Images
Sony Ericsson’s first Android phone has been a long time coming. First spotted back in July 2009, the Xperia X10 is finally ready to bring its unique ‘Mediascape’ and ‘Timescape’ powers to the smartphone mêlée.
An early disappointment with the X10 is that it's running the old version of Android (1.6, or 'Donut'). Until an update arrives (sometime in the second half of 2010) that means the X10 misses out on interface and browser improvements, better keyboard, camera flash and built-in support for Exchange email – although the pre-loaded Moxier Mail offers this.
Snappy processor
It’s powered by the same 1Ghz Snapdragon processor as Google's Nexus One but without the acceleration features of Android 2.0, it doesn't feel quite as snappy. And while the screen's bigger, the X10's body feels lightweight and plasticky compared to the Nexus or HTC Legend.
The 4in screen is the biggest on any Android phone – but it's plain old TFT rather than a retina-scorching AMOLED, and the 480x854 resolution is the same as the Motorola Milestone.
Social mobility
But where the Xperia X10 stands out is in its handling of social networking and media. Mediscape improvement on the standard Android media player, allowing quick access to music, movies and photos stored on the phone or online.
Review continues after the break…
The X10's killer feature, though, is Timescape, an animated pile of 3D tiles. Each represents a specific event from you or your friends – such as a new Tweet, Facebook update, photo or email. It's a neat trick, and useful too.
To Infinity…
Moving between Timescape, Mediascape and your contacts is made easy by the Infinity button – a link that takes you through to a central hub page with all the information about a certain contact. It requires attention to set it up, but it's one of the more successful attempts to rationalise social networks.
The X10 ditches the standard Android browser in favour of Dolphin, which has multitouch support plus the ability to share pages over Twitter. Crucially, it also feels faster and more responsive – but it's not a Sony Ericsson exclusive and can be downloaded for any Android phone.
Best Android camphone
Sony Ericsson has a great track record when it comes to cameras, and the X10's 8MP snapper, with its 4in screen, certainly trounces all other Android smartphones.
Among many standout features Smile Detection works well, but Face Recognition is more miss than hit. Shame there's no Xenon flash though – and the LED light doesn't work as a flash either, due to the foibles of Android 1.6.
Directionally challenged
As you'd expect, the X10 has built-in GPS and Google Maps for local search. It also has a trial version of Wisepilot pre-installed for satellite navigation. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay £60 for an annual subscription; at least until Google's free sat-nav arrives in the UK.
The X10's screen and snapper deliver the wow factor and it's a strong addition to the smartphone ranks. Google's own smartphone, the Nexus One, can't boast the same spec but it's armed with the same 1Ghz brain and a more recent version of Android – and its hardware and software works in harmony, making it the leader of the pack, for now.
Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 119x63x13mm
- Main camera resolution
- 8.1MP
- Operating system
- Android 1.6 (Donut)
- Screen resolution
- 480 x 854 pixels TFT
- Screen size
- 4in touchscreen
- Standby time
- 425hrs
- Storage
- 1GB onboard
- Storage media
- microSD
- Talktime
- 8hrs
- Video resolution
- 848×480 (WVGA), 30fps
- Weight
- 135g
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Xenon flash
- No
Comments
sdmackie
43 weeks ago
It seems to be able to do everything and should not even be compared to the g nexus one, http://backgroundcheckmaryland4u.info/email-lookup-il I could not have wanted anything more with a smartphone and it is very quick for what it does.
carlbug
1 year ago
seems to be the state of the art in this business... I want to buy one in the near future. Maryland public records
Melancholia
1 year ago
I agree that is a very good mobile phone. My opinion is that Sony Ericsson can do better than that though.
http://www.tagesgeld-sieger.de
billysalup
1 year ago
It can be categorized as one of perfect stuff. The visualization is very good with high pixels.
handyortung ohne zustimmung
JeffryJordan
1 year ago
Wegen der großen Bedeutung dieses Schrittes, nun beginnen zu reflektieren Ihr Unternehmen zu Werbezwecken vor und jetzt sind Sie nicht erreicht.
divorce in washington state
carmassi
1 year ago
I'm learning the basic techniques of this sport. I hope I can follow the championship that will be in conducted in winter next year. lean manufacturing
jamesmoldova
1 year ago
When I think about it, I feel that I am not alone in dealing with this SPAM. Apparently you include people who are also annoyed with this situation. discount memory foam mattress
archiesandberg
2 years ago
I love this phone I have had it for a few months and it is still absoultly brilliant, the old android system is no drawback and the newer version is coming out only later this year. It seems to be able to do everything and should not even be compared to the google nexus one, I could not have wanted anything more with a smartphone and it is very quick for what it does. Thorns Spikes, I am not really sure you have this phone... either that or you have been completely misstreating it, I would definatly say it should be 5 stars!
thorns_spikes
2 years ago
i can definitely rate this phone at 1 star only. The old android version is not the only drawback this phone has been cursed with.One look at th company's own support forum will definitely show that this phone is plagued with restart problems, over heating ,charging and battery problems, and other obvious hardware issues that users are complaining about. my own experience with the phone has been the worst, only after few months from purchase, the phone started showing all of the above problems. i think a newer review of the phone after it has been in the market for few months is in order
pmw395
3 years ago
just received mine today and yeah ok it only runs android 1.6 BUT if the news that S.E is going to rolling out 2.1 then i think it will be the handset to beat in terns of user friendliness. the android OS is easy to use it works well, the screen is great but sometimes a bit too much like a mirror but i have slowly started getting the apps organised and it working out what 'TimeScape' does, then it will become easier and more user friendly. i have not had any problems with the camera as yet. it is a good choice because S.E works, they are reliable and the battery life is and has always been pretty good.
garethclem
3 years ago
http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/156152 How do I get a Free Apple iPhone 3GS? Easy. I got my Free iPhone 3GS from freebiejeebies and so can you! It's so easy to get your free iPhone through these easy to follow steps because these companies bank on you thinking they are scams, but once you know how to earn one free gift, you can earn them all. http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/156152