Ultimate Guide Sony Ericsson W595 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Ericsson W595 showcases a compact and stylish design typical of the late 2000s era. With dimensions of 100 x 47 x 14 mm and a weight of 104 g, it offered portability and ease of use. The slider form factor was a popular choice, providing users with a tactile experience that featured both a numeric keypad and a sleek exterior when closed. Its build quality was robust enough for everyday use, and its Mini-SIM slot ensured connectivity across various networks.

Display

The device boasted a 2.2-inch TFT display with 256K colors, delivering vibrant and rich visuals for its time. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, the screen offered decent clarity with a density of approximately 182 ppi. Although not comparable to modern high-resolution displays, the screen was satisfactory for simple tasks, gaming, and media consumption during its release period. The screen-to-body ratio of about 31.9% reflects the design norms of the era, emphasizing functionality and durability.

Camera

Equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera, the W595 allowed users to capture everyday moments with ease. While it lacked advanced features such as autofocus or flash, it delivered satisfactory photo quality for social media sharing and personal albums. Video recording capabilities at 320p@15fps provided basic video functionality, suitable for casual video clips. The absence of a front-facing camera aligns with the design priorities before the selfie era truly began.

Sound and Multimedia

The W595 was a part of Sony Ericsson's Walkman phone series, emphasizing superior audio performance. With integrated stereo speakers, it ensured a robust sound output for music lovers. Although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, the device supported MP3 and AAC ringtones, along with vibration alerts. Its FM radio with RDS feature provided additional entertainment options, enhancing its appeal as a multimedia powerhouse during its peak years.

Performance and Storage

Operating on a feature phone platform, the W595 was suited for basic tasks rather than advanced smartphone functionalities. Its internal storage of 40MB was modest, but the inclusion of a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot allowed expansion up to 8 GB, with a 2 GB card included. This ensured users had enough space for media and applications. The phonebook capabilities allowed storage of up to 1000 contacts with photo call features, while call records included up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Connectivity and Networking

The device supported GSM and HSPA technology, ensuring compatibility with various networks. It operated on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 2100), with data speeds reaching up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and USB 2.0. However, it lacked Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, which were less common in phones of this class and era.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery (BST-33), the W595 delivered decent battery life. Users enjoyed up to 385 hours of standby on 2G networks and up to 365 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was up to 9 hours on 2G and 4 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. Music enthusiasts could take advantage of the Walkman feature, enjoying up to 26 hours of continuous music playback, making it an excellent choice for those who valued long-lasting entertainment.

Additional Features

The Sony Ericsson W595 came equipped with several features that added to its usability. An accelerometer sensor allowed for basic motion-based functionalities. Messaging capabilities included SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, catering to various communication needs. Its browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML via NetFront, ensuring basic internet browsing capabilities. Java MIDP 2.0 enabled additional application installations, expanding its utility with downloadable games and productivity tools.

Market Impact and Legacy

Announced in July 2008 and released in September of the same year, the W595 was one of Sony Ericsson's popular models before the widespread adoption of smartphones. Its balance of style, multimedia capabilities, and battery life made it a favorite among consumers looking for a reliable feature phone. Despite being discontinued, its legacy as part of the Walkman series highlights the brand's dedication to superior audio performance. Its availability in various vibrant colors like Jungle Grey, Lava Black, Ruby Black, and others added a personal touch to consumer choices.

Price and Availability

During its retail years, the W595 was priced around 120 EUR, offering competitive value for its range of features. As a discontinued model, its availability now is primarily through secondary markets or as collector items. The phone's SAR ratings were within acceptable limits, ensuring safety for users: 1.41 W/kg (head) and 1.20 W/kg (body) in the U.S., with a SAR EU rating of 1.00 W/kg (head).

Conclusion

In summary, the Sony Ericsson W595 was a well-rounded feature phone that catered to music enthusiasts and casual users alike. Its design, coupled with reliable performance and strong multimedia capabilities, marked it as a notable model in the panorama of pre-smartphone mobile devices. As consumers transitioned to more advanced technology, the W595 remains a nostalgic piece that reflects a period where mobile phones focused on communication and entertainment simplicity.