Sony Ericsson W995 vs W910: A Retro Feature Phone Face-Off

The Sony Ericsson W995 and W910 were iconic feature phones from a bygone era, celebrated for their music capabilities and stylish designs. But which one offered the better experience? We're diving deep into a comparison to help you decide which retro device is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The W995 edges out the W910 thanks to its faster processor, slightly better camera, and more modern features like Walkman 8.0. However, the W910's simpler design and potentially longer battery life (due to less demanding hardware) make it a compelling alternative for purists.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson W995 Sony Ericsson W910
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 2100
SpeedHSPA 7.2/2 MbpsHSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps (W910i)
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
 HSDPA 850 / 1900 - W995a-
Launch
Announced2009, February. Released 2009, May2007, June. Released 2007, October
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions97 x 49 x 15 mm (3.82 x 1.93 x 0.59 in)99 x 50 x 12.5 mm (3.90 x 1.97 x 0.49 in)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight113 g (3.99 oz)86 g (3.03 oz)
 Built-in kickstand-
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Size2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~44.0% screen-to-body ratio)2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~36.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colorsTFT, 256K colors
Platform
CPU369 MHz ARM 11-
Memory
Call records30 received, dialed and missed calls30 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slotMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 16 GB, 8 GB includedMemory Stick Micro (M2), up to 4 GB
Internal118MB40MB
Phonebook1000 x 20 fields, Photo callYes, Photo call
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single8.1 MP, AF2 MP
Video320p@30fps320p@15fps
Selfie camera
Single-Videocall camera
 Videocall camera-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Alert types-Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones, composer
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.0, A2DP2.0, A2DP
PositioningGPS, A-GPS; Wayfinder navigatorNo
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio, RDS
USB2.02.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNANo
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS readerWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML(NetFront 3.3), RSS reader
GamesYes, incl. motion-based + downloadableYes + downloadable
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0Yes, MIDP 2.0
MessagingSMS, MMS, Email, IMSMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer
 MP3/AAC/MP4 player TrackID music recognition Photo editor Organizer Voice memo/dial Walkman 4.0 player Shake control SensMeWalkman 3.0 player Shake control SensMe TrackID music recognition Predictive text input Photo editor Organizer Voice memo
Battery
Music playUp to 20 h-
Stand-byUp to 370 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G)Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 9 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G)Up to 9 h (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G)
TypeRemovable Li-Po 930 mAh battery (BST-38)Removable Li-Ion 930 mAh battery (BST-39)
Misc
ColorsProgressive Black, Cosmic Silver, Energetic RedHearty Red, Noble Black, Havana Bronze, Silky White, Lipstick Pink, Prime Silver
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR-0.68 W/kg (head)     0.38 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.18 W/kg (head)0.90 W/kg (head)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB Noise -84.0dB / Crosstalk -80.4dB
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB Voice 77dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 82dB

Sony Ericsson W995

  • Faster Processor (369 MHz)
  • Autofocus Camera
  • Walkman 8.0 Music Player
  • Slightly Better Display
  • More Modern Features

  • Potentially Shorter Battery Life
  • Slightly More Complex UI

Sony Ericsson W910

  • Simpler Design
  • Potentially Longer Battery Life
  • Classic Sony Ericsson Feel
  • Durable Build Quality

  • Slower Processor
  • No Autofocus Camera
  • Older Walkman Player
  • Less Feature-Rich

Display Comparison

Both phones featured 2.2-inch QVGA displays. While resolution was similar, the W995's display might have had slightly improved color reproduction due to its later release and potentially better panel technology. However, both were adequate for the time.

Camera Comparison

The W995 featured a 2-megapixel camera with autofocus, while the W910 had a 2-megapixel camera without autofocus. The autofocus on the W995 provided sharper images, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities were also slightly improved on the W995.

Performance

The W995 boasts a significant advantage with its 369 MHz ARM 11 processor compared to the W910's likely slower processor (estimated around 208 MHz based on similar models). This translates to snappier navigation, faster app loading, and a generally more responsive user experience on the W995.

Battery Life

The W910, with its less demanding hardware, likely offered slightly better battery life than the W995. However, both phones provided a reasonable amount of talk time and standby time for their era.

Buying Guide

The Sony Ericsson W995 is ideal for those seeking a slightly more powerful and feature-rich experience, particularly for music playback and basic photography. The W910 is a good choice for users prioritizing a simpler, more durable design and potentially longer battery life, valuing classic Sony Ericsson aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for music?
The W995, with its Walkman 8.0 player, offers more features and potentially better audio quality. However, both phones were excellent music players for their time.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
If you're a nostalgia enthusiast or looking for a simple, reliable phone, yes! However, be aware that finding working units can be challenging, and software updates are non-existent.