Mobile Phone Reviews

Archive for the ‘Sony Ericsson’ Category

The marriage of the Sony and Ericsson companies has had a profound effect on the mobile phone industry.  Ericsson brought years of invaluable experience in mobile phones, while Sony remains one of the world’s leading electronics companies, bringing years of expertise in core technologies. 

The combined companies have worked together well in delivering ingenious and cutting edge products that boast high quality LCD displays, digital audio and photography and a solid reputation for innovative design. 

As mobile phones gradually become more and more sophisticated, reliability of handsets has become an issue.  Sony Ericsson models have fallen foul of this in recent years, and the consistency of excellent handsets has been blighted by some models being plagued with such problems.

Some of the most popular Sony Ericsson mobile phone models include the Experia range; consisting of the X8, Arc S, the Ray, Arc, Mini, Mini Pro, Neo, X10, Spiro.  All of them operate at 3.5G speeds, have touchscreens and GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability.  Additionally, the Arc S, Ray, Arc, Neo and X10 have a camera with an 8.1 megapixel resolution, whilst all of these smartphones have video capability included.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S is an exceptionally good media phone and one of the best Sony Ericsson mobile phones ever made. It has some features that are rarely found on smartphones, including an HDMI port and Sony BRAVIA display technology.

The phone features a 1GHz Qualcomm processor with 512MB of RAM. Even though the lack of a dual core processor may seem like a bit of a letdown to some, the Xperia Arc proves that anything can be done with a single core processor if done right. The interface is very snappy and the phone manages to run virtually all the resource hungry 3D games without any noticeable slowdown. The speed will only be affected if you have too many background processing running.

The media capabilities on this phone are exceptional. The pictures taken by the 8.1 megapixel camera with an Exmor R sensor always look clean and sharp. The video camera may only be capable of 720p HD, but the videos looks better than some 1080p HD ones. The only downside to the camera is some camera shake, which is caused by a stiff button. The screen is very high resolution and looks every bit as good as the fabled Retina display on the iPhone 4. The presence of an HDMI port can never be a bad thing.  After all, who could say no to a session of Angry Birds on the big screen using the phone as a controller?  Anything you do on the phone can be mirrored on an HDTV through an HDMI cable.

Overall, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is a great addition to the Android family. If you want a phone that does a great job as a camera or a camcorder, it is definitely worth considering.

The Sony Ericsson Arc, also known as the Experia Arc, is an Android smartphone. After a disappointing model in the X10, Sony Ericsson has gone back to the drawing board and returned with this new handset.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the Arc is its thinness, measuring just 8.7mm with a curved back. The touchscreen is larger than many other smartphones around, with a size of 4.2 inches. It has small white bulbs between the bottom keys, which light up whenever a key is pressed.

Unlike many other Android phones around at the moment, it does not come with a dual-core processor. However, running Android 2.3 and coming with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor it copes easily with all the demands made by modern smartphones. It incorporates Sony’s Mobile Bravia engine to produce sharp images with vibrant colours. 

It has an 8.1 megapixel camera, which comes with a CMOS sensor as well as Sony Exmor R technology. This all combines to give some great images and HD video. The 4.2 inch screen has a resolution of 480 by 854 pixels, with 16 million colours as well. The interface is based on Android but with Sony Ericsson’s own Timescape technology to enhance it. It is responsive and very intuitive to use. There is a GPS with Google Maps and Google Latitude, which shares where you are with your friends. If you want a stylish smartphone with lots of functionality, then look around for some Sony Ericcson Arc deals. 

In 2001, Japanese electronics giant Sony joined forced with Sweden’s telecommunications experts Ericsson to become Sony Ericsson. By 2009, the company had become the fourth largest mobile phone producer on the planet, and Sony Ericsson mobile phones remain one of the world’s market leaders. 

