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Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review

7.1/10 AVG.
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Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
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7.1/10
Informr score
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo currently has an Informr score of 7.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

If you had come across the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo ten years ago, you would have been in total awe. Today, it is just another smartphone. The good news is that it has all the cool features that you expect from these devices (web browsing, touch screen, camera and games), but at a significantly lower price than the more expensive varieties.

The phone features the latest Android technology with quick and intuitive navigation, and has a decent sized 3.7 inch screen with a resolution of 854x480 pixels. Users who are looking for a more stylish phone, might be disappointed by the rather ordinary black, glossy finish, but it does feel smooth in the hand and can easily slide into your pocket.

The built-in 8.1 megapixel camera, which has a blindingly powerful flash, is one of the Xperia Neo's best features, and with 32 GB of memory, you will probably never run out of storage. Sony has recognized the need for fast access to common features as this phone has quick-buttons for the power/lock, volume, home, menu and back functions all located along the sides or front of the phone. Facebook junkies will appreciate how well Sony integrates the site into the phone, making it easy to view galleries, "like" media and get information on your contacts.

Overall, the phone will likely not impress many of your friends, but it is a great option for those who want the convenience and fun of a smartphone without having to pay high-end prices.

Need to Know: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo

1. It contains a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and 512 MB RAM, making it rather powerful and having connectivity that is on par with more expensive smartphones. (The Good)

2. 8.1 megapixel camera with LED flash. The camera offers impressive detail and colors with autofocus and auto-scene selections. (The Good)

3. Has a mini-HDMI port connection that makes it easy to connect to computers and televisions. (The Good)

4. The coloring seems a little outdated. It is not as bright as you would expect and there is some yellowing when looking at the screen in direct sunlight. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
3.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.7"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

A smartphone and a cameraphone, the XPERIA Neo promises solid all-round experience, which it readily delivers. It won’t cut it as a flagship but fortunately that’s not part of the job description. The Xperia Neo will enjoy the sense of space and safety in the upper midrange. And it w...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
Fudzilla
Fudzilla

Xperia Neo is really well equipped and priced at €250 on the market. The phone runs Android 2.3 but will soon be running on Android Ice Cream Sandwich.If you’re looking for a compact phone that allows for reading books and PDF files or surfing, we think that Xperia Neo’s 3.7’’ screen (480x854) will...

- Sanjin Rados, Fudzilla
Engadget
Engadget

So, how worthy is the Xperia Neo? That all depends on how you plan to use it. If you look to a smartphone as a relatively basic, all-in-one communication tool, and you do a lot of old-fashioned stuff with it (like phoning people) then you'll find a lot to like about the Neo. The price is attractive,...

- Sharif Sakr, Engadget
TechRadar
TechRadar

With a slightly lbetter-lit screen, the media features of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo might have wowed us a little more. As it is, it's a functional little mite, with high usability and simple, one-handed navigation and operation.The cost is still a little higher than we'd have liked to see for a p...

- Laura Tosney, TechRadar
Android Community
Android Community

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo is the less impressive version of the XPERIA Arc. The Neo is fatter, has a smaller display that doesn’t show off colors as well, and the chassis on the HTC Desire S is nicer, but therein lies the dilemma: which device is available to you? All that you’ve got...

- Chris Burns, Android Community


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



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


If your Ericsson Xperia Neo 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's screen size is 3.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 1 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 is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
320 MB

Internal memory is 320 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 1500 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 18 days standby time, 420 minutes.

Ericsson Xperia Neo Specs

Overview
Release Date May 21, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 1 GHz
Internal Storage 320 MB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.76 W/kg
Body: 0.85 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Headphones, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
HSDPA 10.2, HSUPA
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
Mobile Hotspot No
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
2.46x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Red-eye reduction, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
0.3 Mpx
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 No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
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 420 minutes
Standby Time Up to 18 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Blue Gradient, Silver, Red
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 No
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, EMS, MMS, IM
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AMR-WB, WAV, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, PPT, RTF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2, Sony Ericsson Hallon, Sony Ericsson MT15i

HDMI cable included
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo Reviews
Where to buy Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
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