High end Android phone market is witnessing a common trend from all phone manufacturers that take the latest flagship phone, add some minor technical updates and release it with extra “S” or “Pro” attached with the name. Those who had proved their worth in the already crowded space of Android phone market gets a warm welcome when topped with extra goodies. Sony Ericsson’s “Xperia Arc” is the latest to get some makeover and now its updated version “Xperia Arc S” is out to grab.
The original “Xperia Arc” was launched in April, and merely after six months the upgrade is available in the market. The “Xperia Arc S” is not much different from original “Xperia Arc” with a slightly faster processor (but still a single core), a large 4.2in display, a super slim design, light weight (only 117 g) with 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm dimension and an updated Android version 2.3.4 Gingerbread.
Pricing and availability
The Sony Ericsson’s “Xperia Arc S” is now available in Europe at € 340 ($529).
What’s great?
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S has few updated features to its predecessor Arc, it has faster 1.4GHz Qualcomm single-core processor, latest Android 2.3.4 and Sony Ericsson’s Timescape user interface skin. With the Exmor R sensor, the eight megapixel camera performs just as good as its predecessor Arc. This is the first Xperia handset offering Sony’s 3D sweep panorama feature, which is capable to capture 3D stills that can be seen on 3D televisions. The phone is capable of recording high quality videos and allows 720 p HD recording at 30 fps. Other camera feature includes touch focus, geo-tagging, face and smile detection and image stabilization.
Its 4.2 inch super LCD display comes with Sony Ericsson very own Bravia engine. Its 854 x 480 pixels display is capable of showing sharp details and rich color. Sony has come up with a new feature called the Reality Display. This technology enhances the contrast and sharpness of the picture when displaying photos or playing videos. The display is bright enough and can be viewed properly in broad daylight, but still the viewing angles, is not up to the mark. It has Scratch-resistant surface, multi-touch input method, accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate and proximity sensor for auto turn-off.
Like its predecessor it has 512 MB of RAM, 8 GB card included in the sales box and the memory is expandable up to 32 GB. It has all standard data connection options like GPRS/EDGE, 3G with HSDPA 14.4 Mbps and HSUPA, 5.8 Mbps, WLAN with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth version v2.1 with A2DP, EDR and microUSB v2.0 with USB On-the-go support.
Arc S also features Stereo FM radio with RDS and A-GPS support. It has Standard battery, Li-Po 1500 mAh with stand-by time up to 460 h, talk-time up to 7 h 25 min and can play music up to 37 h.
What’s not so great?
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S doesn’t have a front-facing camera, just like its predecessor. There’s no dual-core processor and the build quality can be rated as mediocre. Arc S battery life is quite disappointing and it drain out very easily. The 3D Panorama Sweep is an added advantage, but it’s difficult to imagine that it’ll be a regularly-used feature for an average user. In comparison to its predecessor, Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, the CPU of Arc S is upgraded to 400 MHz but it doesn’t seems to give much boost in day-to-day use. Its Bluetooth version is also an older one as version 3.0 is now standard for smart phones.
Things to watch out for
An affordable single-core smartphone, Bravia engine super LCD display with LED backlight, 3D sweep panorama image taking capabilities, a simpler keypad layout for easy typing, smart and elegant interface and easy social networking integration.
Verdict
In today’s market where dual core Android phone is becoming a standard, this latest offering of Sony Ericsson certainly lag behind its competitors. Basically it has exactly the same physical shape and size as the first Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, which means it’s one of the slimmest, and all-round well laid gadgets that one can buy at a much affordable price than many of its dual core competitors. Just like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, the Arc S packs in all the standard Android features, a large display screen and a fantastic camera. Overall it is a sound investment if you’re ready to compromise with few specs.