Table of Contents
amazon Sony Ericsson Xperia Active reviews
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active measures 92 x 55 x 16.5 mm and weighs approximately 110 grams. These dimensions place it among the smaller smartphones of its era, making it easy to handle and carry. Its compact size is ideal for users who prefer a smaller device that fits comfortably in a pocket or can be worn on an armband during workouts.
Material and Construction
The Xperia Active features a rugged design, emphasizing durability and resistance to environmental factors. The device’s build includes:
- Water Resistance: It is rated IP67, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This feature makes it suitable for use in various weather conditions and activities involving water exposure.
- Shock Resistance: The Xperia Active is designed to withstand shocks and drops, with reinforced corners and a sturdy construction that helps protect it from impacts. This rugged design caters to users who require a phone that can handle rough use.
- Corning Gorilla Glass: The device’s display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, enhancing its resistance to scratches and cracks. This feature is particularly valuable for users who are prone to accidentally dropping their phones.
Design Aesthetics
The Xperia Active’s design is functional and robust, with a rugged exterior that includes rubberized edges for added grip. The phone’s physical buttons are well-protected and positioned for easy access, contributing to its user-friendly design. The device is available in several colors, including black, white, and orange, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences.
Color Options
The Xperia Active’s color options cater to different tastes, from classic black and white to the more vibrant orange. These choices allow users to select a color that reflects their personal style while maintaining the device’s rugged appearance.
Display and User Interface
Screen Specifications
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active features a 3-inch TFT touchscreen with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. While the screen size and resolution are modest by contemporary standards, they were adequate for the device’s intended use.
- Screen Quality: The 3-inch display offers clear visuals for its size, with reasonable color accuracy and brightness. The screen’s pixel density of approximately 192 pixels per inch results in acceptable sharpness for everyday tasks, although it may show pixelation when viewing detailed content.
- Touch Sensitivity: The touchscreen is responsive, providing a smooth experience for navigating the interface and interacting with applications. The device supports multitouch gestures, enhancing usability for various functions.
User Interface
The Xperia Active runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with Sony Ericsson’s custom user interface overlay:
- Sony Ericsson UI: The custom UI adds several features and enhancements to the standard Android experience. It includes widgets, themes, and a customized home screen that provides quick access to frequently used apps and functions.
- Customization Options: Users can personalize their home screens with a variety of widgets, including weather updates, calendar events, and social media feeds. The customization options allow users to tailor the device to their preferences and enhance their overall experience.
Performance
The Xperia Active is powered by a 1 GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon processor and 512 MB of RAM. While these specifications were suitable for its time, they represent a more basic level of performance compared to modern smartphones.
- Processing Power: The 1 GHz single-core processor delivers adequate performance for standard tasks such as browsing, social media, and media playback. The device handles everyday applications with reasonable efficiency, though users may experience slowdowns with more demanding tasks.
- Memory and Storage: The Xperia Active includes 512 MB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card up to 32 GB. The inclusion of expandable storage allows users to increase the available space for apps, media, and files.
- Battery Life: The device features a 1200 mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for its class. Under typical usage, including web browsing, calling, and media playback, the battery can last through a full day. However, heavy usage may require more frequent charging.
- Heat Management: The Xperia Active generally manages heat well, with minimal heating during regular use. Intensive tasks or prolonged use may cause the device to become warm, but the impact on performance is limited.
Camera and Multimedia
Rear Camera
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active is equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera, which includes features such as autofocus and an LED flash:
- Image Quality: The 5-megapixel camera captures images with acceptable detail and color accuracy in good lighting conditions. The camera performs well for casual photography and social media sharing, though performance may be limited in low-light situations.
- Low-Light Performance: The camera’s performance in low-light conditions is less impressive, with increased noise and reduced clarity. The LED flash helps to some extent but may result in uneven lighting.
- Camera Software: The Xperia Active’s camera software includes basic features such as scene modes and photo effects. The interface is user-friendly, allowing for easy capture and management of photos.
Video Recording
The rear camera supports video recording at 720p HD resolution:
- Video Quality: The video recording capabilities are satisfactory for its time, providing clear and reasonably sharp footage. The camera’s video performance is complemented by Sony Ericsson’s software enhancements.
- Video Software: The camera software includes options for video effects and basic editing, allowing users to enhance their recorded videos and make adjustments as needed.
Front Camera
The Xperia Active does not feature a front-facing camera, which limits its capabilities for video calls and self-portraits. This omission is notable given the increasing popularity of front-facing cameras in smartphones during the early 2010s.
Multimedia Features
The Xperia Active offers a range of multimedia features, including:
- Music Player: The device includes a music player with support for various audio formats, including MP3 and AAC. The music player provides a user-friendly interface for managing and playing music, with options for creating playlists and browsing the media library.
- FM Radio: The Xperia Active features an FM radio, allowing users to listen to live radio broadcasts. The FM radio supports RDS (Radio Data System) for additional information about radio stations and broadcasts.
- Video Playback: The device supports video playback in various formats, including MP4 and AVI. The 3-inch display provides a decent viewing experience for its size, although users seeking a larger screen may find it limiting.
Connectivity and Network
Network Support
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active supports 3G networks (HSDPA), providing adequate data speeds for browsing, streaming, and online activities:
- 3G Connectivity: The 3G support allows for reasonably fast data transfer and internet connectivity. However, the device does not support 4G LTE networks, which may limit its performance as network technologies advance.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Xperia Active includes Bluetooth 2.1 for wireless connections:
- Pairing: Bluetooth pairing is straightforward, allowing users to connect to headsets, speakers, and other compatible devices. The connection is stable and reliable for audio streaming and file transfers.
