Sony Ericsson W900 Complete Specs Prices & Reviews

Overview of Sony Ericsson W900

The Sony Ericsson W900, launched in the mid-2000s, represented a significant step forward in mobile phone design and functionality. As a device situated in the Walkman series, it reflected Sony Ericsson's effort to merge reliable communication tools with entertainment features. The W900 was particularly notable for its swivel design, multimedia capabilities, and impressive hardware for the period.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson W900 boasted a unique swivel design, which added a distinct flair to its appearance. This design allowed users to rotate the screen to access the keypad, a feature that was both novel and functional. Measuring 109 x 49 x 24 mm and weighing 148 grams, the device was relatively compact and felt substantial in hand. It had a robust build quality, indicative of Sony Ericsson's design philosophy of combining durability with elegance. The phone was available in two classic colors: black and white.

Display

One of the standout features of the W900 was its 2.2-inch TFT display. Offering 256K colors and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the screen was vivid and clear, making it a pleasure to view photos and videos. The display was well-suited for the phone's multimedia purposes, providing users with a canvas vibrant enough to enjoy a range of visual contents.

Camera Capabilities

The Sony Ericsson W900 came equipped with a 2 MP main camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash, allowing for decent photography in good lighting conditions. The camera could also record video at 320p, which was quite satisfactory for the time. Though basic by modern standards, the camera was competitive among peers of its era, offering users the ability to capture moments on the go.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 900 mAh battery, the W900 provided adequate battery life for various activities. It offered up to 370 hours in standby mode and up to 8 hours and 40 minutes of talk time. The battery performance was efficient for a feature phone, ensuring users could rely on it throughout the day without frequent charging.

Network and Connectivity

The W900 supported GSM and UMTS technologies, making it capable of 2G and 3G connectivity. With GSM bands of 900, 1800, and 1900, alongside a UMTS 2100 band, the phone allowed for decent data speeds of up to 384 kbps. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless connections, an infrared port, and a proprietary USB interface for data transfers and charging. Although lacking Wi-Fi, the device's connectivity suite was competitive for its time.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Sony Ericsson W900 offered 470MB of storage, which could be expanded via a Memory Stick Duo Pro slot, supporting up to 4 GB. This was a significant advantage for users who wished to store a larger collection of media and applications. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts with multiple fields and photo calls, while call records could log up to 30 entries for received, dialed, and missed calls.

Sound and Multimedia

As part of the Walkman series, the W900 was crafted to deliver superior sound quality. It featured downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, and although it lacked a 3.5mm jack, it provided good sound output through its loudspeaker. The phone was equipped with FM radio capabilities integrated into the supplied remote control, a convenient feature for music enthusiasts who appreciated listening to radio offline.

Software and Features

The W900 ran on a proprietary feature phone operating system, offering basic functionalities with some modern touches. It supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to download and enjoy additional applications and games. Communication features included support for SMS, EMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging, while browsing was facilitated through WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (NetFront) support. The absence of advanced sensors was offset by these robust communication tools.

Price and Market Impact

At launch, the Sony Ericsson W900 was priced around 270 EUR, positioning it within reach for many tech-savvy consumers seeking a blend of style and functionality. Although discontinued, the W900 remains a memorable example of early 2000s mobile innovation, bridging the gap between basic mobile phones and the more advanced smartphones that followed.