Price and specifications of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is a smartphone that marked a significant moment for Sony Ericsson as it ventured into the world of Android smartphones. Released in March 2011, the device was announced two months earlier in January. Although it is now discontinued, the Xperia Arc remains iconic for its slim design and powerful capabilities that were cutting-edge during its time.

Design and Build

The Xperia Arc is noted for its elegant design, which is highlighted by its ultra-thin body measuring 8.7mm at its thickest point and weighing only 117g. This makes it extremely portable and comfortable to hold. The device featured a sleek curved back with a ‘mini-SIM’ slot and was available in colors like Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.

Display

The phone sports a 4.2-inch LED-backlit LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, offering a 16:9 aspect ratio. With a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi, the visuals are crisp and vibrant. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, ensuring durability against daily wear and tear.

Performance

At its heart, the Xperia Arc is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This configuration provided strong performance for the time, capable of handling multiple applications and games with relative ease.

Memory and Storage

Memory-wise, the Xperia Arc comes with 512MB of RAM and 320MB of internal storage, a modest configuration by today's standards but sufficient at the time of release. The device includes a microSDHC card slot and comes bundled with an 8GB card, with the option to expand storage capacity for media and apps.

Camera Capabilities

The Xperia Arc featured an 8 MP rear camera, equipped with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of capturing high-quality photos. It also supported video recording at 720p@30fps, making it a robust option for users looking to capture moments in both photo and video formats.

Networking and Connectivity

The device supports GSM/HSPA network technologies, ensuring broad connectivity options. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, as well as Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, providing multiple avenues for connecting to other devices and networks. Additionally, GPS and A-GPS support enhance navigation and location tracking functions.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of multimedia, the Xperia Arc supports stereo FM radio with RDS, offering users a variety of listening options. The device also includes a 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker, allowing for flexible audio playback options.

Battery Life

The Xperia Arc is powered by a removable 1500 mAh Li-Po battery. It offers a standby time of up to 430 hours on 2G and 400 hours on 3G. For calls, it provides up to 7 hours of talk time on both 2G and 3G networks, and impressively supports up to 31 hours of music playback. This long battery life made it appealing to users who were looking for a reliable daily driver.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. The inclusion of Adobe Flash in the default browser allows for improved web browsing experiences, particularly for websites relying heavily on Flash content.

Software and Operating System

Initially shipping with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the Xperia Arc was upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This flexibility provided users with improved functionality and access to newer apps as Android evolved.

Market Reception and Legacy

The Xperia Arc received positive reviews for its design, display quality, and camera performance. However, it did face criticism for internal storage limitations. Nevertheless, it was a noteworthy contribution to the Sony Ericsson lineup, showcasing what the company could achieve in terms of design and technology.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc was a flagship model that brought notable advancements and a sleek aesthetic. It catered to users who appreciated design and multimedia capabilities, representing a crucial step in the evolution of smartphones from Sony Ericsson. Even with its discontinuation legacy, it left a lasting impression on fans and the industry by setting benchmarks in design and performance.