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Sony Xperia T review

7.7/10 AVG.
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Sony Xperia T
Sony Xperia T
Sony Xperia T
Sony Xperia T
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7.7/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia T currently has an Informr score of 7.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 18 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Good display
  • Lots of storage
  • Excellent camera

What's bad

  • Battery performance
  • Too many pre-installed apps
  • Too similar to predecessor

Featured as James Bond’s phone in the movie Skyfall, the Sony Xperia T is a top tier smartphone powered by a dual-core, 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor, a 4.6 inch HD display, 13 megapixel camera, 1024 of RAM, and 16GB of onboard memory - expandable to 32GB via microSD.

The 1280x720 HD screen was well-received by most reviewers, who found it’s 323 ppi pixel density produced excellent video, text and images. According to CNET, “Sony is calling it the HD Reality Display, and it's certainly up to the challenge of showcasing your favourite movies in crystal clarity.”

The 13 megapixel primary camera has an LED flash and can record in up to 1080p video. The camera’s user interface offers numerous modes and features and you can snap a picture from either the touchscreen or the physical buttons. According to Techradar, “Both the quality of the photos, and the range of features included are superb.”

Other features include NFC, Bluetooth and a non-removable 1850 mAh Lithium Ion battery that most reviewers found only average in endurance. Engadget said, “With medium to heavy use, we managed about a full work day, but we'd advise carrying either an external battery or a USB cable if you're going to work overtime.”

Overall, experts found the Sony Xperia T quite capable for viewing movies, taking pictures and surfing the internet. However, battery life and a strong build/performance resemblance to its predecessor the Xperia S were also noted.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
4.55"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.55"
13+ MP
Camera
Camera
13+ MP
1850 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

There’s a great deal to like about the Sony Xperia T. Notably, the phone’s sound and video performance, the quality of its screen and the speed of its response to commands. There’s also Sony’s joined-up ecosystem for content and products. Does it have the wow factor of the best about? Not for us. Bu...

- Ced Yuen, What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

There’s a great deal to like about the Sony Xperia T. Notably, the phone’s sound and video performance, the quality of its screen and the speed of its response to commands. There’s also Sony’s joined-up ecosystem for content and products. Does it have the wow factor of the best about? Not for us. Bu...

- What Hi-Fi team, What Hi-Fi
Android Authority
Android Authority

The Xperia T is a gorgeously designed phone that performs well even with “just” a dual-core processor. It has a gorgeous display, loud loudspeakers, a solid build, and a nice soft touch backpanel. Unfortunately and based on my experience, images in inadequately lit rooms are noisy, the phone’s autof...

- Dan Evans, Android Authority
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The Sony Xperia T is a solid effort from Sony – it has a decent screen and camera but lacks the excitement we expected from a 'Bond Phone'. Our sample didn’t even include the Bond wallpaper used in the phone’s marketing. In short the handset doesn't seem very alluring when compared with its competit...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

Cheaper than many of its competitors and prettier than most, it's held back by average battery life and an aging Android version.

- Daniel Bader, Mobile Syrup


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia T user manual here.


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


If your Xperia T 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
4.55"

The Sony Xperia T's screen size is 4.55 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Krait MSM8260-A Dual Core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
13+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 13+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1850mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1850 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 19 days standby time, 420 minutes, 333 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Xperia T Specs

Overview
Release Date November 14, 2012
Regions Available Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Krait MSM8260-A Dual Core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.07 W/kg
Body: 1.12 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSPA+
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 Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/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
13+ Megapixels
Zoom
16x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Image stabilization, Panorama, Red-eye reduction, Exposure Value, Metering, Scenes
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4, XviD, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.55 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Scratch-resistant
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1850 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 361 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 333 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 420 minutes
Standby Time Up to 19 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, Silver, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.0 x 6.6 x 1.0 cm (5.1 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 139 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: 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
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, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA, SyncML
TV Out Info: HDMI
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WAV, M4A, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4, XviD, AVI
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)
Wi-fi Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2
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 LT30p, Sony Xperia Mint

Music listening time: Up to 16 hours
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia T Reviews
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