Exploring the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Capabilities

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S supports both GSM and HSPA network technologies. This allows users to enjoy seamless connectivity in areas with 2G and 3G coverage. The device operates on GSM frequencies of 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz, as well as 3G bands HSDPA 900 and 2100. The data transfer speed can reach HSPA 14.4 Mbps for download and 5.76 Mbps for upload, providing a satisfactory speed for browsing and streaming on mobile network connections.

Launch and Availability

The Xperia Arc S was announced by Sony Ericsson in August 2011 and was subsequently released in September of the same year. Unfortunately, like many early smartphone models, it has been discontinued and is no longer in production. However, it remains a beloved device for tech enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its design and capabilities for its time.

Design and Build Quality

Measuring 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm and weighing only 117 grams, the Xperia Arc S boasts a slim and lightweight design, making it comfortable to hold and use. The device features a sleek body with a mini-SIM slot, ensuring compatibility with standard SIMs of its time. Sony Ericsson offered this model in a variety of attractive colors, including Pure White, Midnight Blue, Misty Silver, Gloss Black, and Sakura Pink, which added an element of personalization for users.

Display Features

The Xperia Arc S comes equipped with a 4.2-inch LED-backlit LCD display, utilizing Scratch-resistant glass for added durability. With a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, it delivers a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. This combination of size and resolution ensures that the screen provides vibrant and crisp imagery, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and everyday tasks.

Platform and Operating System

This device initially ran on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, but was later upgradable to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. However, it does not support further updates beyond Ice Cream Sandwich. Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 chipset and featuring a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU along with an Adreno 205 GPU, the Xperia Arc S was considered quite powerful at launch for its multimedia and gaming capabilities.

Memory and Storage

The device offers 1GB of internal storage, with approximately 320MB available to users, a typical allocation for smartphones in that era. However, it comes with a microSDHC card slot that supports expandable storage, with an 8GB card included in the package. The Xperia Arc S also includes 512MB RAM, facilitating multitasking and allowing users to operate multiple applications with reasonable efficiency.

Camera

The Xperia Arc S features an 8 MP main camera capable of auto-focus, accompanied by an LED flash. It offers additional features such as panorama mode and is capable of recording video in 720p at 30 frames per second. This makes it adequate for capturing high-quality images and videos, particularly given the device’s release period. The device does not include a front-facing camera, which is a limitation compared to modern standards.

Sound and Audio

The phone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing options for audio playback via headphones or directly from the device. During testing, the loudspeaker delivered sound at various decibel levels: 67dB for voice, 65dB for noise, and 76dB for ringtones. The overall audio quality is characterized by a noise level of -89.3dB and crosstalk of -90.2dB, ensuring clear sound with minimal distortion.

Communication Features

The Xperia Arc S supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, enabling wireless internet connections and device interconnectivity. Bluetooth 2.1 is available with A2DP and EDR for streamlined file transfers and audio streaming. The built-in GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS capabilities provide robust positioning and navigation services. An FM radio with RDS functionality is integrated for radio listening, and the microUSB 2.0 port supports USB On-The-Go for connecting peripherals directly to the device.

Sensors

For enhanced user experience, the phone is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer for motion-sensing applications, a proximity sensor to turn the screen off during calls, and a compass for navigation services, catering to a variety of application features and utilities.

Battery Life

The Xperia Arc S is powered by a removable 1500 mAh Lithium Polymer battery, providing substantial usage time. Users can enjoy up to 460 hours of stand-by time on both 2G and 3G networks. The talk time reaches up to 7 hours 25 minutes on 2G and up to 7 hours 35 minutes on 3G, with music play extending up to 37 hours, asserting the device's efficiency and battery longevity for typical usage patterns.

Market Positioning and Pricing

At the time of its release, the Xperia Arc S was priced at approximately 210 EUR, positioning it as a competitive offering in the mid-range smartphone market. Its compelling design and extensive features made it a popular choice among Sony enthusiasts and offered robust performance per the standards of that era.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S exemplifies an innovative early 2010s smartphone with a focus on design, display quality, and multimedia capabilities. Although now discontinued, its legacy continues as a noteworthy example of mobile technology advancement, inspiring subsequent generations of smartphone development by Sony and other manufacturers.