Next Sony Ericsson XPERIA is expected with Android 2.0

Another Android smartphone is leaked, but unfortunately we can't say that it is going to start its sales any time soon. This time it's Sony Ericsson who fancy Android for its top range mobile phone, for next XPERIA division model to be precise. Parallels with HTC Hero here are possible, of course, but I fear they would be untimely because Rachel, so is its codename, sports some interesting features that make it stand out a bit.

There is not much to say about the next Sony Ericsson XPERIA, but we already know that it might whop Hero's nose. First of all, SE is preparing an 8 megapixel camera with autofocus. Nothing with more humble pixel density was expected for the XPERIA because guys at Sony Ericsson were always taken up with cameras. Which probably explains an over 12 megapixel phone from them by the end of the year.

Now, there is more. HTC Hero comes with 528MHz processor. The XPERIA in turn is expected to be fitted with a latest 1GHz processor. That of course would make a difference no matter what the phone will be used for.

The last thing so far is the OS. SE Rachel is rumored to be one of the first devices out there with Android 2.0. This fact arises questions like whether it will have something at least remotely like Sense UI? Or one which is even more actual: how long to wait for it? All we know is that Android 2.0 comes in autumn, hopefully Rachel also.

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HTC Touch HD vs iPhone 3G vs SonyEricsson XPERIA X1

As you might see, touchscreen phone interface is strongly making its way as the main control scheme in the majority of smartphones and even regular cell phones. While it was used in mobiles prior to iPhone, Apple showed the world that touchscreen interface can be used as an easy and original alternative to regular buttons. Even if you are an anti-Apple fanatic, it is hard to disagree that iPhone, with all its flaws, was a big step forward in user interface - with many other companies now adopting the same control scheme as iPhone's thumb control. The idea of using stylus as a needed part of interaction between user and his gadget becomes more and more outdated nowadays, with devices like iPhone approving that touchscreen can be controlled by only your thumbs, with no stylus at all.

Looking as Apple making step after step to dominate the market with its upgraded iPhone 3G, companies like HTC and SonyEricsson decided to renew their device lineup and to produce some interesting iPhone rivals. And while HTC already made many attempts to compete with iPhone with its Touch lineup, many of them don’t came even close to the iPhone. They lacked iPhone's sleek user interface, its big and bright screen and many more. Now, both HTC and SonyEricsson understood that to make a powerful iPhone rival they must focus on multimedia side of their devices. So, recent products from these companies, HTC Touch HD and SonyEricsson XPERIA X1, were made with all those things in mind. And in this comparison we would like to describe and compare all of those three touchscreen smartphones: iPhone 3G vs. HTC Touch HD vs. SonyEricsson XPERIA X1.

Appearence

Design is a very questionable point of comparison, but at least we can describe the exterior looks of these devices. All three phones were made in black colors, with iPhone you can choose between black and white back panels though. Sizes are almost completely the same, with X1 being the thickest (16.7 mm), iPhone 3G - tallest (115.5 mm) and Touch HD - widest (62.8 mm). HTC Touch HD is heaviest than others (146.4 g). Complete specifications are:

Touch HD - 115 x 62.8 x 12 mm; 146.4 g
XPERIA X1 - 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm; 145 g
iPhone 3G - 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm; 133 g

Unlike iPhone and HTC Touch, XPERIA X1 is a slider, with full QWERTY keyboard hidden under the screen. It is slightly curved when opened, no idea if this is only a design move or somehow improves usability. iPhone traditionally lacks any navigational buttons, so does the Touch HD. However, SonyEricsson devise has a full set of front buttons, which are shaped in triangles (somehow resembling Nokia Prism) - two soft keys, dial / reject, button for opening Start menu, Ok / close and navigational button in center.
Overall, all three smartphones look stylish and interesting, so it is only a matter of taste which one has better design.