Famous for their Walkmans and megapixel camera technology, which they introduced to the mobile phone market from 2005, Sony Ericsson mobile phones are now trying to compete with the best smartphones the world has to offer. They offer cutting edge technology and all the apps, such as Android sat nav, that the world has come to expect from increasingly sophisticated mobile phones.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia range of phones, which includes the Sony Ericsson Arc and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8, are among the newest batch of excellent and highly rated smartphones.  Featuring excellent design and smooth browsing alongside a range of top quality android apps, these Sony Ericsson mobile phones are helping to put Sony Ericsson back at the top of their game. Recent Sony Ericsson mobile phones include such technological advances as BRAVIA, renowned for excellent visual properties, and UIQ mobile phones, notable for their interfaces and touch screen capacities.

Other ventures undertaken by Sony Ericsson mobile phones towards the end of the noughties include the Greenheart branded models, which are noteworthy for their use of eco-friendly materials, products and apps. This was a new direction for the Sony Ericsson mobile phone market.

There is no denying the Sony Ericsson Arc is a beautiful phone.  Measuring an amazingly thin 8.7mm at points, it is by far the skinniest phone on the market.  Visually, this phone is superb, but does it measure up to the leading smartphones technologically?

The first thing to notice about the Arc is the screen size.  Measuring a massive 4.2 inches, it fills most of the front of the phone. The Arc runs a 1GHz Scorpion processor, which is standard for higher-specification smartphones, although the 512MB RAM definitely is not.  With most high-end smartphones harbouring at least 756MB, the Arc feels somewhat inferior.  Furthermore, with a tiny 320MB of internal storage, users could fill the memory very quickly indeed. Sony Ericsson has fitted the Arc with a MicroSD™ slot, which can support up to 32GB, although many apps do not support SD movement – a big problem for the Arc.

There is no doubt the camera of the Arc is superb.  At 8.1 megapixels, 720p HD video recording is also supported and the HDMI connectivity of the device means recordings can be played through any HD-ready TV.  Keen to exploit its BRAVIA TV technology, Sony has fitted this feature to the Arc in what is becoming more common across the Sony Ericsson range.

For a consumer, the Sony Ericsson Arc should definitely be on any wish list.  While it does not possess a dual-core processor, or the storage capabilities of some rivals, it is a fantastic-looking device that has been widely described as one of the best smartphones yet.

The Sony Ericsson Arc (also called the Xperia Arc) offers far more than most would expect from Sony Ericsson mobile phones running Android.  Speed, precision display, great camera quality and good battery life are also included.

What it offers
The phone carries a 4.2 screen with the quality of a top ranked flat screen television, making pictures; videos, site or essentially anything loaded look stunning.  The 8.1 mp camera offers some cool options, both videos and still shots will amaze. 

It was built with Android 2.3 that combined with its 1GHz MSM8255 CPU doesn’t leave anything lacking in terms of speed.  Overall it comes with a great package that includes an 8GB microSD card and surprisingly good earbuds.  Other features include FM radio, 3.5mm headphone jack, audio and visual player, HMDI out, video calling, USB and Bluetooth.

The phone’s curved back, slim fit, two toned effect, the position of the Android buttons and the light up section between them all add to its sleek, highly appealing look.  Additionally preset shortcuts, like the media button, make some of functions easier to access especially during first use.

Where if fails
The main issue is the location of some items.  The heaphone jack, HMDI out and charging port are just some of the features that are unfortunately placed, causing users to either unplug something to use them or risk damaging attachments.

Verdict
Placement quirks aside, the Sony Ericsson Arc is definitely worth the hype surrounding it.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is not only stylish and light, but it is also an Android phone that offers plenty of impressive features.  Boasting a 4.2 inch screen and an 8.1 megapixel camera with flash, face detection and touch focus, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is the perfect choice for those who want an Android phone that produces sharper pictures and excellent graphics.

In addition to high quality photos, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc also offers HD video recording and an HDMI port to view pictures and videos on a larger screen.  The phone’s camera even produces decent quality photos in low-light environments.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, giving you access to all of the latest Android features.  The phone comes with a number of apps and you can download more from the Android Market.  For those who wish to add extra storage space, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc offers a microSD card for up to 32 GB, providing more room for photos, videos and apps.

