Sony Xperia C3 All You Need to Know Specs Prices & More

Overview of Sony Xperia C3

The Sony Xperia C3, launched in August 2014, targeted selfie enthusiasts with its unique features tailored for capturing selfies and video calls. Although it was discontinued, it remains a point of interest for tech enthusiasts due to its distinct positioning in the market as a "selfie phone" during its time.

Design and Build

The Xperia C3 boasts an elegant design with dimensions of 156.2 x 78.7 x 7.6 mm, making it sleek and comfortable to hold. It weighs just 149.7 g, which adds to its portability. The device comes in three colors—Black, White, and Mint—offering users the flexibility of choice according to their preferences. The choice of using a Micro-SIM also aligns with the common standards during its release period.

Display

The display is a 5.5-inch IPS LCD which offers vibrant and accurate colors, with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. Though the pixel density stands at roughly 267 ppi, which might seem low by today's standards, it was quite standard for mid-range phones at the time of release. This size provides a good balance for media consumption, web browsing, and other everyday activities.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia C3 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. It initially runs on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) with the possibility to upgrade to Android 5.1 (Lollipop). With 1GB RAM, it delivers a satisfactory performance for basic tasks and some multimedia usage, though it may struggle with heavy multitasking or high-end gaming applications, which is expected given its positioning.

Storage

The handset includes an internal storage of 8GB, which can be seen as limiting by today's standards. However, the presence of a dedicated slot for a microSDHC card allows users to expand storage to meet their needs, whether it's for photos, videos, apps, or other files.

Camera

Main Camera

The primary camera is a single 8 MP shooter with an f/2.3 aperture and autofocus capabilities. It includes features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR mode, enabling users to take clear pictures in various lighting conditions. The main camera also supports 1080p video recording with HDR support for improved dynamic range.

Selfie Camera

Designed as a selfie-centric phone, the Xperia C3 features a 5 MP front camera with an f/2.3 aperture complemented by an LED flash. This setup allows for decent selfies even in low-light conditions and supports 720p video recording, optimizing it for video calls and vlogging.

Battery Life

The device includes a non-removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery. The battery life varies depending on usage, offering up to 1040 hours in standby mode (2G) and up to 1000 hours (3G). The talk time is up to 11 hours (2G) and 25 hours (3G), while music play can last up to 67 hours. This battery performance ensures that it can endure a day's use for common communication and media activities.

Network and Connectivity

The Xperia C3 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks making it compatible with most global cellular protocols. Notably, it offers LTE Cat4, providing download speeds up to 150 Mbps. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and an FM radio with RDS. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port caters to traditional charging and connectivity needs.

Additional Features

The device includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the functionality and overall user experience by supporting features like automatic screen rotation, augmented reality applications, and location-based services. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio devices.

Market Position and Conclusion

Upon its release, the Sony Xperia C3 was priced at approximately 190 EUR, solidifying its position as a competitive mid-range phone distinguished by its emphasis on camera capabilities, particularly the prowess of its selfie camera. Even though it's discontinued, its impact on the development of selfies and front-camera technology is noted in the subsequent designs across the smartphone industry.

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia C3 is remembered fondly for its specialization and efforts towards creating a device for a niche group of users, offering a snapshot of the technological priorities and standards during the mid-2010s.