Sony Xperia E1 Dual Complete Specs Pricing and Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sony Xperia E1 Dual

The Sony Xperia E1 Dual is an Android smartphone developed by Sony Mobile. Announced in January 2014 and released in March 2014, this device was aimed at the budget-conscious segment of the market and offered a competitive mix of features for its price. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Sony Xperia E1 Dual, including its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and other technological features.

Design and Build

The Sony Xperia E1 Dual features a compact and lightweight design, making it comfortable to handle and use for extended periods. It measures 118 x 62.4 x 12 mm (4.65 x 2.46 x 0.47 in) and weighs 122 grams (4.30 oz). The device is equipped with a dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) feature, allowing users to manage two different phone numbers simultaneously. The phone is available in three colors: black, white, and purple, providing options for different aesthetic preferences.

Display

The Xperia E1 Dual is fitted with a 4.0-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. While this resolution may seem modest compared to modern standards, it is sufficient for general browsing, messaging, and casual gaming. The screen utilizes scratch-resistant glass for added durability, contributing to the phone's resilience against everyday wear and tear.

Performance

Powered by a Qualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200 chipset, the Xperia E1 Dual sports a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU alongside an Adreno 302 GPU. This setup provides adequate performance for basic smartphone tasks, such as web browsing, social media, and video playback. The device includes 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot. Although the 512MB RAM may limit multitasking capabilities, the expandable storage option helps accommodate additional apps and media.

Operating System and UI

The Xperia E1 Dual originally launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and is upgradeable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It features Sony's Timescape UI, enhancing the user experience with a unique visual interface. The software experience is smooth, with support for various apps from the Google Play Store. However, the older Android version may restrict access to newer applications that require a more recent operating system.

Camera

Equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera, the Xperia E1 Dual is not designed with photography as its primary focus. However, it offers basic photo-taking capabilities with features such as HDR and panorama modes. The camera can record SVGA videos at 20fps, which may suffice for casual video capturing. Notably, there is no front-facing camera, making this device less suitable for selfies or video calls.

Connectivity and Communication

The Xperia E1 Dual includes essential connectivity options: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS, and GLONASS for positioning. It also has microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. The presence of FM radio with RDS adds to the device's multimedia functionality. However, it lacks NFC, which may limit certain contactless payment and data-sharing capabilities prevalent in newer devices.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery, the Xperia E1 Dual offers respectable battery longevity. It promises up to 366 hours on standby (2G) and up to 441 hours (3G), with talk times of up to 8 hours 13 minutes on 2G and up to 8 hours 41 minutes on 3G. While these figures are decent for the device's specifications, actual battery performance will vary based on usage habits and network conditions.

Sound and Multimedia

The Xperia E1 Dual is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to audio playback and calls. The device supports a range of audio file formats, allowing users to enjoy music and other audio content without additional hardware. The inclusion of FM radio expands the multimedia capabilities, providing an alternative to streaming services for listening to music, news, and other broadcasts.

Additional Features

The device is outfitted with various sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality in terms of motion-based applications and navigation. Despite being a budget device, these sensors add value by allowing compatibility with certain apps that use these features for gaming, fitness tracking, and more.

Pricing and Availability

Upon release, the Sony Xperia E1 Dual was priced at approximately 120 EUR, making it an attractive option in the entry-level smartphone market. However, the device has been discontinued, meaning it is no longer available for purchase directly from Sony. Potential buyers would need to explore secondary markets or used phone retailers if interested in acquiring this model.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia E1 Dual represents a compelling choice for individuals seeking a budget-friendly smartphone capable of handling everyday tasks. With a reasonable blend of features, including dual-SIM support, expandable storage, and commendable battery life, the Xperia E1 Dual may appeal to users who prioritize cost over cutting-edge specifications. Although it lacks some modern conveniences such as a front-facing camera and NFC, the device offers a solid user experience for its time. As a discontinued model, it serves as a reminder of Sony's contribution to the budget segment of the smartphone market during its operational period.