Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

Sony Xperia sola review

7.5/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

Sony Xperia sola
Sony Xperia sola
Sony Xperia sola
Sony Xperia sola
...


7.5/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia sola currently has an Informr score of 7.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 5 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Most mid-tier Android smartphones don’t have any real distinguishing characteristics. As a result, the market may look like it’s filled with endless copies of the exact same handset wearing a slightly different outfit. This is fortunately not the case with the Sony Xperia sola, which apart from carrying standard mid-range Android features, also boasts one curious bit of display wizardry: floating touch technology. It enables users to manipulate elements on the touchscreen display without even touching the screen itself. It’s either the future or a lousy gimmick. Either way, it’s nice.

The sola is equipped with a 1GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM. Its spec sheet says it has 8GB of internal storage space but in reality only 5GB of it is available for use. There is however a microSD slot that takes cards up to 32GB. The sola also has several other noteworthy hardware features which include a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash, stereo speakers, HSUPA data, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, NFC, and microUSB connectivity. It also offers up to 5 hours of talk time in 3G and about 40 hours of non-stop music playback.

It’s clear that the sola has a well-rounded smartphone feature-set. The thing is, most reviews indicate that it might have been a better overall performer if the default operating system had been Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich instead of Gingerbread. With that said, it’s still not a bad choice if what you’re after is getting bang for your buck.

Need to Know: Sony Xperia sola

1. Equipped with speedy dual-core processor. (The Good)

2. Boasts a unique new feature called floating touch technology. (The Good)

3. Android 2.3 Gingerbread is the default OS instead of a later version of Android. (The Bad)

4. Comes with a limited amount of on-board RAM and internal storage space. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
3.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.7"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1320 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


NDTV
NDTV

Sony had some nice mid-rangers last year and Xperia sola isn't different. The Japanese manufacturer has continued to impress us with a stable and value for money Xperia sola. However, it is important to point out that absence of ICS and front camera surely goes against the smartphone. An Xperia sola...

- Gaurav Shukla, NDTV
GSMArena
GSMArena

The Sony Xperia sola strives to give you a feature-rich experience to set itself apart from the crowd of midrange droids.

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
Cnet
Cnet

Sony's Xperia Sola is a respectable mid-tier phone, with a good smattering of features and decent performance. Some that will argue that its 3.7-inch screen is too small for various smartphone tasks and the colour banding issues we've encountered may be a deal-breaker for others. Both impact on mult...

- Joseph Hanlon, Cnet
Mobile88
Mobile88

The Xperia Sola does not offer high-end specs, however you sure can look forward to its floating technology. What we can say is that the Xperia Sola is still not at its best. Nonetheless, you can consider it pretty good value for money.

- Tan Ming Sin, Mobile88
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

After putting it through its paces, we can conclude that the Sony Xperia sola is a well-made Android smartphone. If you are looking for a decent mid-range offering that gets you a good amount of bang for the buck, do not hesitate to check it out! We would definitely recommend it over smartphones lik...

- Nick T., PhoneArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia sola user manual here.


Sony backs up the Xperia sola with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Xperia sola 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.



Ask the Community



Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
3.7"

The Sony Xperia sola's screen size is 3.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Dual-core 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1320mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1320 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 19.5 days standby time, 360 minutes.

Xperia sola Specs

Overview
Release Date May 7, 2012
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Dual-core 1 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.49 W/kg
Body: 1.09 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
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, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
16x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Night mode, Panorama, Red-eye reduction, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
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 3.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1320 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 360 minutes
Standby Time Up to 19.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White, Red
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.6 x 5.9 x 1.0 cm (4.6 x 2.3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 107 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
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, MP4, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WAV, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 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: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Sony Pepper, Sony MT27i

Music playback time: 40 Hours
Video playback time: 6 Hours
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia sola Reviews
Where to buy Sony Xperia sola
Suggest a correction