Sony Xperia acro HD SO03D Comprehensive Review & Insights

Overview of Sony Xperia acro HD SO-03D

The Sony Xperia acro HD SO-03D was introduced as a high-performance smartphone in the Xperia lineup, blending superb features and advanced technology to cater to tech enthusiasts. Released in May 2012 and discontinued shortly afterward, this device presented a robust set of features that appealed to a wide audience.

Network and Connectivity

The Xperia acro HD SO-03D supports various network technologies, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. With compatibility for GSM and HSPA, this device covers the essential 2G and 3G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 850/1700/2100/800), providing reliable communication capabilities. It offers data speeds of HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps, allowing users to enjoy efficient and fast internet connectivity.

Launch Details

The phone was officially announced in May 2012, hitting the markets later in September 2012. Despite its relatively brief availability, the Xperia acro HD SO-03D managed to capture the interest of tech aficionados with its comprehensive feature set.

Design and Build

This smartphone features a compact and ergonomic design with dimensions of 126 x 66 x 11.9 mm and a weight of 149 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use. The device uses a Micro-SIM and presents a durable build with a scratch-resistant glass, providing added protection and longevity.

Display

The Xperia acro HD SO-03D features a 4.3-inch LED-backlit LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This results in a pixel density of approximately 342 ppi, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 61.3%, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Platform

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 chipset, the phone utilizes a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU. This configuration ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and handling medium-intensive applications. It runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), providing a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of apps and features.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 1GB of RAM and 11GB of internal storage, allowing users to store essential apps and personal data. For those requiring additional storage, the Xperia acro HD SO-03D supports microSDHC cards via a dedicated slot, providing flexibility in data management.

Main Camera

The Xperia acro HD SO-03D sports a 12 MP autofocus main camera, enhanced with features like an LED flash and panorama mode. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps, capturing high-quality visuals and vibrant images under various lighting conditions.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera has a 1.3 MP sensor, capable of recording 720p videos at 30fps. While modest in its specifications, it serves well for video calls and casual selfies.

Sound and Audio

The phone includes a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with various audio peripherals. Users can enjoy clear audio playback for media consumption and phone calls.

Communication Features

Equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, the phone provides versatile wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR ensures efficient pairing with compatible devices. Furthermore, positioning technologies like GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS are included for accurate location tracking. The device also features an infrared port, stereo FM radio with RDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Xperia acro HD SO-03D integrates several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing user interaction and application functionalities.

Battery and Power Management

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 1910 mAh battery, offering a balance between power and portability. It provides up to 290 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 310 hours on 3G. The talk time extends up to 6 hours and 40 minutes on 2G, and up to 7 hours and 10 minutes on 3G, alongside supporting up to 23 hours of music playback.

Color Options and Pricing

Aesthetically, the phone is available in four color variants: Black, Aqua, Sakura, and Ceramic, catering to diverse style preferences. Originally priced at approximately 290 euros, it offered a reasonable investment for a feature-rich smartphone.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia acro HD SO-03D, with its balanced specifications and performance, stands as a testament to Sony's engineering capabilities during its time. With robust connectivity options, a reliable camera system, and a stylish design, it remains a noteworthy mention in the history of Android devices.