- Audio Streaming: The device supports wireless audio streaming to compatible Bluetooth devices, providing convenience for listening to music and making hands-free calls.
USB Connectivity
The Xperia Active features a microUSB port for data transfer and charging:
- Data Transfer: The microUSB port allows for syncing data with a computer, transferring files, and charging the device. The connection is compatible with standard USB cables and accessories.
- Charging: The microUSB port supports standard charging speeds, providing a convenient way to power the device. The inclusion of a charger in the box ensures users can quickly and easily charge their phone.
Wi-Fi and GPS
- Wi-Fi: The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, offering wireless internet connectivity for browsing and online activities. The Wi-Fi capability provides a reliable connection when accessing internet services and helps save on mobile data usage.
- GPS: The Xperia Active includes GPS functionality for location-based services and navigation. The GPS performance is accurate and reliable, supporting various mapping and navigation applications.
Software and User Experience
Operating System
The Xperia Active runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with Sony Ericsson’s custom UI overlay:
- Sony Ericsson UI: The custom UI adds several enhancements to the standard Android experience, including customizable home screens, widgets, and themes. The interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with smooth transitions and animations.
Performance
The Xperia Active’s performance is suitable for its specifications, handling standard tasks such as web browsing, social media, and media playback with reasonable efficiency:
- App Performance: The device can manage everyday applications effectively, though performance may lag with more demanding tasks or multitasking. The 1 GHz single-core processor and 512 MB of RAM provide adequate power for basic use cases.
- System Updates: The Xperia Active launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and while Sony Ericsson provided updates to the custom UI, the device’s Android version remained fixed. The lack of updates to newer versions of Android means that users miss out on newer features and security improvements.
User Feedback
User feedback on the Xperia Active is generally positive, with many users appreciating its rugged design and durability. The device’s water and shock resistance make it a suitable choice for users with an active lifestyle. However, some users have noted limitations in performance and the absence of a front-facing camera.
Market Impact and Legacy
Market Position
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active was positioned as a rugged smartphone designed for users with active lifestyles. Its durability and compact size set it apart from other devices in Sony Ericsson’s lineup, catering to those who needed a reliable phone for outdoor activities and fitness.
- Target Audience: The device was aimed at users who required a phone that could withstand environmental challenges such as water, dust, and physical impacts. This includes outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals who frequently engage in physically demanding activities.
- Competitors: The Xperia Active faced competition from other rugged smartphones and outdoor-oriented devices. Its unique features, such as water resistance and shockproof design, helped it stand out in a niche market segment.
Sales and Popularity
The Xperia Active received a positive reception for its rugged design and durability. Its compact size and specialized features appealed to users seeking a smartphone that could handle harsh conditions. However, the device’s modest performance specifications and limited support for future software updates may have affected its overall market success.
- Sales Performance: The Xperia Active’s sales performance was influenced by the competitive landscape of the smartphone market and the evolving technology trends. While it gained recognition for its durability, it faced challenges in capturing a broader market share due to the rise of more advanced and feature-rich devices.
- User Adoption: The device found a dedicated user base among those who prioritized ruggedness and reliability. Its unique design elements and features contributed to its appeal, though its performance limitations and lack of advanced features may have restricted its adoption among more tech-savvy users.
Legacy
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active holds a notable place in Sony Ericsson’s history as a pioneering rugged smartphone. It represents the brand’s efforts to address the needs of users requiring a durable and resilient device.
- Design Influence: The Xperia Active’s rugged design set a precedent for future rugged smartphones, influencing the development of devices that prioritize durability and environmental resistance.
- Technological Advancements: While the Xperia Active was a product of its time, its design and features highlighted the growing demand for smartphones that could withstand extreme conditions. This trend continues to be relevant in the market today, with many manufacturers offering rugged devices for outdoor and industrial use.
Conclusion
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active was a pioneering device in the rugged smartphone market, designed to cater to users with active lifestyles and a need for durability. Its compact size, water and shock resistance, and rugged construction made it a practical choice for those who required a reliable phone capable of handling harsh conditions.
Strengths
- Durability: The Xperia Active’s water and shock resistance, along with its reinforced construction, made it well-suited for outdoor and physically demanding activities.
- Design: The device’s compact and functional design, combined with its rugged features, provided a unique offering in the smartphone market.
- Customization: The custom user interface and personalization options allowed users to tailor their experience to their preferences.
Weaknesses
- Performance Limitations: The single-core processor and limited RAM constrained the device’s performance, particularly with more demanding applications and multitasking.
- Camera Quality: The rear camera’s performance was adequate for casual use but limited in low-light conditions. The lack of a front-facing camera also restricted the device’s functionality for video calls and self-portraits.
- Software Updates: The Xperia Active’s fixed Android 2.3 Gingerbread version meant users missed out on newer features and security improvements available in later versions of Android.
In summary, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active represents an important milestone in the development of rugged smartphones. Its emphasis on durability, compact size, and specialized features showcased Sony Ericsson’s commitment to addressing the needs of users requiring a resilient and reliable device. While it faced challenges in performance and market adoption, its legacy endures as a notable example of innovation in the rugged smartphone segment.
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