Other features offered by the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc include WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G.  The phone’s home screen is customisable and you can easily add your favourite widgets.  Those who are looking for a phone that offers social networking features will not be disappointed, as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc offers Facebook and Twitter widgets.

There are a number of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc deals available, allowing you to compare offers and find a deal that is right for you.

If you are considering purchasing one of the Sony Ericsson mobile phones that are on the market, then the Sony Ericsson Zylo should be on your list.  This particular handset is being marketed as a Walkman phone with a number of enhanced audio features that will please those who use their mobile for listening to music.  The music player has a five-band equaliser and has pre-installed presets and the option to fully customise the feature.  Headphones are supplied with a handset that is comfortable to use, although users do not have the option of using their own. 

The handset, like other Sony Ericsson mobile phones, is a compact one that fits neatly into a pocket and has a slide out keyboard, which makes emailing, and texting easy.  Text messages can be viewed as threaded conversations and you can add images and other files to messages without too much trouble.  Files can be easily organised to create playlists so that you can access quickly the songs that you wish to hear. 

The camera is 3-megapixels and has all the basic effects that you need for taking images of reasonable quality, although there is no flash for images taken in poorer light.  Images are easily uploaded to Facebook and other social networking sites and there are two modes on the Facebook app.  These are advanced and basic, so you can choose the one that matches your usage.  Other apps for social networking include Twitter and the internet can be easily accessed using 3G.

Major mobile phone makers are jumping on the Android bandwagon one after the other, and for good reason.  This Sony Ericsson X10 review won’t discuss all the pros of the Android OS but, suffice to say, this is half of what makes the phone what it is.

However, Android is no longer mobile phone news, so on to the actual phone.

The first thing you will notice is the gigantic 4” bright and colourful screen which Sony Ericsson has somehow managed to hide in a slim profile.  Many new mobile phones feature big screens but end up being bulky, but the X10 doesn’t.  It has a solid feel to it and is fairly lightweight too, making it fit easily in your hand.

Sony Ericsson puts a good deal of focus on the multimedia abilities of the phone, including the bundled Mediascape app which puts all your photos, videos and music under one umbrella.  The included Bass Reflex headphones are not too bad, but if you’d rather use your own you will be pleased to find a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.

When you compare mobile phones with the Android OS you will definitely come across a range of great phones, as you will see from the many positive HTC Desire reviews and more.  It is difficult for manufacturers to differentiate from other high end Android phones, but the X10 does stand out for its multimedia abilities – including the stunning 8-megapixel camera.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 deals are good but not great, as the phone is still very popular, but you will easily find deals of £25 and up on contracts including a free handset.  If you don’t want a contract, you will need to fork out upwards of £400, although Orange offers an attractive pay as you go deal for £409.95.

Sony is synonymous with portable music players and its put its skills to good use in its range of music-orientated budget mobile phones.  The Sony Ericsson Spiro is a very stylish phone with a single purpose in mind – playing music, over and above the tasks of making calls and sending texts.  There is no choice of apps or other smartphone essentials, but this Sony Ericsson Spiro review has to admit that not everyone needs smartphone features.

The good news is that the Spiro comes with basic Twitter and Facebook integration, which helps with fusing music and social networking.  The included Walkman 4.0 software is really easy to use and lets you download music and games directly to your phone.  Thankfully there is a microSD card slot so you can upgrade the, well, paltry 5 MB of internal storage.

Importantly, the phone includes a 3.5 mm standard headphone jack which suits any headphones.  You will probably make use of it, as this unit does not come with particularly good headphones.  The Spiro includes a 2-megapixel camera, which can only be seen as a bonus and not a reason for buying the phone.

For £45 you get a pretty decent music playback device in the form of the Sony Ericsson Spiro, and it also buys you a handset.  When you compare mobile phones the price really does matter, but at this point you need to be selective about which features matter to you.  If music playback is at the top of your list, this will be a couple of quid well spent.