Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V Full Specs Pricing & More

Introduction to Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V

The Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V was launched in the year 2011, during a period when smartphones began transitioning from merely functional to highly capable multimedia devices. It holds an intriguing place in the annals of smartphone history, serving as an affordable yet feature-rich option during its time. In this article, we explore the various aspects of the Xperia neo V, dissecting its features, technical specifications, and the broader impact it had on the smartphone market.

Design and Build

The Xperia neo V featured a compact design with dimensions of 116 x 57 x 13 mm, making it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. Weighing only 126 grams, it was relatively light as well. It was available in several colors including White, Blue Gradient, and Silver, providing some variety for users who preferred a personalized touch.

The phone sported a Mini-SIM slot and had a solid build quality typical of Sony Ericsson devices of the time. The aesthetic was characterized by smooth curves and a glossy finish, which was appealing to many of its users.

Display

The device was equipped with a 3.7-inch LED-backlit LCD display, with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 265 PPI. The screen also featured a 16:9 aspect ratio, which was common for media consumption. Its scratch-resistant glass offered some protection against daily wear and tear, though it was advisable to use additional protective measures like cases and screen protectors.

Platform and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, the Xperia neo V had a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. While these specs might seem modest by today's standards, they were quite competitive at the time, offering reasonable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Initially running on Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), it was upgradable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This upgrade path allowed users to experience newer Android features, enhancing the longevity of the device. The device was supported by 512MB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation under typical usage conditions.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Xperia neo V was a 5 MP sensor with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions. Additional features like panorama mode expanded its versatility. The smartphone could also record video at 720p@30fps, which was a valuable inclusion for those interested in videography.

On the front, it had a VGA selfie camera which was basic and aimed primarily at video calls rather than photography. Though limited by modern standards, it was a useful feature at the time when front-facing cameras were just gaining popularity.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage available to the user was 1GB, although the system took up a significant portion of this. Fortunately, the phone supported microSDHC cards through a dedicated slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity. This was essential for users who wanted to carry music, videos, or photos on their devices.

Battery Life

The Xperia neo V was powered by a removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery. The standby time was rated up to 430 hours on 2G and up to 400 hours on 3G networks. For talk time, it supported up to 6 hours and 55 minutes on 2G and up to 7 hours on 3G networks. Additionally, it could support music playback for up to 31 hours, making it a reliable companion for music lovers.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Xperia neo V supported GSM and HSPA network technologies. It operated on GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA bands 900/2100, enabling decent data speeds for the era, with HSPA offering up to 7.2/5.76 Mbps.

The phone also came with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n alongside DLNA and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR allowed for connectivity with peripherals and other devices. For navigation, it supported GPS and A-GPS technologies.

Audio and Multimedia

The Xperia neo V included a 3.5mm headphone jack, which allowed for easy connection to audio devices. The loudspeaker performed adequately with voice levels measured at 68dB and ringing at 71dB.

For radio enthusiasts, it featured a stereo FM radio with RDS, allowing users to enjoy a range of radio stations on the go. The audio quality, tested at a noise level of -89.6dB and a crosstalk of -80.9dB, provided a satisfactory audio experience overall.

Additional Features

The device was equipped with sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhanced the user experience by offering functionality like screen rotation and improved navigation.

Being a mid-range device, it provided essential features that met the needs of many users, striking a balance between functionality and affordability.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V represented a significant part of the evolution of smartphones during its release period. While its specifications may seem outdated today, it was a well-rounded device offering sufficient multimedia capabilities for its time. With a solid build, decent performance, and reliable battery life, it served as a great option for those not seeking top-tier specifications but still wanting a functional and stylish smartphone.

Despite being discontinued, the Xperia neo V remains a nostalgic piece for tech enthusiasts who appreciate the rapid developments in smartphone technology over the past decade.