Sony Xperia T2 Ultra InDepth Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Display

The Sony Xperia T2 Ultra features an impressive 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. The large screen size provides an immersive viewing experience, ideal for watching videos and browsing. Although not Full HD, the resolution is sufficient for most tasks, providing decent clarity and color reproduction. The IPS technology ensures good viewing angles and vibrant colors, making the device suitable for outdoor usage despite its sunlight contrast ratio of 1.740.

Camera

The device is equipped with a single 13 MP rear camera featuring an f/2.3 aperture and autofocus. This camera setup is complemented by an LED flash and supports HDR for enhanced dynamic range in photos. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps, offering decent video quality for its time. The Xperia T2 Ultra's camera captures reasonable quality images but might struggle in low light conditions, typical of devices released during this era. The front-facing camera is a modest 1.1 MP, capable of recording 720p videos and serving basic needs for video calls and selfies.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Sony Xperia T2 Ultra is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. While not designed for heavy multi-tasking or high-end gaming, this setup provides adequate performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and light apps. The device originally launched with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) but is upgradable to Android 5.1 (Lollipop), slightly extending its usability in the face of evolving software requirements. The 1GB RAM, however, limits the phone's capability to handle multiple apps simultaneously.

Battery Life

One of the device's stronger points is its 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery. It is non-removable, a common feature in models of this period. The battery life is quite impressive, with a standby time of up to 1071 hours on 2G and 1046 hours on 3G. Users can expect up to 14 hours of talk time on 2G and up to 24 hours on 3G, making it a reliable choice for users who prioritize battery endurance. Moreover, the device offers up to 93 hours of music play, appealing to media enthusiasts.

Design and Build

The Xperia T2 Ultra sports sleek dimensions of 165.2 x 83.8 x 7.7 mm and weighs approximately 171.7 grams for the D5303 model. Its design is consistent with Sony’s signature aesthetic, marked by a premium-feel plastic finish. The choice of colors, Black, White, and Purple, caters to a range of tastes. Despite its significant size, the device is relatively thin at 7.7 mm, contributing to a more comfortable grip and handling experience.

Storage and Connectivity

In terms of storage, the Xperia T2 Ultra comes with 8GB of internal memory, which is quite limited by today’s standards. However, it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand storage to accommodate more media and apps. For connectivity, the device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing decent speed and coverage for calls and internet browsing. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band support, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS with GLONASS. The inclusion of an FM radio with RDS is a nice touch for users who enjoy local radio stations. MicroUSB 2.0 with OTG support offers flexible connectivity options.

Audio and Multimedia

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, accommodating traditional headphone users. The sound quality is reasonable for voice calls and multimedia consumption, with loudspeaker outputs rated at 74dB for voice, 66dB for noise, and 75dB for ring according to tests. Audio quality is decent for its class, although not exceptional, with noise at -90.5dB and crosstalk at -92.2dB.

Additional Features

The Xperia T2 Ultra also includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its usability for various applications, from gaming to navigation. However, as a discontinued model, potential buyers must be aware of the limited software support and hardware limitations compared to newer smartphones.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sony Xperia T2 Ultra, launched in 2014, offered a blend of mid-range specifications and features ideal for users seeking a large display and solid battery life at an affordable price point, roughly 230 EUR at its launch. Despite its dated hardware, it served well during its time by providing essential smartphone functions with a touch of multimedia and connectivity prowess, though it now lags behind modern standards. As with many devices from its era, it stands as a testament to the rapid evolution of smartphone technology.