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Sony Xperia tipo review

6.1/10 AVG.
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Sony Xperia tipo
Sony Xperia tipo
Sony Xperia tipo
Sony Xperia tipo
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6.1/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia tipo currently has an Informr score of 6.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Believe it or not, there are people who don't like carrying around a huge display in their pocket. It’s for these people that phones like the Sony Xperia tipo exist. It uses a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen on a very pocketable casing. In spite of its small size, however, it still offers surprisingly good build quality. It’s something you can easily carry around most anywhere. However, given its somewhat limited feature-set, you probably won’t.

Its display is, quite frankly, disappointing, and its camera performance leaves a lot to be desired. The displays resolution offering insanely low native resolution and the camera lacking auto-focus and just a 3-megapixel sensor.

Ultimately, people are going to buy the tipo based on two things: size and price. It’s got the size part of the equation mostly right, however, the price is a bit too high considering what you’ll get with it. That is to say, you’ll likely find plenty more bang for your buck with Android-based alternatives from other manufacturers.

Need to Know: Sony Xperia tipo

1. Surprisingly good build quality in a small package. (The Good)

2. Uses Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich by default. (The Good)

3. Camera performance is dismal. (The Bad)

4. Low screen resolution makes it hard to fully enjoy its features. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
800 MHz
Processor
Processor
800 MHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger

The Sony Xperia Tipo dual is a compact smart phone with dual sim functionality in Sony’s Xperia series. It has its own fixed target audience but this phone is much better than others in this price range. Its 800 MHz processor, 3.2 megapixels camera and Android 4.0 version are its main key features t...

- TT Gadget Editor, TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger
TelecomTiger

The Sony Xperia Tipo is truly a compact smart phone in Sony’s Xperia series. It has its own fixed target audience but this phone is much better than others in this price range. Its 800 MHz processor, 3.2 megapixels camera and Android 4.0 version are its main key features that gives it edge over its...

- TT Gadget Editor, TelecomTiger
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

The fact that the Sony Xperia Tipo is so small and moderately priced will attract many.

- Niall Magennis , TrustedReviews
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

Although the Sony Xperia looks and feels nice, it offers poor performance and little in the way of features. Battery life is good but it means less when the Huawei Ascend G300 outclasses it and costs even less.

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

It is great indeed to find an Android 4.0 phone at such low-cost from a popular mobile maker.This is Sony’s first attempt at making a dual sim phone and the company has done a pretty good job with the tipo dual. The battery life is decent, but since it is a Dual SIM phone talk time is less than the...

- Shilpa, Fone Arena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Sony Xperia tipo 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 $179.99. You can compare Xperia tipo prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia tipo user manual here.


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


If your Xperia tipo 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
3.2"

The Sony Xperia tipo's screen size is 3.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
800 MHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM7225AA 800 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
2.5 GB

Internal memory is 2.5 GB. 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 19.5 days standby time, 300 minutes.

Xperia tipo Specs

Overview
Release Date September 26, 2012
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM7225AA 800 MHz
Internal Storage 2.5 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.28 W/kg
Body: 1.37 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA 7.2
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
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 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
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Geotagging, Self-timer, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
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 180 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 300 minutes
Standby Time Up to 19.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Classic Black, Classic White, Deep Red, Navy Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.0 cm (3.4 x 2.2 x 0.4 in)
Weight 99 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
Voicemail Key: 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
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, WAV, SMAF, OGG
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
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Wi-fi Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Sony ST21a
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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