Unveiling the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active Features Pricing & Verdict

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active was designed with an adventurous spirit in mind. Released in 2011, this smartphone was a rugged yet stylish device that appealed to those who needed durability. Its compact dimensions of 92 x 55 x 16.5 mm and a weight of 110.8 g made it easy to handle, and its rugged build was resistant to dust and water, making it IP67 certified. The use of scratch-resistant glass further enhanced its resilience. The device was available in vibrant color options including Orange/Black and White/Black, catering to both flashy and understated preferences.

Display

The Xperia Active featured a 3.0-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. With a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 192 ppi, the display was modest by modern standards but sufficient for the needs of its time. The screen-to-body ratio of around 53% indicated a noticeable bezel, which was quite common then. Despite its small size, the display was enhanced with scratch-resistant glass, ensuring durability against everyday scratches and impacts.

Performance and Hardware

This device was powered by a Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, equipped with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. At its core, the Xperia Active was built to handle basic smartphone tasks effectively. With 512MB of RAM, it provided smooth multitasking for its time. The internal storage of 1GB seemed limited, but the inclusion of a microSDHC slot allowed users to expand their storage capacity, accommodating more apps and media files. The device originally shipped with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and could be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), which enhanced the user experience with new features.

Camera Capabilities

The Xperia Active was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, which was decent for casual photography. It captured images with good detail under favorable lighting conditions. The ability to record 720p videos was a notable feature for users who valued multimedia capabilities. However, the absence of a front-facing camera meant that video calls weren't as convenient. The lack of a selfie camera reflected the primary focus of this phone on utility and ruggedness rather than social media experiences.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery. While modest, the battery life was enhanced by the device's efficient hardware. It offered a standby time of up to 351 hours on 2G and up to 335 hours on 3G networks. The talk time was approximately 4 hours 53 minutes on 2G, extending to around 5 hours 31 minutes on 3G. The device also boasted a music play time of up to 25 hours, catering well to music enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Connectivity and Features

The Xperia Active came equipped with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support ensured easy pairing with other devices. The presence of GPS and A-GPS functionality was a significant advantage for outdoor activities and navigation. Additional features included FM radio with RDS, microUSB 2.0, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and a compass, all of which contributed to a comprehensive smartphone experience.

Audio and Multimedia

This device featured a satisfactory loudspeaker with typical decibel levels for voice, noise, and ring. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack made it compatible with various audio accessories. In terms of audio quality, it demonstrated a noise level of -89.5dB and crosstalk at -91.4dB. Despite not being specialized for high-fidelity audio, it delivered a fair multimedia experience for users who appreciated entertainment while on the move.

Market Release and Pricing

Announced in June 2011 and released in October of the same year, the Xperia Active marked Sony Ericsson's entry into the rugged smartphone segment. Priced at around 170 EUR at the time of release, it represented a mid-range option known for its durability and unique features. The device has since been discontinued, but it left a mark as an innovative option for users who prioritized robustness without compromising on essential smartphone functionalities.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active was a standout device of its era, merging resilience with intelligent design. Aimed at users with active lifestyles, it offered a reliable performance that was tough enough to withstand the elements. While its specifications might seem basic compared to modern standards, at the time, it provided an essential mix of features for those on the go. Its legacy continues as a reminder of the innovative designs that catered to niche markets, paving the way for future developments in rugged smartphones.