This list covers ten discontinued Sony products whose core ideas still make sense today. Whether you’re a longtime Sony fan or just curious about tech that was ahead of its time, these are the devices that deserve a second look for their design, features, and lasting value.
1. Sony Clié PEG-NR70V
The Clié NR70V was a Palm OS PDA with a built-in keyboard and a swivel screen that flipped over the keys, turning it into a mini laptop. It also had a 640×480 camera, which was rare for PDAs in 2002. The idea of a pocketable device with a physical keyboard and a camera is exactly what modern smartphones do, but Sony got there first with a clever form factor that still feels innovative today.
2. Sony VAIO P Series
The VAIO P was an 8-inch ultra-portable laptop from 2009, often called a “netbook” but with a much better build and a full HD display option. It had a wide 1600×768 screen, a full keyboard, and a built-in GPS in some models. The idea of a truly pocketable PC with a real keyboard and high-res screen is still appealing, especially for people who want a distraction-free writing or browsing device without carrying a full laptop.
3. Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
The Xperia Play was a PlayStation-certified smartphone with a slide-out gamepad, including D-pad, analog sticks, and shoulder buttons. It ran Android and could play both regular apps and PSOne classics. The idea of a phone with dedicated gaming controls is still something many gamers want, and while modern phones rely on Bluetooth controllers, having them built-in was a more elegant solution that never really got a proper successor.
4. Sony SmartWatch 2
The SmartWatch 2 was an early Android smartwatch with a 1.6-inch LCD, NFC, and a metal body. It worked with any Android phone via Bluetooth and had a battery that lasted a few days, which was better than many later smartwatches. The idea of a simple, functional smartwatch that doesn’t require a proprietary ecosystem or daily charging is still very relevant, especially as modern smartwatches get more complex and power-hungry.
5. Sony Reader PRS-T1
The PRS-T1 was a 6-inch e-ink e-reader from 2011 with a capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and support for multiple formats including EPUB and PDF. It was light, had a long battery life, and let you borrow library books. The idea of a dedicated, distraction-free reading device with a crisp e-ink screen is still strong, and the PRS-T1’s simplicity and format flexibility are features that many current e-readers still don’t match.
6. Sony Ericsson Satio
The Satio was a 2009 Symbian phone with a 12.1-megapixel camera and a 3.5-inch touchscreen. It had a xenon flash, which was rare for phones at the time, and could record 720p video. The idea of a phone that prioritizes camera quality with a real flash is now standard, but the Satio was ahead of its time in offering such a high-resolution sensor and dedicated camera hardware in a phone.
7. Sony NWZ-A15 Walkman
The NWZ-A15 was a dedicated music player from 2014 with a 2.2-inch screen, 16GB storage, and a microSD slot. It supported high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and had a battery life of about 50 hours. The idea of a separate device for music, with better audio quality and no notifications, is still appealing to audiophiles who want to leave their phone at home or at the desk.
8. Sony Xperia Z Ultra
The Xperia Z Ultra was a 6.4-inch smartphone from 2013 with a full HD display and a slim 6.5mm body. It was waterproof and could be used with a stylus, making it a great media consumption and note-taking device. The idea of a large, thin, waterproof phone with a stylus is now common, but the Z Ultra was a pioneer, and its design still looks modern.
9. Sony HDR-MV1
The HDR-MV1 was a camcorder designed for recording music, with a 120-degree wide-angle lens and built-in stereo microphones that could handle high sound pressure levels. It recorded in 1080p and had a simple, boxy design that could be mounted on a tripod. The idea of a dedicated device for capturing live music with good audio is still relevant for musicians and content creators who want better sound than a phone can provide.
10. Sony Xperia Tablet Z
The Xperia Tablet Z was a 10.1-inch tablet from 2013 that was only 6.9mm thick and weighed 495g, making it one of the lightest and thinnest tablets of its time. It was also waterproof and had a full HD display. The idea of a lightweight, water-resistant tablet that you can use in the bath or by the pool is still appealing, and its design set a standard that few tablets have matched.
How to Choose
When deciding which of these discontinued Sony products is worth your attention, consider what you need it for. If you want a dedicated music player, the Walkman is perfect, but if you want a portable computer, the VAIO P or Clié might be better. Check the condition of the battery and screen, as these are the most likely to have degraded. Also, think about software compatibility—some of these devices run old operating systems that may not support modern apps or services. For most people, the e-reader or music player are the most practical choices because they don’t rely on cellular networks or app stores that have shut down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use these devices today? Yes, but with limitations. The e-reader and music player work fine offline. The smartphones and tablets may not support modern apps or 4G LTE networks, but they can still be used for basic tasks like browsing, music, or as a dedicated device for a specific purpose.
Where can I buy them? You can find them on second-hand marketplaces like eBay, or sometimes at thrift stores. Be sure to check the battery health and screen condition before buying.
Are these devices safe to use? Generally yes, but old batteries can swell or leak. If you notice any swelling or unusual heat, stop using the device and replace the battery if possible.
Can I upgrade the software? Some devices have custom ROMs or firmware updates, but it’s often not worth the effort. The hardware is old, and modern apps may not run well even if you do install them.
Which one is the best for music? The NWZ-A15 Walkman is the best for music because it supports high-resolution audio and has a long battery life. The HDR-MV1 is better for recording music, not just playing it.
Do these devices have any value as collectibles? Yes, some of them, especially the Clié and VAIO P, are considered collector’s items and can fetch high prices if they are in good condition with original packaging.
Final Thoughts
These discontinued Sony products show that good ideas don’t always get the market traction they deserve. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated music player, a distraction-free e-reader, or a unique piece of tech history, there’s something here worth considering. Just be prepared to do a bit of maintenance and live with the limitations of older technology.
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