Unveiling the Sony Ericsson W302 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to the Sony Ericsson W302

The Sony Ericsson W302, launched in 2008, is a hallmark of the marriage between Sony's technological expertise and Ericsson's engineering prowess. This device is a part of the renowned Walkman series, which focused on delivering a rich multimedia experience. Although discontinued, the W302 remains a classic example of feature phones that dominated the late 2000s.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 100 x 46 x 10.5 mm and a weight of just 78 grams, the Sony Ericsson W302 was known for its sleek and compact design. The phone was designed to be easily portable, fitting comfortably in pockets. Its minimalist design with rounded edges made it a stylish choice for users. Additionally, it was available in three colors: Midnight Black, Sparkling White, and Indigo Blue.

Display

The W302 featured a 2.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 141 ppi. The screen could display up to 256K colors, providing a bright and vibrant viewing experience for its time. The screen-to-body ratio was around 27.4%, which was typical for phones of that era.

Camera

This device came equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, capable of capturing quality images for a feature phone. It also supported video recording with QCIF resolution at 15fps. While it lacked advanced photography features, it served well for basic photography needs and capturing memories on the go.

Connectivity and Network

The W302 supported GSM networks with bands for 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies. It included GPRS (Class 10) and EDGE (Class 10) for data connectivity, which was standard for mobile phones at the time. Unfortunately, WLAN was not supported, but Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP was available for wireless connectivity, enabling users to connect to various Bluetooth devices.

Music and Multimedia

As a member of Sony's Walkman series, the W302 was geared towards music lovers. The phone supported multiple audio formats and included a stereo FM radio with RDS. Its music capabilities were bolstered by the Walkman player, which enhanced audio playback quality. Users could store music on a Memory Stick Micro (M2) card, with up to 4 GB supported, though the device came with a 512 MB card included. Despite lacking a 3.5mm jack, music could be enjoyed through its loudspeaker or proprietary connection.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the W302 housed 20MB of storage, which could be expanded using Memory Stick Micro (M2). The phonebook supported photocall, and users could store call records for 30 received, dialed, and missed calls. These features were quite satisfactory for a feature phone back in 2008.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery. It offered robust performance with up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time. For music playback, users could enjoy up to 10 hours of listening without requiring a recharge. This enduring battery life made it a reliable companion for those on the move.

Additional Features

In terms of software, the W302 operated on a proprietary feature phone operating system. It supported messaging through SMS, EMS, MMS, and email, which was quite versatile for its time. The phone also included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing. Users could also enjoy Java-based games, which were downloadable to extend the phone's entertainment options.

Conclusion

Though now discontinued, the Sony Ericsson W302 represents a significant era in mobile phone technology, blending style with practicality and a focus on music. It offers a glimpse into the past and shows how far technology has come since feature phones were the norm. The W302 remains a memorable device for many who experienced its capabilities during its prime.