Sony Xperia XA2

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XA2 was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship counterparts. Launched in early 2018, the Xperia XA2 was a successor to the Xperia XA1. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA2:

Overview:

The Xperia XA2 was designed for users who wanted a solid mid-range smartphone experience with a touch of Sony’s design and camera expertise. With its signature design, decent specifications, and camera capabilities, it catered to users looking for a reliable daily driver with a focus on multimedia and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with options of 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 23 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP wide-angle shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 23 MP rear camera was one of the highlights, offering good image quality, especially in well-lit conditions.
  2. Build and Design: The Xperia XA2 continued Sony’s signature design language with a sturdy build and a slightly curved back for better ergonomics.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 630, combined with 3 GB RAM, ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate multitasking.
  4. Battery Life: The 3300 mAh battery, combined with Sony’s optimizations, provided a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

  1. Bezels: In an era where bezel-less designs were becoming popular, the Xperia XA2 still had noticeable top and bottom bezels.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was impressive in daylight, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Weight: The device was a bit on the heavier side compared to some of its competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA2 faced competition from:

  • Nokia 6.1: Offering a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Moto X4: With its 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018): Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA2 was announced in January 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While the device received updates, they weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.
  2. Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as competitors.
  3. Weight and Size: The phone’s weight and size made it a bit cumbersome for some users, especially those with smaller hands.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA2 was a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera capabilities. Its performance, build quality, and camera setup made it a worthy contender in the mid-range segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and camera performance in low light, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on photography and multimedia, the Xperia XA2 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

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