Sony Xperia ion LTE Full Specs Pros & Cons and Pricing

Overview of Sony Xperia ion LTE

The Sony Xperia ion LTE, announced in January 2012 and released in June of the same year, marked a significant step forward for Sony in the realm of smartphones. This device was designed to cater to users seeking robust performance, a substantial multimedia experience, and LTE connectivity at a time when 4G LTE was becoming the new standard. Despite being discontinued, the Xperia ion LTE left an imprint on smartphone evolution during its lifespan.

Design and Build

The Xperia ion LTE features a sleek and sophisticated design. It measures 133 x 68 x 10.8 mm (5.24 x 2.68 x 0.43 in) and weighs in at 144 grams (5.08 oz), making it fairly light for devices of its era. The body supports a Mini-SIM, which was the norm at the time of its release.

Display

The device boasts a 4.55-inch LED-backlit LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a pixel density of approximately 323 ppi. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, ensuring durability against everyday wear and tear. The display size and quality were competitive in 2012, suitable for multimedia consumption and day-to-day tasks.

Platform and Performance

At its core, the Xperia ion LTE is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU. It originally launched with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and was upgradable to Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean). The onboard 1GB RAM and 16GB internal storage were respectable at launch, especially with the option to expand storage via microSDHC cards.

Camera System

The phone's main camera is a 12 MP shooter with autofocus, supported by an LED flash and panorama mode. It can capture videos at 1080p@30fps, making it quite versatile for photography enthusiasts. The front-facing camera is a 1.3 MP sensor capable of recording 720p@30fps video, enabling basic video calling and selfie capabilities.

Connectivity and Communication

Connectivity options on the Xperia ion LTE are comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 (A2DP, EDR), and a GPS system with A-GPS and GLONASS support. Notably, the device also comes with NFC functionality, which was an emerging technology at the time. The inclusion of a stereo FM radio with RDS and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support round out the Xperia ion's robust communication features.

Sound and Multimedia

The audio quality of the Xperia ion LTE is noteworthy, offering a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, which is essential for users who prefer traditional headphones. Additionally, the device supports a variety of multimedia formats for audio and video playback, positioning it as a well-rounded media consumption device for its time.

Sensors and Additional Features

Equipped with an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, the Xperia ion LTE is capable of handling a multitude of applications that require sensor data. These features facilitate gaming, navigation, and other interactive experiences, enhancing the overall user experience of the device.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 1900 mAh battery. According to user reports and tests, it offers up to 400 hours of stand-by (2G) and up to 350 hours on 3G networks. Talk time is approximately 10 hours on 2G and 4 hours on 3G, with up to 12 hours of music play. Although not exceptional by today's standards, this was a respectable battery life for a smartphone of its generation.

Pricing and Market Appeal

At the time of release, the Xperia ion LTE was priced at approximately 210 EUR. The combination of its features made it a compelling option for users seeking a balance between performance and cost. Its design, LTE capabilities, and multimedia features particularly appealed to tech-savvy consumers looking for cutting-edge technology without a flagship price tag.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia ion LTE was a device that showcased Sony's commitment to innovation and design. By providing robust specifications, a high-quality camera experience, and LTE connectivity, it catered to a growing demand for faster, more reliable mobile internet. Despite being discontinued, the Xperia ion LTE remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of smartphones, particularly as a device that brought several features into the mainstream market.