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Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S review

8.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S
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8.3/10
Informr score
The Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S currently has an Informr score of 8.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 14 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.4 GHz
4.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.2"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PC Magazine
PC Magazine

Unlocked smartphones don't get much love in the U.S. thanks to their unsubsidized up-front prices. But the Sony Xperia Arc S is still worth a look, particularly if you're fond of Sony's attention to detail and emphasis on multimedia playback. It's a fine music and video player, makes quick work of A...

- Jamie Lendino , PC Magazine
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

Sony Ericsson hasn’t always made the best of its smartphones, and some models can be described as, frankly, disappointing. But the Xperia Arc S is a thin, light and powerful Android smartphone, although it’s let down by some build issues.

- Sandra Vogel, Tech Advisor
Gizmodo
Gizmodo

Evaluating mid-range phones is a tricky task; when you’re out at the extremes, whether it’s cheerfully cheap but awful phones, or powerhouses with premium prices, it’s easy to hit some simple conclusions. The middle ground is harder; there’s usually a compromise between price, features and build. It...

- Alex Kidman, Gizmodo
Engadget
Engadget

The Xperia Arc S is a very capable single-core smartphone and debuts alongside Sony Ericsson's latest Gingerbread retweaks. Sadly these don't add enough to recommend it much beyond the original Xperia Arc. The 3D Panorama Sweep may get an obligatory party-trick showing a handful of times, but it's d...

- Mat Smith, Engadget
Android Central
Android Central

It's not the fastest high-end Android smartphone out there, but the Xperia Arc S has a lot to offer, and at a lower price point than most dual-core handsets. If you want a premium Android device without an excessive price tag, the Xperia Arc S is a solid bet.

- Alex Dobie, Android Central


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Sony's suggested retail price is $449.00. You can compare Ericsson Xperia arc S prices from around the web here on The Informr.



Sony backs up the Ericsson Xperia arc S with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Ericsson Xperia arc S has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sony support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sony's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
4.2"

The Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S's screen size is 4.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 19 days standby time, 481 minutes.

Ericsson Xperia arc S Specs

Overview
Release Date September 29, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage No
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.66 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Carrying case, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
16x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Panorama, Self-timer, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 481 minutes
Standby Time Up to 19 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Pure White, Gloss Black, Misty Silver, Midnight Blue, Sakura Pink
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.5 x 6.3 x 0.9 cm (4.9 x 2.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 117 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
ROM: 1GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Wallpapers
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WAV, M4A, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Viewable document types:
Games: Yes
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Sony Ericsson LT18i, Sony Ericsson LT18a
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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