Sony Xperia T The Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sony Xperia T

The Sony Xperia T, released in 2012, was part of Sony's flagship mobile lineup. Known for featuring some of the company's latest technology, it stood out in the competitive mobile market of its time. It came with a design inspired by the "arc" style and was famously advertised as the "Bond phone," because it appeared in the James Bond movie "Skyfall."

Design and Build

The Sony Xperia T boasts dimensions of 129.4 x 67.3 x 9.4 mm and weighs in at 139g. Its design was sleek and elegant, made for comfortable handling and easy maneuverability. The Xperia T featured a micro-SIM slot and was crafted from premium materials that gave it a durable yet stylish look. The curvature of its back fits naturally in the hand, reflecting Sony's commitment to ergonomic design.

Display

The Xperia T came with a 4.55-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 323 ppi, images and text appeared sharp and vivid. The screen was covered with a shatter-proof glass that provided additional durability, protecting the phone from everyday scratches and accidental drops.

Camera Performance

The main feature of the Xperia T's camera was its 13 MP main sensor with autofocus and LED flash capabilities. This camera allowed users to capture 1080p videos at 30 frames per second, delivering good-quality imagery for its era. The front-facing camera had a 1.3 MP sensor, capable of recording 720p videos, suitable for self-portraits and video conferencing.

Processor and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, the Xperia T came with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU. This combination provided decent performance for multitasking and running demanding applications available at that time. Paired with 1GB of RAM, the device could handle everyday tasks efficiently, from web browsing to gaming.

Software and User Interface

Originally launching with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Xperia T was upgradable to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. This upgrade extended the phone's capabilities, offering improved performance, smoother graphics, and enhanced features. Sony also provided its custom user interface over Android, which included unique widgets, themes, and apps that were signature to the Xperia line.

Storage Options

With 16 GB of internal storage, the Xperia T provided sufficient space for installing applications, storing media, and handling everyday tasks. Additionally, it supported expandable storage via a microSDHC slot, allowing for increased capacity to accommodate more data, music, photos, and videos.

Battery Life

Outfitted with a non-removable Li-Ion 1850 mAh battery, the Xperia T provided reasonable endurance. Users could expect up to 450 hours of standby time on a 2G network and up to 410 hours on a 3G network. The talk time was rated at up to 7 hours across both 2G and 3G networks, and music playback lasted up to 16 hours. These figures ensured the Xperia T could last through an average workday without requiring frequent charging.

Connectivity and Sensors

The device was equipped with GSM / HSPA technology, and supported multiple 2G and 3G bands, as well as HSPA data speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.1 with A2DP, GPS supported by A-GPS and GLONASS, NFC, stereo FM radio with RDS, and a micro-USB 2.0 port with MHL for TV-out and OTG capabilities.

Sensors on the device included an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, providing essential utility for apps and system functions.

Audio and Multimedia

The Xperia T featured stereo loudspeakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories. It delivered decent audio quality, with a noise figure of -86.1 dB and crosstalk of -84.1 dB, providing a clear and crisp listening experience whether using headphones or stereo speakers.

Overall Impression

The Sony Xperia T was a remarkable offering in the smartphone market during its release. Its impressive design, noteworthy camera performance, and powerful processor made it a strong contender in its category. The ability to upgrade the operating system kept it relevant for users seeking a balance between performance and longevity, and its additional "Bond phone" branding added a stylish touch to its legacy.

Final Remarks

Although discontinued, the Sony Xperia T remains a testament to Sony's innovative approach to mobile technology, a device remembered for its impactful presence and reliable performance.