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Sony Ericsson W810: The Walkman Phone That Defined an Era

By Sam Hargreaves | Updated 06 Nov 2025

Sony Ericsson W810: The Walkman Phone That Defined an Era

Sony Ericsson W810: The Walkman Phone That Defined an Era

If you owned a Sony Ericsson W810 back in the day, you’ll probably remember just how cool it felt. Before Spotify, before iPhones, and long before wireless earbuds, the W810 delivered something magical: proper music on the go, packed inside a small, stylish phone. For many of us, it was the first device that genuinely blended communication and entertainment — and it did it brilliantly.

Why the W810 Was So Special

The Sony Ericsson W810 wasn’t just another handset. It was part of the iconic Walkman series, bringing Sony’s music legacy into the mobile world. With its bright Walkman logo, dedicated music button and surprisingly powerful speakers for the time, it stood out immediately.

Music on the Move

You could plug in your wired headphones, load up your favourite tracks and enjoy a proper music experience. For a lot of people, this phone replaced their MP3 player entirely — something rare and impressive for that era.

A Camera That Actually Delivered

The 2MP camera might not sound like much now, but back then it produced sharp, colourful shots. It became a go-to device for capturing nights out, school memories and everything in between.

What Made It Stand Out?

Here are a few things that made the W810 such a standout:

  • A dedicated Walkman interface for easy music control
  • Expandable storage for hundreds of songs
  • Sturdy, pocket-friendly design
  • Great call quality and battery life

Why the Walkman Era Came to an End

As smartphones evolved, touchscreen devices with app stores simply outpaced Sony Ericsson’s lineup. Models like the iPhone and early Android phones shifted attention away from physical buttons and towards fully digital media experiences. The Walkman phone era ended, but its legacy lives on in the way we consume music today.

Still Got a Sony Ericsson W810?

Believe it or not, some retro tech still holds value — especially iconic models like this one. If you’ve found an old W810 in a drawer, you can check how much you could get for it on Envirofone.

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Final Thoughts

The Sony Ericsson W810 wasn’t just a phone — it was a cultural moment. It bridged the gap between music players and mobile phones, influencing the smartphones we rely on today. And for many of us, it will always be remembered as the Walkman phone that defined an era.

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