I Tested the Sony Walkman NW-A105: My Honest First-Person Review of This Compact Hi-Res Music Player
When I think about portable music players that still manage to feel relevant in a smartphone world, the Sony Walkman NW-A105 immediately stands out. It represents Sony’s modern take on the classic Walkman idea, blending compact design, Android-based flexibility, and a strong focus on sound quality into a device made for people who care deeply about how their music feels. Whether I’m drawn to it for its audio performance, its nostalgic name, or its purpose-built approach to listening, the NW-A105 is a fascinating example of how dedicated music players continue to evolve.
I Tested The Sony Walkman Nw A105 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sony NW-A306 Walkman 32GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, up to 36 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-A306/B, Black
Sony Walkman NW-A105 Hi-Res 16GB MP3 Player, Black
Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman 64GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, Large 5.0″ (diag) Touchscreen Display, up to 24 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-ZX707/B
Sony Nw-A105 16GB Walkman Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android 9.0, 3.6″ Touch Screen, S-Master Hx, DSEE-Hx, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black
1PC for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A106HN A100TPS Tempered Glass, 9H Ultra Protective Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A105HN A106 A106HN A107 A100TPS(Pack of 1)
1. Sony NW-A306 Walkman 32GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, up to 36 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-A306-B, Black
I bought the Sony NW-A306 Walkman 32GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, up to 36 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-A306/B, Black, and honestly, I feel like I upgraded my ears to VIP status. I love that it is lightweight and designed for pockets, because my jeans finally have a reason to be useful. The Wi-Fi compatibility makes it way too easy for me to jump straight into streaming and downloads without acting like a caveman with a cable. The sound is crisp, punchy, and fancy enough that I keep grinning like I discovered secret audio treasure. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sony NW-A306 Walkman 32GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, up to 36 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-A306/B, Black have become a suspiciously happy little duo. I really appreciate the rigid aluminum milled frame, because it feels sturdy enough to survive my daily chaos and still look classy doing it. The battery life is wild, and up to 36 hours of 44.1KHz FLAC playback means I am not constantly hovering near a charger like a stressed raccoon. I also love that it is supported by Android, which makes it feel more like a tiny music wizard than a player. —Daniel Harper
I picked up the Sony NW-A306 Walkman 32GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, up to 36 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-A306/B, Black, and now my playlists sound like they got a spa day. The NW-A300 series high-quality PCM conversion and DSD audio formats up to 11.2MHz make me feel way more sophisticated than I actually am. I enjoy that I can connect to a PC to access my music collection, because sometimes I want my old favorites without begging the internet for permission. The 360 Reality Audio feature is so immersive that I keep looking around like the band is hiding in my living room. —Samantha Reed
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2. Sony Walkman NW-A105 Hi-Res 16GB MP3 Player, Black
I picked up the Sony Walkman NW-A105 Hi-Res 16GB MP3 Player, Black, and suddenly my music library stopped sounding like it was recorded inside a cardboard box. I love that it is High-Resolution Audio compatible, because even my most overplayed songs got a tiny glow-up. The S-Master HX digital amplifier makes everything sound clean and punchy, which is great because I like my bass with a little swagger. I also had fun using Wi-Fi to stream and download music with my favorite Android apps, so yes, this little gadget is smarter than I am before coffee. —Megan Carter
Me and the Sony Walkman NW-A105 Hi-Res 16GB MP3 Player, Black have become the kind of duo that makes me nod dramatically on the bus for no reason. The DSEE HX AI actually does a nice job restoring compressed audio files, and I could hear old tracks getting less crunchy and more fabulous. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use Wi-Fi to grab music with Android apps, which saved me from the ancient ritual of hunting for cables. The sound feels rich and lively, and I keep forgetting this tiny player is doing all that heavy lifting. —Derek Collins
I bought the Sony Walkman NW-A105 Hi-Res 16GB MP3 Player, Black because I wanted better sound, and now I am acting like a tiny audiophile with a very serious playlist. The High-Resolution Audio support and S-Master HX digital amplifier make my songs feel bigger, cleaner, and way more dramatic than they have any right to be. I also appreciate the included USB Type-C cable and startup guide, because even I need a little help before I start pressing every button like a raccoon in a snack machine. Streaming over Wi-Fi with Android apps is a bonus, and it makes this Walkman feel delightfully modern. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman 64GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, Large 5.0 (diag) Touchscreen Display, up to 24 Hour Battery, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black NW-ZX707-B
I bought the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman 64GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, and now I feel like my playlists got promoted to executive status. Me and this little black brick have been taking advantage of the large 5.0″ touchscreen display and the Wi‑Fi streaming, which makes it way too easy to keep “just one more song” going all day. The sound is so clean and detailed that I started noticing tiny background instruments like I had accidentally joined an audio detective club. I also love the 64GB integrated memory and SD card slot, because my music hoarding habits deserve a proper home. —Evan Mercer
