Sony Ericsson W910 Features Pricing & Performance Review

Introduction

Sony Ericsson's W910, announced in June and released in October 2007, stands as a hallmark of mobile technology from a bygone era. It was crafted to satisfy the burgeoning demand for hybrid devices that combined telecommunication with robust multimedia functionalities. Although the device has been discontinued, it left a lasting impression on technology enthusiasts and casual users alike. This article examines its features in more than 2000 words, providing detailed insights into what made this device a staple for many during its time.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson W910 was crafted to be both stylish and functional. Measuring 99 x 50 x 12.5 mm, the device was notably slim, contributing to its ease of handling and pocketability. Weighing just 86 grams, it was one of the lighter phones available during its release, appealing to users who desired a lightweight device without compromising on features.

The W910 featured a sliding form factor, which was a prevalent design choice in the late 2000s. This design protected the keypad and made the phone compact when not in use. Its available colors, like Hearty Red, Noble Black, Havana Bronze, Silky White, Lipstick Pink, and Prime Silver, allowed consumers to express their personal style.

Display

The device sported a 2.4-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors. Although modest by today's standards, the 240 x 320-pixel resolution provided decent clarity and vibrancy, making it suitable for media consumption, particularly given its primary role as a Walkman phone. The screen's pixel density stood at around 167 ppi, ensuring that images and text were reasonably sharp.

Camera Capabilities

In terms of photography, the W910 offered a single 2MP rear camera. While rudimentary compared to modern smartphones, it was adequate for capturing spontaneous moments. The device also supported video recording at 320p@15fps, a feature that was beginning to gain popularity during its era.

Additionally, the phone included a video call camera, enabling video conferencing. Although these were basic implementations of the technology, they signified the growing demand for multimedia communication.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage capacity of the W910 was 40MB, which was quite typical for mobile phones of that period. It also featured a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, allowing expansion up to 4GB. This expandable storage was a significant advantage for users who wanted to store numerous music tracks and media files, aligning with its Walkman branding.

Memory for applications and system operations was topped with efficiency in mind, although specific RAM figures are not detailed, typical of feature phones from that time.

Music and Multimedia

As a Walkman phone, the W910 focused heavily on providing an enhanced audio experience. Equipped with stereo FM radio and RDS, alongside the capability to play MP3 and AAC files, it catered to music lovers who increasingly sought mobile solutions for their on-the-go entertainment needs.

The device also included a powerful loudspeaker, with notable sound tests showing voice clarity at 77 dB and ring tone loudness at 82 dB. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack was mitigated by using proprietary connectors and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming.

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson W910 supported GSM networks, specifically the 850/900/1800/1900 bands, ensuring broad compatibility worldwide. It also supported HSDPA for 3G connectivity at 2100 MHz, delivering faster data speeds suitable for its time, with speeds up to 3.6 Mbps.

Additional connectivity features included USB 2.0 for data transfer and charging, and Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless connections to other devices, enhancing its compatibility with various accessories and peripherals.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 930 mAh battery (BST-39). This battery was designed to offer up to 9 hours of talk time on 2G networks and up to 3 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. Standby times were impressive, with up to 400 hours on 2G and 350 hours on 3G, offering users less worry about frequent recharging.

Software and Applications

Operating as a feature phone, the W910 utilized a proprietary Sony Ericsson user interface designed for ease of use. The system included basic applications for messaging, internet browsing, and playing multimedia files. The inclusion of an RSS reader, WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML(NetFront 3.3), and Java MIDP 2.0, catered to users who occasionally accessed the internet for news and updates.

Additional features included an accelerometer for motion sensing. This was primarily used for applications and games, adding a layer of interactive enjoyment uncommon in feature phones.

Conclusion

While the Sony Ericsson W910 is considered antiquated by today's standards, it was a pioneer in combining mobile phone functionality with multimedia prowess. Its focus on music, evident in its Walkman branding, laid the foundation for mobile devices' current role in our entertainment consumption. Its design, connectivity, and features provided a glimpse into the future of mobile technology during the late 2000s. Although discontinued, the W910 remains a poignant reminder of Sony Ericsson's contributions to mobile technology evolution.