both were limited by the QVGA resolution. Color reproduction was typical for the era – decent but not vibrant by modern standards.
Camera Comparison
The W995 had a 2.08MP camera with autofocus, while the W705 had a 2MP camera. While both produced grainy images by today's standards, the W995's autofocus and slightly higher resolution generally resulted in sharper and more detailed photos. Video recording capabilities were similar on both devices.
Performance
The W995 boasted a 369 MHz ARM 11 processor, a noticeable upgrade over the W705's likely slower processor (estimated around 208 MHz based on similar models). This resulted in snappier menu navigation and faster music playback on the W995. The W705 could feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life was generally good on both phones, offering several hours of music playback. The W705, being slightly smaller and potentially having a less power-hungry processor, *might* have offered marginally better battery life, but real-world usage would vary.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson W995 is for collectors and music lovers who appreciate a slightly more powerful device with a better camera. The W705 is ideal for those seeking a compact, reliable phone primarily for calls and basic messaging, or those who prefer a smaller form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for music?
The W995 generally offers a better music experience due to its faster processor and slightly better audio quality. Both phones had Walkman branding and supported MP3 playback.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
Yes, but with limitations. They require a SIM card with 2G connectivity. App support is non-existent, but they can be used for calls, texts, and music playback.
