Sony Ericsson W595 review

Sony's W595 MusicStation equipped multimedia phone looks set to be a sure-fire hit with those who like their pop music Tested at £0.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you’re a fan of pop music, and like to keep your library fresh, a MusicStation mobile well worth investigating

Pros

  • +

    Feels good in the hand

  • +

    smart interface

  • +

    MusicStation software has plenty of appeal

  • +

    decent sound

Cons

  • -

    Variable MusicStation file sizes

  • -

    no headphone jack

  • -

    could be slightly more intuitive

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While the Sony Ericsson W595 is a fairly smart new mobile, our main interest in this product comes as an opportunity to try out the integrated MusicStation application.

For either £1.95 a week or as part of your monthly subscription price, this exclusive-to-Vodafone service allows you to download, play and share more than three million tracks – and growing –wherever you are.

The service downloads music via 3G or 2.5G (depending on reception), and in the eAAC+ format. Music is stored on the 40MB phone memory or on a micro card of your choice.

It's a decent handset, and the interface is fairly intuitive – with the odd foible.

And it doesn't sound too bad at all. Listening to Dizzee Rascal's Dance Wiv Me, it's a lively, surprisingly detailed sound, if a touch lightweight.

We like this phone, we like MusicStation. With much more functionality promised, especially across other platforms, it's an application to keep an eye on.

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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