Sony Ericsson W890 Ultimate Specs Pricing & Features Guide

Overview of Sony Ericsson W890

Sony Ericsson W890, released in 2008, is a classic feature phone that still holds a charm for those who appreciate simplicity and legacy technology. As a part of the popular Walkman series, it appeals not just for calls and texts but also for its music playback quality. With its thin and light design, the W890 was ahead of its time with several key features that attracted tech enthusiasts and general users alike.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson W890 features a sleek and modern design for its time, with dimensions of 104 x 46.5 x 9.9 mm and a weight of just 78 grams. This made it very convenient to carry around. It supports a Mini-SIM and was available in three colors: Espresso Black, Mocha Brown, and Sparkling Silver. Its compact form factor had a screen-to-body ratio of about 25.6%, with a 2.0-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256K colors and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, leading to a respectable pixel density of around 200 ppi.

Audio and Music Capabilities

One of the standout features of the W890 is its music capabilities, an integral part of the Walkman series. The device includes a stereo FM radio with RDS and supports MP3 and AAC ringtones. However, it does not have a 3.5mm jack, which could be limiting for those who prefer wired headphones. The loudspeaker performance delivers clear audio, with ratings of 69dB for voice, 78dB for noise, and 72dB for ringtones.

Camera and Photography

The W890 is equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera that can capture images at a basic level expected from a feature phone of its age. The camera is also capable of recording videos at 320p resolution at 15fps. On the front, there is a videocall camera, this addition was significant during its release years, enhancing the device's appeal for users interested in video communication.

Connectivity and Networking

In terms of connectivity, the Sony Ericsson W890 offers Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, enabling wireless streaming of high-quality audio to compatible devices. Although it lacks WLAN capability, it features USB 2.0 connectivity and supports network technologies including GSM and HSPA, offering a maximum speed of 3.6 Mbps. It supported several bands for both 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G (HSDPA 2100), ensuring connectivity over a wide range of areas.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 32MB of internal storage, which is quite limited by today's standards but typical for the era of release. To cater to storage needs beyond its internal memory, the W890 includes a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, supporting cards up to 4 GB, with a 2 GB card included in the package. The phonebook capacity supports 1000 entries, each with up to 20 fields, along with photo call features, extending its usefulness for contact management.

Battery Life and Performance

The W890 is powered by a removable Li-Po 950 mAh battery (BST-33), which provides a decent standby time of up to 360 hours on 2G and up to 310 hours on 3G networks. The talk time is up to 9 hours 30 minutes on 2G and up to 4 hours 30 minutes on 3G networks, highlighting its efficiency during the era it was released.

Software and Features

The Sony Ericsson W890 operates on the proprietary platform typical of feature phones of that time. It includes an array of messaging features such as SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging functions. The web browsing capabilities are facilitated by a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, HTML (NetFront 3.4), and an RSS reader. It also supports Java MIDP 2.0, allowing for basic gaming and utility applications. Despite its limitations in sensor technologies, the phone’s features were more than adequate for its time.

Market Position and Pricing

Upon its release, the Sony Ericsson W890 was priced at around 110 EUR, making it a mid-range option for many consumers. The price point, combined with its impressive music features and slim design, made it a competitive choice among feature phones. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a memorable device for many users who owned it, reflecting a balance of functionality and style.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Sony Ericsson W890 represents an era of mobile phones where design and specific features like music playback were prioritized to cater to the emerging market of multimedia phones. While it may not compete with today’s smartphones, it offers a nostalgic look at mobile technology and stands out as a notable device in the history of Sony Ericsson’s Walkman series.