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Sony Xperia S review

7.3/10 AVG.
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Sony Xperia S
Sony Xperia S
Sony Xperia S
Sony Xperia S
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7.3/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia S currently has an Informr score of 7.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 25 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

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)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
4.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.3"
12+ MP
Camera
Camera
12+ MP
1750 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger

Multimedia 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...

- Telecom Tiger Team, TelecomTiger
Cnet
Cnet

Sony's pricey, stylish Xperia S is packed with multimedia tricks but is undone by a slow processor and lackluster display.

- Brian Bennett, Cnet
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

The 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...

- Michael Oryl , MobileBurn
NDTV
NDTV

Can 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.

- Gaurav Shukla, NDTV
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

The 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...

- Daniel Bader, Mobile Syrup


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.



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Quick view

Screen Size
4.3"

The Sony Xperia S's screen size is 4.3 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
32 MB

Internal memory is 32 MB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
1750mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1750 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 19 days standby time, 510 minutes.

Xperia S Specs

Overview
Release Date March 2, 2012
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8260 Dual-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 32 MB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.31 W/kg
Body: 1.07 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, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels
Zoom
16x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Image stabilization, Panorama, 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
1.3 megapixels
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Multi-touch
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1750 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 510 minutes
Standby Time Up to 19 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Unknown
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.7 x 6.4 x 1.0 cm (5 x 2.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 145 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
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: 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
PC Synchronization: OTA
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, M4A, 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
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Wi-fi Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Sony Ericsson Nozomi, Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc HD, Sony LT26i
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia S Reviews
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