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Sony Ericsson does Xperia arc

Sony Ericsson decided that they will no longer release smartphones that are far behind in terms of OS updates compared to the rest of the mobilemanufacturers, hence their latest addition to the Xperia family – the Xperia arc. This is one handset that will definitely stun you whenever you take a look at it, running on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. First unveiled at the recently concluded CES 2011, it is the first of a new generation of Xperia smartphones, so you can be sure that there will be more to come!

As we mentioned above, the design is what makes the new Xperia arc a looker, where it is super slim and hence, extremely light. Measuring a mere 8.7mm at its thinnest point, it will not sacrifice anything when it comes to performance, boasting an extra wide 4.2” multi-touch screen display. Sony Ericsson has certainly not gimped on material since they used premium materials to form its stunning arc body, so while you might think that this is going to break far more easily than a Hershey chocolate bar, it is still strong enough to fit nicely into your hand. One word of advice though – if you’re going to wear a really tight pair of jeans, we would suggest that you not put this in your rear pocket – you never know when it is in there and just jump onto a hard seat somewhere!

As for its innards, expect the best of Sony technology to be found, from its Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine for exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image, to Sony’s award-winning Exmor R for mobile sensor (at 8.1-megapixels) with the f/2.4 lens that is capable of shooting high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light conditions. Of course, all images shot can be viewed over a HDTV (preferably a Sony one) using the built in HDMI-connector. Needless to say, other specifications are pretty standard such as a 3.5mm audio jack, aGPS navigation, Bluetooth and DLNaconnectivity, and Wi-Fi support among others. There is no word on pricing or availability though.

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Sony Ericsoon Xperia Arc and Xperia PLAY launch details leaked

We are all tired to wait for these two devices to come out. They will finally be available soon from Rogers. Sony Ericsoon Xperia Arc - imaging flagship for the company runs on Android Gingerbread as well as Xperia Play. 

The same 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor and Adreno 205 graphics that you'll find on Xperia Play are present within the Arc. It features 512MB of RAM (320MB available to apps), 8GB of MicroSD storage, an 8 megapixel camera, an HDMI output, and a 1500mAh battery. Fast processor has to be backed up by a good 4.2 inch screen capable of accommodating 854 x 480 pixels.

Being equal in internals it is up to you to choose each one you want to buy. Businessmen will probably go with the ARC and those who like gaming will go with PLAY.

Any way both Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and Xperia Play will be able at Rogers for $ 99, of course, you are going to have to go with one of their 3-year contracts. As we can see from the picture they should arrive in late april (19th-21th). However, having a unique design with a Sony joystick design is worth it. They are also running a lottery for those who preorder one of the phones, the winner gets to go to Florida for a trip.

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Sony Ericsson introduced the Xperia Pro and Neo

Along with the gaming smartphone Xperia Play, Sony Ericsson has introduced the day before the exhibition opening MWC 2011 two more mobile devices of the family Xperia - Neo and Pro. 

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo is built on a single-chip system with Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 CPU running at 1 GHz, and runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The unit is equipped with a capacitive 3.7-inch touch screen, 854 x 480 resolution with a scratch-resistant layer, and the GPU Sony Bravia, designed to improve the image quality.


The smartphone has 320 MB of internal memory, main camera resolution of 8 megapixels, which allows to record high-definition video, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI and Micro USB, slot for microSD memory cards up to 32 GB (8 GB support is included in the delivery). Front camera has resolution of 2 megapixel. Dimensions Xperia Neo is 116 x 57 x 13 mm, weight - 126 grams.

This unit has the same characteristics as the Neo, but differs in the built-in sliding QWERTY keyboard. Despite the additional mechanical keys, XPERIA Pro is not much bigger than Neo: size - 120 x 57 x 13.5 mm, weight - 140 grams. In order to fully realize the potential of the keyboard, Sony Ericsson smartphone completes pre-installed office applications with the ability to edit documents.

Xperia Neo goes on sale late in the first quarter of this year, Pro - a quarter later. The cost of new products has not been revealed, but it is known that the Xperia Neo will be available in blue, red or silver, and for the Xperia Pro instead of the blue will be offered in black.

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