Unwrapping Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman

The Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman, announced in June 2011 and released in August 2011, is a discontinued feature phone that aimed to capture the hearts of music enthusiasts. This device beautifully blended the nostalgic charm of the Walkman series with the convenience and features of a mobile phone, specifically tailored for users who appreciate music on-the-go.

Network and Connectivity

The Mix Walkman supports GSM technology, specifically accommodating GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands as noted in its model WT13i. With GPRS reaching up to 115 kbps and EDGE technology offering up to 200 kbps, the device provided fundamental internet capabilities adequate for its time.

Design and Build Quality

The device’s dimensions stand at 95.8 x 52.8 x 14.3 mm, and it weighs only 88 grams, making it a lightweight and portable option for users who prefer compact devices. Its Mini-SIM slot reflects the standard practice during its era. The phone came in various colors, including Black with pink cloud band, Black with pink band, Black with green bird band, and Black with green band, catering to users' varied aesthetic preferences.

Display Features

Equipped with a 3.0-inch TFT display supporting 256K colors, the Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman provides a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels with a 5:3 ratio, approximately translating to 155 pixels per inch. The screen is protected with scratch-resistant glass, enhancing durability against daily wear and tear.

Memory and Storage

The phone's internal memory stands at 256MB, with around 100MB available to users. There’s an available microSDHC slot, enabling storage expansion to accommodate more music, given its Walkman branding. Additionally, the device supports a phonebook with Photocall feature and maintains call records efficiently.

Camera Capabilities

The Mix Walkman includes a 3.15 MP main camera, sufficient for capturing everyday moments. It also supports video recording at 320p resolution. However, there’s no dedicated front camera, indicating that the device was not designed with selfies or video calling as a priority during its development phase.

Sound and Audio

The audio features are a standout in the Mix Walkman, aligning with its brand's musical heritage. The device supports a loudspeaker and includes a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones. The loudspeaker performance is measured at 70dB for voice, 72dB for noise, and 75dB for ringtone, providing a robust listening experience.

Communication and Other Features

On the connectivity front, the phone offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and microUSB 2.0 port for connecting with other devices. Its communication array also includes stereo FM radio with RDS, ensuring a variety of music and news options. Messaging capabilities encompass SMS with threaded view, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging (IM).

Additional Functionalities

The Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman is equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensors, supporting its utility features suite. It comes preloaded with games and supports Java applications, broadening the scope for entertainment. For browsing, its WAP 2.0/xHTML, and HTML capabilities allow access to basic web content, notwithstanding the lack of a zippy internet experience due to hardware constraints.

Battery Life and Performance

The phone houses a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, affording a standby time of up to 465 hours. Talk time extends up to 9 hours and 40 minutes, while music playback can last up to 13 hours, reinforcing its objective as a music-centric device.

Market Position and Legacy

Priced around 70 EUR during its release, the Mix Walkman catered to budget-conscious users who demanded reliable music hardware on a mobile phone. Despite being discontinued, its place in the lineage of Sony Ericsson products marks a nostalgic chapter for those fond of the Walkman legacy. Its SAR value stands at 0.91 W/kg for head exposure, maintaining compliance with safety standards.

Final Thoughts

Although technological advancements in smartphones have eclipsed the feature phone era, the Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman remains a testament to the innovative spirit characteristic of the early 2010s. Blending function with flair, it served a niche audience seeking an integrated music and communication experience, capturing the essence of the beloved Walkman brand in a modern mobile form.