The Sony Xperia 10 was part of Sony’s 2019 lineup, positioned as a mid-range offering. It was introduced alongside the Xperia 10 Plus and the flagship Xperia 1. The Xperia 10 continued Sony’s emphasis on offering a unique display experience with its 21:9 aspect ratio. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia 10:
Overview:
Launched in 2019, the Xperia 10 was Sony’s attempt to bring the 21:9 display experience to a more affordable price point. The device was designed for those who prioritize multimedia consumption, especially video playback.
Features:
- Operating System: Shipped with Android 9 Pie.
- Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels and a 21:9 aspect ratio.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
- Memory: 3 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
- Camera: Dual 13 MP and 5 MP rear camera setup. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
- Battery: 2870 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C charging.
- Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
Pros:
- 21:9 Display: The unique aspect ratio offered an immersive viewing experience for movies and allowed for more content to be displayed vertically.
- Compact Design: Despite the tall display, the Xperia 10 was relatively easy to handle and had a modern design.
- Dual Camera Setup: The dual-camera system allowed for depth-sensing capabilities and bokeh effects.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: The placement was ergonomic for many users, offering quick and convenient access.
Cons:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 630, while decent for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its segment.
- Battery Life: The 2870 mAh battery was considered modest, and some users found it lacking for a full day of use.
- Camera Low-light Performance: The camera system, while decent in good lighting, struggled in low-light conditions.
- Price: Some users felt that the Xperia 10 was priced a bit high considering the competition and the specifications it offered.
Comparisons to Other Technologies:
In its price bracket, the Xperia 10 faced competition from:
- Samsung Galaxy A50: Featuring a Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9610, and a triple-camera setup.
- Moto G7: With its 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera system.
- Nokia 7.1: Offering a 5.84-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup with ZEISS optics.
Launch Date:
The Sony Xperia 10 was announced in February 2019 and became available shortly after.
Common Issues/Problems:
- Software Optimization: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters, possibly due to software optimization issues.
- Build Quality: While the design was modern, some users felt that the build quality could be improved, especially considering its price point.
- Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was considered average by some users, lacking in volume and richness.
Conclusion:
The Sony Xperia 10 was a unique offering in the mid-range segment, especially due to its 21:9 display. It was tailored for users who consume a lot of video content on their smartphones. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of display and design, it faced stiff competition in its segment, which offered better specifications at similar or lower price points. For Sony enthusiasts and those who value the unique display aspect ratio, the Xperia 10 was a consideration, but it might not have been the best value proposition for everyone.