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Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V review

7.3/10 AVG.
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Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
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7.3/10
Informr score
The Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V currently has an Informr score of 7.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 4 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V is based on the older Neo model, only it comes with a downgraded rear camera—down from an 8-megapixel sensor to a 5-megapixel one—and a later version of the Android OS with version 2.3 Gingerbread. It can also be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which makes it an even more advanced smartphone than the original. It sports an identical look and feel and even uses the same size LED-backlit touchscreen display. So if you were a fan of the 3.7-inch 480x854 panel in the original, you’re going to like the implementation on the Neo V.

Unlike other modern smartphones, which utilize processors running as few as two or as many as four CPU cores, the Neo V is limited to using just a single core with its 1GHz Scorpion from Qualcomm. In short, it won’t be as powerful as most other mid-range to high-end models available right now, and its 512MB of on-board RAM isn’t exactly helping things. Though in terms of wireless connectivity, it comes with all the right features, as it supports quad-band GSM networks and HSDPA data, and has Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and GPS with A-GPS. Wired connectivity options are also present, with the top carrying a 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI port, and microUSB 2.0 port.

While it only comes with 320MB of user-available storage space, it supports added memory by way of microSD cards. And its standard battery is said to last up to 7 hours of talk time in 3G per full charge, which is acceptable. Overall, it doesn’t look like something that’s going to win any design or performance awards, but rather something that’s likely to win a good value for money designation.

Need to Know: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V

1. Uses a high-quality 3.7-inch 480x854 pixel touchscreen display. (The Good)

2. Default OS can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. (The Good)

3. Ships with only 320MB of user-available storage space. (The Bad)

4. Main (rear) camera has been downgraded from 8-megapixels to 5-megapixels. (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
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger

The Sony Xperia Neo V is the best smart phone in Sony’s Xperia series till date. Powered with BRAVIA Engine this phone is much better than others in this price range. The 1 GHz processor, 5 megapixels camera with LED flash and Android 2.3 gingerbread which is upgradeable to Android 4.0 version easil...

- TT Correspondent, TelecomTiger
TechTree
TechTree

The Xperia neo V is not your usual successor - it's actually a downgrade from the original neo.

- Chandrakant 'CK' Isi, TechTree
NDTV
NDTV

The Xperia Neo V is definitely worth your money. The best part is that the company has promised an Ice-Cream Sandwich update for all its phones which keeps it ahead in the Android league. The Google Nexus S and the Samsung Galaxy S would have completely crushed the Neo V but since they seem ancient...

- KS Sandhya Iyer, NDTV
tech2
tech2

With a price tag of Rs.18,500 (MOP) the Neo V, even with it’s few shortcomings is quite a value for money handset, especially since there aren’t too many in this price bracket that can compete. On the whole it functions well enough to be enjoyed and used thoroughly, if you’re carrying a portable cha...

- Shayne Rana, tech2


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V 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 $324.00. You can compare Ericsson Xperia neo V prices from around the web here on The Informr.



Sony backs up the Ericsson Xperia neo V with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Ericsson Xperia neo V 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
3.7"

The Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V's screen size is 3.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 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 is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (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 17.9 days standby time, 420 minutes, 260 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Ericsson Xperia neo V Specs

Overview
Release Date November 16, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 1 GHz
Internal Storage No
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.1 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
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 No
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, Panorama, Red-eye reduction, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
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 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 445 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 260 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 420 minutes
Standby Time Up to 17.9 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Silver, Pearl White, Blue Gradient
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.6 x 5.7 x 1.3 cm (4.6 x 2.2 x 0.5 in)
Weight 126 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 Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: MMS
ROM: 320MB
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
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AAC, AMR, WAV
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)
Viewable document types:
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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