There’s no other way to describe the Sony Xperia S other than a very capable multimedia device that’s filled to the brim with top-of-the-line hardware and software features. Currently, it is Sony’s flagship Android smartphone and is considered by many as one of the most handsome phones available on the mobile phone shelves.
Sony smartphones—and yes, that includes the ones that were released under the Sony Ericsson brand back when it was still alive—have always been characterized as having excellent built-in cameras. The Sony Xperia S is of course no exception. It boasts a built-in 12-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, plus it comes with several nice extras such as touch focus, face and smile detection, 3D sweep panorama, image stabilization, and geo-tagging capabilities. The rest of the phone just further emphasizes Sony’s focus on multimedia for the Xperia S. The display is an LED-backlit LCD touchscreen that supports multi-touch and measures 4.3-inches diagonally. It offers a native resolution of 720x1280 and is able to display images with rich color and textures with the help of the proprietary Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine. A front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera makes taking portrait photos easier. There’s also an excellent built-in loudspeaker that can be used not only with the music player but also with the built-in FM radio.
With all of that said, the Sony Xperia S is also one of the most powerful smartphones that you can get in its price range. It runs on a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, has 1GB of RAM, and comes with 32GB of internal storage. It also has a whole host of wireless features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HSDPA data, GPS, and even NFC. All of these come in extra handy when trying to make the most out of the built-in software as part of the default operating system, which is Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
All in all, the Sony Xperia is kind of like a smartphone that’s in a league of its own. If the world famous branding or the striking good looks don’t get you, perhaps the hardware and software features will.
Need to Know: Sony Xperia S
1. Default operating system can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in the 4th quarter of 2012. (The Good)
2. Makes use of cutting-edge technology such as NFC capability to let on-the-go users enjoy unique features such as SmartTags. (The Good)
3. Although made mostly out of plastic materials, it still ends up feeling quite heavy in the hand. (The Bad)
4. Having a large screen makes it less ergonomic than many other phones on the market. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Telecom Tiger Team, TelecomTigerMultimedia lovers will like it for its excellent camera and screen, standard micro HDMI port, Great audio quality and huge storage. NFC technology inbuilt with1750 mAh strong battery life Xperia S lives up to the expectations. But its rectangular, sharp body does not fit into hands easily. On all ot...
- Brian Bennett, CnetSony's pricey, stylish Xperia S is packed with multimedia tricks but is undone by a slow processor and lackluster display.
- Michael Oryl , MobileBurnThe Sony Xperia S is a device I expected more from. I liked the look of it from the very start, but found that the fit and finish, and the display, just come up lacking. There was potential, as Sony showed with its fine software, but in the end the execution just wasn't there to give the Xperia S an...
- Gaurav Shukla, NDTVCan Sony Xperia S be your next smartphone? Well, if you are ready to wait for ICS and don't have an issue with a generation-old processor, Xperia S has a lot to offer. It packs in quite a punch, has great display, excellent battery life and a beautiful design.
- Daniel Bader, Mobile SyrupThe Xperia S was an opportunity for Sony to jump into 2012 at the top of its game and release an unforgettable Android flagship that would be the envy of the industry. In many ways they’ve done just that: a stunningly gorgeous, well-made handset, with one of the best displays in the industry and a...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia S user manual here.
Sony backs up the Xperia S with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Xperia 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.
Ask the Community
No questions for the moment.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Sony Xperia S Manual (PDF)
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.