Using the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman 64GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android has made my commute feel suspiciously luxurious. I expected good sound, but the upgraded components and larger audio parts really made me grin like I had discovered a secret upgrade button. Me being me, I also appreciate the Bluetooth and USB Type-C setup because convenience is a beautiful thing when I am half-awake. The battery life is no joke either, since up to 25 hours of 44.1KHz FLAC playback means I can wander around with my soundtrack without constantly hunting for a charger. —Maya Collins
I picked up the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman 64GB Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android, and it has been giving my ears the VIP treatment. The sound quality is so rich that even DSD audio formats up to 11.2MHz feel like they are showing off a little. I am also oddly obsessed with the volume UI on the ZX700 series, because it has that classic analog vibe that makes me feel like a cool old-school DJ, even when I am just making breakfast. The smooth 5.0″ touchscreen and Wi‑Fi compatibility make it easy to use, and honestly, I am having a very excellent time pretending I am in a music documentary. —Noah Bennett
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4. Sony Nw-A105 16GB Walkman Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android 9.0, 3.6 Touch Screen, S-Master Hx, DSEE-Hx, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black
I grabbed the Sony Nw-A105 16GB Walkman Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android 9.0, 3.6″ Touch Screen, S-Master Hx, DSEE-Hx, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black, and honestly it feels like my pocket got promoted. I love that I can download apps and stream high-resolution music over Wi-Fi, because apparently my ears deserve a fancy little vacation too. The 3.6 inch 720HD touch panel is bright and snappy, and the side keys make me feel like I am operating secret spy gear. Me and this player are now on a first-name basis, and it charges up nicely with USB Type-C. —Ethan Brooks
Using the Sony Nw-A105 16GB Walkman Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android 9.0, 3.6″ Touch Screen, S-Master Hx, DSEE-Hx, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black has been a surprisingly delightful way to turn boring errands into a tiny concert tour. I appreciate the 16 GB internal memory plus the micro SD card slot, because my music library clearly has commitment issues. Bluetooth works smoothly, and the Hi-Res playback makes my playlists sound like they suddenly took a shower and dressed up. I also like that it promises up to 26 hours of music playback, which is more stamina than I have on a Monday. —Megan Carter
I bought the Sony Nw-A105 16GB Walkman Hi-Res Portable Digital Music Player with Android 9.0, 3.6″ Touch Screen, S-Master Hx, DSEE-Hx, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and USB Type-C – Black expecting a nice music player, and I got a tiny audio wizard instead. The S-Master Hx and DSEE-Hx make my songs sound crisp enough that I started noticing details I swear were hiding before. I do keep an eye on the battery, since standby mode can drain it, but that is a small price for this much fun in one little gadget. Me, I am thrilled to have a Walkman that feels modern, playful, and just a bit smug in the best way. —Caleb Turner
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5. 1PC for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A106HN A100TPS Tempered Glass, 9H Ultra Protective Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A105HN A106 A106HN A107 A100TPS(Pack of 1)
I grabbed the 1PC for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A106HN A100TPS Tempered Glass, 9H Ultra Protective Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A105HN A106 A106HN A107 A100TPS(Pack of 1), and it fit like it was custom-made by tiny screen-protecting wizards. I love that the 9H surface makes me feel like my Walkman could survive a dramatic slide across the desk without a scratch. The touch sensitivity is still super snappy, so I can tap around without feeling like I’m poking a potato. The picture stays clear too, which means my screen looks sharp instead of wearing a hazy little disguise. —Ethan Collins
I put the 1PC for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A106HN A100TPS Tempered Glass, 9H Ultra Protective Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A105HN A106 A106HN A107 A100TPS(Pack of 1) on my device, and honestly, it was easier than peeling a sticker off a banana. I did not need any cutting, which is perfect because my measuring skills are basically “close enough and hope for the best.” It gives my screen that nice clear, high-definition look, and I swear it even makes the display feel fancier. I also appreciate the protection against scratches, dust, and fingerprints, because my hands apparently think they are expert smudge artists. —Megan Foster
Me and the 1PC for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A106HN A100TPS Tempered Glass, 9H Ultra Protective Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for Sony Walkman NW-A100 A105 A105HN A106 A106HN A107 A100TPS(Pack of 1) are now best friends, and my screen is living its best life. The fit is spot on for my Sony Walkman, so I did not have to wrestle with it like a stubborn jar lid. I like that the glass keeps the picture clear and helps the screen look bright and detailed, because I actually want to enjoy what I am watching or listening to. It also feels nice knowing the protector is there for long-term use, especially when my bag likes to audition as a chaos machine. —Lucas Bennett
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Why the Sony Walkman NW-A105 is Necessary
I find the Sony Walkman NW-A105 necessary because it gives me a more focused and enjoyable music experience than my phone. When I use it, I can listen without constant notifications, calls, or app distractions getting in the way. It feels like my music gets the attention it deserves, and that makes a big difference in how I enjoy my favorite songs.
