Sony Xperia XA Ultra Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Network Capabilities

The Sony Xperia XA Ultra offers a comprehensive range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It's designed to provide robust connectivity with support for both 2G and 3G bands across GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 frequencies. The 4G LTE capability covers frequencies 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 20, ensuring a wide range of coverage for fast internet access. The device supports HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 offering speeds up to 150/50 Mbps.

Device Launch and Status

Announced in May 2016, the Sony Xperia XA Ultra made its debut in July of the same year. As of now, the device has been discontinued, which means it is no longer in production. However, it remains a point of interest for many technology enthusiasts and collectors due to its distinctive features at the time of release.

Body and Design

The Xperia XA Ultra is designed with a combination of materials that grant it a premium feel. It has a glass front, a plastic back, and an aluminium frame, balancing durability with style. The dimensions of the phone are 164 x 79 x 8.4 mm, and it weighs approximately 202 grams, making it slightly heavier but providing a substantial feeling in hand. Consumers could choose from either a Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) model, catering to different preferences and needs.

Display Features

Featuring a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, the Xperia XA Ultra was designed with multimedia consumption in mind. The screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a pixel density of approximately 367 ppi. This results in sharp and vivid images, ideal for gaming and media viewing. The screen is protected with scratch-resistant glass to resist minor scratches and everyday wear.

Operating System and Performance

The phone initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, but it is upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat. It runs on a Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 chipset built on a 28 nm process. The Octa-core CPU comprises of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, while the Mali-T860MP2 GPU handles the graphics processing. This configuration was quite capable at its launch, allowing smooth multitasking and satisfactory gaming performance.

Memory and Storage

The Xperia XA Ultra is equipped with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. For users needing more space, it includes a dedicated slot for microSDXC cards, enabling expandability as per individual storage requirements. This complements the device's utility for users who require extra space for apps, media, and documents.

Camera Specifications

The main camera of the Xperia XA Ultra is a 21.5-megapixel shooter with an aperture of f/2.2, featuring phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and supported by an LED flash for low-light conditions. It is capable of capturing video at 1080p@30fps with HDR support. The front-facing camera, a key highlight for selfie enthusiasts, features a 16-megapixel sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for improved low-light performance and stability in video calls.

Audio and Connectivity

The Xperia XA Ultra is equipped with standard audio options, including a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio connectivity preferences. Connectivity-wise, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, LE, and aptX, GPS with GLONASS, and NFC. The device also features FM radio with RDS and uses microUSB 2.0 with OTG support for fast data exchange.

Additional Features

Sensors included in the Xperia XA Ultra are the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, adding more functionality to the device. These sensors are crucial for various applications, including gaming, navigation, and overall smartphone interaction experience.

Battery

The phone is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2700 mAh battery. The battery life is notable for standby times of up to 558 hours on 2G and 708 hours on 3G. Talk time is approximately 13 hours on 2G networks and 12 hours on 3G, with music playtime reaching 65 hours, making it decent by the standards at the time of its release.

Color Variants and Pricing

The Xperia XA Ultra was available in several colors: White, Graphite Black, and Lime Gold, offering users choices to match their personal style. At launch, it was priced around 250 EUR, positioning it as a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone market.

Performance Metrics

When tested, the Xperia XA Ultra delivered solid performance metrics, with a Basemark OS II 2.0 score of 987 and Basemark X score of 6754. The display’s contrast ratio was measured at 1071 under nominal conditions and 2.906 in sunlight, highlighting its effectiveness in different lighting environments. Audio tests rated voice, noise, and ring volume levels as satisfactory, while the audio quality indicated low noise and minimal crosstalk, demonstrating good output fidelity.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia XA Ultra, with its impressive camera capabilities and large display, catered specifically to users looking for an enhanced multimedia experience. Although now discontinued, it remains a device of interest due to its design and feature set that catered to the then-emerging segment of phablet devices. The XA Ultra showcased Sony's commitment to combining smartphone functionality with entertainment-focused features, ensuring longevity through its enduring appeal to photography and media enthusiasts.