Sony Ericsson Xperia Active

As the name suggests, this phone is part of Sony Ericsson's burgeoning Android line-up. It boasts Android 2.3 and the company's custom-made Timescape user interface, which not only gives it a unique look but also allows you to aggregate all of your social networking activity in one handy location. The software isn't the most interesting element here, though - what's more noteworthy is the super-resilient case design.

Read original review at Know Your Mobile.

The Xperia Active is an interesting phone. We took too it pretty quickly, and while it isn't the sort of phone that we would probably buy, if you want something tough, water resistant and designed for workouts, then this is really an ideal phone. It's a little bit too expensive to replace an MP3 player, but if you take exercise seriously, it's the same price as a Motorola ACTV, for example, and offers you a full mobile phone too boot. So perhaps it could be a second phone for people who like specific tools for specific jobs. Do bear in mind though, that there is nothing here that you couldn't get on ANY android handset. The fitness app is free to all, via the market - although support for heart rate monitors is a nice extra, and one you don't get on many phones. Of course, monitoring your heart rate is singificantly less important to most people than tracking how much exercise they have done. Judging this phone as a phone though, and we're very happy with it. The battery is good enough, especially if you're a light user and the rugged design is good for those who are accident-prone. We just can't help but like it, to be honest.

Read original review at Pocket-lint.

The Xperia Active is priced at Rs. 19,500 (MRP) and the increasing difference between the Rupee and Dollar is taking its toll on the pricing of smartphones as well. We're mentioning this because just a few days back, the market operating price for the phone was around Rs.17,500. The only competition at present to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active is the Motorola Defy+, which we'll be reviewing shortly, so stay tuned for that.

As far as the ruggedness is concerned, we found the Xperia Active to be top-notch. It stood up to all our tests and braved all the environments and stress tests we put it under. If a rugged phone doesn’t suit your taste for whatever reason, the Sony Ericsson Neo V that we reviewed earlier will make for a cheaper buy, but again, the Neo V caters to a completely different audience.

The Xperia Active is designed for people who love outdoor activities like cycling, running, gymming, jogging in the rain or even for people who are clumsy. It also caters to the more serious bunch of hikers, surfers, snowboarders or mountain climbers. However, even if you’re not an outdoor person, but are looking for a reason to become one, the Xperia Active is a fantastic option.

Read original review at tech2.