As the name suggests, the W810i is a souped up version of the original Walkman phone, the W800.
This one gets quad band support and a bigger, better screen (49mm diagonal rather than 45, and though the resolution is the same 176×220 pixels as the K750i, the extra size does give a noticeable improvement). There’s a new D-pad, too, which feels a lot more solid and answers most of the past criticisms of SE’s joystick.
Other tweaks probably include the onboard speakers, which still aren’t stereo but do seem to produce a cleaner sound than on the W800. And the stain black finish is a real success – it simply doesn’t show scuffs and fingerprints like glossy surfaces.
Otherwise it’s the mixture as before – 512MB Memory Stick storage card, Sony Ericsson’s excellent 2mp camera from the K750i, FM radio, equalizer with a few presets. Overall the build quality is good. Why change a winning team?
On the other hand, if you don’t need EDGE or the ability to use the phone in the States, the W810i isn’t a compelling reason to switch from an existing K750i/W800i.

• Forget the W800i, this is the better option.