Unveiling Sony Xperia V Features Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sony Xperia V

The Sony Xperia V, announced in August 2012 and released in December of the same year, was crafted with the essence of sleek performance and robust technology. It combines high-speed data capabilities with a compact and waterproof design, setting it apart in the smartphone market during its time.

Design and Build

The Sony Xperia V boasts a compact design with dimensions of 129 x 65 x 10.7 mm, making it fit comfortably in the hand. Weighing just 120 g, it was one of the lighter phones available at the time. The use of micro-SIM technology and a TFT display ensured it maintained a modern aesthetic. The screen protected by scratch-resistant glass reflected Sony's commitment to durability.

Display

With a 4.3-inch TFT display, the Xperia V offered vibrant color reproduction and clarity with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 342 ppi, ensuring crisp visuals. The screen's 16:9 aspect ratio made it well suited for multimedia consumption, whether viewing photos, videos, or playing games.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia V was powered by a Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU. This combination allowed for smooth multitasking and capable graphics processing, sufficient for most applications and games at the time. The phone shipped with Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and was upgradeable to Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), ensuring access to newer apps and features.

Memory and Storage

The Xperia V came equipped with 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage. It also featured a dedicated microSDHC card slot for expanding storage, which was crucial for users needing more space for apps, photos, and videos. This flexibility in storage made it a practical choice for various user needs.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts appreciated the Xperia V's 13 MP main camera, offering autofocus and LED flash for enhanced photo quality in low-light conditions. The camera supported 1080p video recording at 30fps, allowing for decent video capture. The additional features such as panorama mode added versatility to the camera suite. On the front, a VGA selfie camera offered basic capability for video calls and selfies.

Audio and Connectivity

Featuring a robust suite of connectivity options, the Xperia V supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot functionality. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP ensured seamless connection to various audio devices. GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS enhanced its navigation capabilities. Moreover, the inclusion of NFC allowed for easy data exchange and mobile payment options.

Network Technology

Built with GSM/HSPA/LTE technology, the Xperia V was ready for high-speed data networks. It supported multiple bands, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G, HSDPA 850/900/2100 for 3G, and bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 20 for LTE, providing broad compatibility with networks in different regions.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery, offering a diverse set of usage stats. It provided up to 7 hours of talk time and could maintain a standby time of up to 300 hours on 2G or up to 400 hours on 3G networks. For music lovers, it gave up to 18 hours of continuous play, a testament to its decent battery efficiency.

Additional Features

Equipped with a variety of sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, the Xperia V could handle multiple tasks that required sensor input. It also featured stereo FM radio with RDS and a 3.5mm audio jack for audio connectivity.

Conclusion

While the Sony Xperia V has been discontinued and modern smartphones have far surpassed its capabilities, it represented a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile devices. Its combination of robust design, capable performance, and comprehensive features made it a solid choice for consumers during its release period. At an original price of about 230 EUR, it provided excellent value for the technology it encapsulated.