Sony Xperia E3 Dual Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia E3 Dual's design is a testament to Sony's commitment to producing stylish and practical smartphones. Measuring 137.1 x 69.4 x 8.5 mm and weighing only 143.8 grams, this device is compact and lightweight, which enhances portability. Its dual SIM functionality caters to users who require separate lines for work and personal use, making it a versatile option in the mid-range market. The phone's body is crafted in a way that balances sleekness with durability, featuring shatter-proof glass that provides extra protection against accidental drops and scratches.

Display

The Xperia E3 Dual is equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display. Despite having a basic resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (218 ppi), the screen delivers decent color reproduction and viewing angles. The incorporation of shatter-proof glass further ensures that the display is protected from damage, adding an extra layer of durability. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 58.6% suggests that the display is modest but serviceable within its price range. Users will find it adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing, texting, and media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia E3 Dual features the Qualcomm MSM8226-2 Snapdragon 400 chipset, paired with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and an Adreno 305 GPU. This combination offers reliable performance for day-to-day activities, although it might struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking due to its 1GB of RAM. The device operates on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to Android 4.4.4. This ensures a fairly smooth user experience and access to essential Android features, though it lacks the updates and security features found in more recent operating systems.

Camera Capabilities

The Xperia E3 Dual boasts a 5 MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and LED flash. While it may not compete with higher-end models, it delivers satisfactory results for casual photography. Features such as HDR and panorama mode provide added versatility. The device is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, which aligns with the standards set during its release period. The VGA front camera, however, is quite basic and best suited for video calls rather than selfies, reflecting the trends prevalent in the smartphone market at the time of the E3 Dual's inception.

Storage and Memory

With an internal storage of 4GB, the Xperia E3 Dual offers a microSDHC slot for expandable storage, which is essential given the limited onboard memory. The 1GB RAM is just enough for handling basic applications, though users should manage multitasking expectations accordingly. The additional storage capacity provided by the microSDHC card slot is a significant advantage for users looking to store media files and additional apps.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2330 mAh battery. This capacity, alongside the relatively low power demands of the hardware, delivers satisfactory longevity for a day’s worth of regular usage. According to manufacturer details, the battery offers up to 508 hours of standby time on 2G networks and 505 hours on 3G. Talk time is estimated at up to 12 hours and 20 minutes on 2G or 8 hours and 41 minutes on 3G, with music playback reaching up to 49 hours, making it suitable for users who spend long periods away from charging outlets.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Xperia E3 Dual is equipped with essential connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support allows for wireless audio streaming and file transfer. Positioning services are facilitated through GPS and GLONASS, while NFC support enhances mobile payments and data exchange. The presence of an FM radio with RDS and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support further broaden the device's functionality, providing ample options for connectivity and media consumption.

Sensors and Extras

The phone is equipped with an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which are standard for smartphones within its class. These sensors improve the user experience by enabling automatic screen rotation, call management through proximity, and navigation through the compass. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack ensures compatibility with most earphones and headphones.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia E3 Dual, available in colors such as Black, White, Yellow, and Copper, was an attractive option for users seeking a cost-effective smartphone with dual SIM capabilities and reasonable performance. Ideally suited for basic users or as a secondary device, its robust build, adequate battery life, and expandable storage make it practical despite its discontinued status. With a launch price of around 190 EUR, it offered a balanced mix of essential features, appealing to users looking to strike a compromise between functionality and affordability.