Sony Ericsson W705 review

This attractive Walkman-branded device is easy to use and ticks most boxes Tested at £0.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

An attractive device that compliments Sony Ericsson's extensive range of Walkman-branded music mobiles

Pros

  • +

    Simple connection and easy to use

  • +

    wireless music

  • +

    good compatibility

  • +

    remote control

Cons

  • -

    Sound lacks dynamics and top-end control

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If you're a mobile phone with a penchant for playing music, then comparisons with the iPhone are inevitable. But Apple's device isn't on everyone's wish list, and Sony Ericsson has a broad range of music mobiles to choose from, all stamped with the Walkman brand.

The W705 is one such phone. This 3G handset is a stylish 'slider' model, with a 2.4in screen. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity feature, as does DLNA compliancy.

A 4GB Memory Stick Micro comes bundled with the phone and compatibility includes unprotected AAC, MP3 music fomats and MPEG4 video files.

The Media Manager software creates these files and you can either use it to transfer them from your PC or drag and drop.

Colourful, simple menus
As a phone, the W705 is easy to use. The menus are colourful and self-explanatory, while the Shake Control function allows you to change volume or track with a flick of the wrist.

The bundled headphones sound quite bright and bass-heavy, but using a decent pair of buds, the phone sounds rhythmic, detailed and expressive.

Even though you don't enjoy the same level of refinement or tonal balance that you do through the iPhone, the W704 is still a neat mobile handset.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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