Sony Xperia L3

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia L3 was Sony’s entry-level offering for 2019. Positioned as a budget-friendly option, it aimed to provide essential smartphone features with a touch of Sony’s design and reliability. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia L3:

Overview:

Introduced in 2019, the Xperia L3 was Sony’s answer to the growing demand for affordable yet reliable smartphones. It was designed for those who wanted a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo.
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual 13 MP and 2 MP rear camera setup. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros:

  1. Design: The Xperia L3 maintained a modern design with minimal bezels and a sleek profile, which was commendable for its price point.
  2. Battery Life: The 3300 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient MediaTek chipset and HD+ display, ensured decent battery life.
  3. Dual Camera Setup: The inclusion of a dual-camera system in this price segment was a plus, allowing for depth-sensing and bokeh effects.
  4. Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: This ergonomic placement was convenient for many users, offering quick and easy access.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P22, while decent for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset, and some users might experience occasional lags.
  2. Outdated OS: Shipping with Android 8.1 Oreo when Android 9 Pie was already available was a downside.
  3. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate but not the sharpest available in its segment.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia L3 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy A10: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Moto G7 Play: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Nokia 4.2: Offering a 5.71-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 439, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia L3 was announced in February 2019 and became available in the subsequent months.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Sony’s track record with updates for its entry-level devices was inconsistent, leading to potential delays in receiving the latest Android versions.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios and lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors.
  3. Speaker Quality: The audio output from the speaker was considered average by some users, lacking in depth and volume.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia L3 was a solid entry-level offering, providing essential smartphone features with a touch of Sony’s design ethos. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera capabilities, it served as a reliable option for those on a tight budget or looking for a basic smartphone experience. For brand loyalists or those who prioritize design and build quality in the entry-level segment, the Xperia L3 was a worthy consideration.

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