Unveiling Sony Ericsson W508 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Sony Ericsson W508

The Sony Ericsson W508 is a clamshell feature phone released in May 2009, aimed at consumers seeking a device focused on audio and multimedia features. It was part of the Walkman series, known for its emphasis on delivering an excellent music experience. With a simplistic design and competitive specifications for its time, it stands as a representative of the transitional mobile phase that blended basic communication tools with multimedia capabilities.

Design and Build

The W508 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 93.5 x 50 x 14 mm and a weight of 98 grams. Its compact build and lightweight nature make it highly portable and easy to use single-handedly. The clamshell design helps protect the main display and keypad when not in use. It features a mini-SIM slot and is available in Metal Grey and Poetic White, appealing to those who favor classic color schemes.

Display

Equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display, the W508 supports 256K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, users enjoy decent visual detail given the phone's feature set. The screen is fortified with scratch-resistant glass, enhancing its durability and longevity. Despite its modest screen-to-body ratio of 32.1%, it provides adequate viewing for text and images.

Camera

The device includes a single 3.15 MP main camera, capable of capturing photos with reasonable clarity and detail. While it lacks advanced features like autofocus and LED flash, the camera can still produce images suitable for casual photography. The phone supports video recording at 320p resolution and 15 frames per second, which was standard for its class at that time.

Performance and Hardware

The W508 is powered by a proprietary processor suitable for running feature phone applications smoothly. It offers 100 MB of internal storage, expandable via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, supporting up to 16 GB, with a 1 GB card included. The device handles tasks such as messaging and basic web browsing using WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (NetFront) efficiently.

Battery

Furnished with a removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery, the W508 offers decent battery life, with up to 400 hours of standby on 2G and 3G. It supports up to 10 hours of talk time on 2G and 4 hours on 3G, making it reliable for extended use without frequent charging. The removable battery design facilitates easy replacement without visiting a service center.

Sound and Multimedia

True to the Walkman brand, the Sony Ericsson W508 excels in audio performance. It includes a proprietary loudspeaker and supports several audio formats, coupled with motion-based games and downloadable content for entertainment. Despite lacking a 3.5mm jack, it supports Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, enriching the listening experience.

Connectivity and Communications

The W508 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G bands on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and a 3G band on HSDPA 2100. The internet connectivity is handled effectively via HSPA, though it lacks WLAN capabilities. For local data transfer, Bluetooth 2.0 offers wireless communication while USB connectivity is possible through a proprietary port.

Sensors and Interface

Equipped with an accelerometer, the phone supports motion-based functionalities for games and other interactive applications. It also features standard messaging capabilities, including SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. Java support opens access to a variety of applications, enhancing usability beyond pre-installed software.

End of Life and Market Status

Released initially in the first half of 2009, the Sony Ericsson W508 was eventually discontinued as smartphones began to dominate the market. With a launch price of approximately 100 EUR, it was positioned as a mid-range option, catering to music enthusiasts and those requiring reliable communication tools in a compact form factor.