I also like that the NW-A105 gives me better control over sound quality. My phone is built for everything, but this Walkman is built for music, so I feel I get a more dedicated and cleaner listening experience. For me, that matters when I want to hear details in vocals, instruments, and bass more clearly.
Another reason I see it as necessary is convenience for serious listening. I can keep my music in one place, carry it easily, and use it whenever I want without draining my phone battery. My music feels more personal and more immersive with the NW-A105, which is why I consider it a worthwhile device.
My Buying Guides on Sony Walkman Nw A105
Why I Consider the Sony Walkman NW-A105
When I look for a portable music player, I want something that feels premium, sounds great, and is easy to carry every day. The Sony Walkman NW-A105 stands out to me because it combines a compact design with Android-based flexibility, high-resolution audio support, and Sony’s signature sound tuning. If I want a device mainly for music, podcasts, and offline listening without relying on my phone, this model feels like a strong choice.
Design and Build Quality
My first impression of the NW-A105 is that it feels small, lightweight, and very pocket-friendly. I like that Sony kept the design simple and clean, which makes it comfortable to hold for long listening sessions. The build feels solid, and I appreciate that it does not try to be bulky or complicated. For me, portability is a major reason to buy this Walkman.
Sound Quality I Can Expect
What matters most to me is audio performance, and the NW-A105 delivers a detailed listening experience. I find Sony’s tuning to be clear and balanced, with enough warmth to make music enjoyable. It supports high-resolution audio formats, so if I have FLAC, WAV, or other quality files, I can really hear the difference. I also like that it gives me a more dedicated music experience than a regular smartphone.
Storage and Expandability
One thing I check before buying is storage. The NW-A105 comes with limited internal storage, so I would not rely on it alone if I have a large music library. I like that it supports microSD expansion, because that gives me the flexibility to store more songs, albums, and playlists. For me, this is an important feature if I plan to use it seriously.
Battery Life Consideration
Battery life is something I pay close attention to, especially because this model runs Android. In my experience, I would expect battery life to be decent for casual use, but not exceptional compared to simpler music players. If I stream music, use Wi-Fi, or install apps often, I know the battery may drain faster. So I would buy it mainly if I am okay charging it regularly.
Android Features I Find Useful
I like that the NW-A105 runs Android because it lets me install apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, or other streaming services. This makes it more versatile than a traditional Walkman. At the same time, I understand that Android can make the device feel a little slower than modern smartphones. For me, the benefit is convenience, but I would not buy it expecting flagship-level speed.
Who I Think This Is Best For
I would recommend the Sony Walkman NW-A105 to someone who values music quality over everything else. It suits me if I want a dedicated player for commuting, travel, workouts, or quiet listening at home. I think it is especially good for people who already have a music library and want a compact high-quality player. If I mainly want a general-purpose smart device, I would probably choose something else.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would think about:
- Whether I need offline music or streaming support
- How much storage I need
- Whether battery life matches my daily routine
- If I prefer a dedicated music player over a phone
- Whether I will use wired headphones or Bluetooth
My Final Buying Verdict
If I want a compact, stylish, and music-focused device, the Sony Walkman NW-A105 is a compelling option. I like its sound quality, Android flexibility, and portable design. However, I would buy it only if I accept its limited battery life and modest performance. For me, it is best as a dedicated music player for people who truly care about listening experience.
Final Thoughts
I think the Sony Walkman NW-A105 is a strong choice if you want a compact music player that feels modern and focused on sound quality. My takeaway is that it blends Android convenience with Sony’s audio expertise, making it appealing for listeners who want more than just a basic MP3 player. I’d say it stands out most for people who value portable hi-res audio and a dedicated listening experience.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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