Sony Xperia L4

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia L4 is a part of Sony’s budget-friendly L series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia L4:

Overview:

Introduced in 2020, the Xperia L4 is Sony’s entry-level offering, aiming to deliver essential smartphone features at an affordable price point. It’s a departure from Sony’s flagship Xperia lineup, focusing more on value and basic functionality.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9 Pie.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1680 pixels, adopting a 21:9 aspect ratio which Sony brands as “CinemaWide”.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P22.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 13 MP primary sensor, 5 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3580 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. 21:9 Display: The unique aspect ratio offers a different viewing experience, especially for movies and multitasking.
  2. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot allows users to expand storage based on their needs.
  3. 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Retaining the headphone jack provides flexibility for users who prefer wired audio.
  4. Design: Despite being a budget phone, the Xperia L4 maintains a sleek design reminiscent of other Xperia devices.

Cons:

  1. Outdated OS: Shipping with Android 9 Pie when Android 10 was already available might be a concern for those wanting the latest features and security updates.
  2. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset, which might struggle with more demanding tasks and apps.
  3. Camera Performance: While it offers a triple camera setup, the performance might not be on par with mid-range or flagship devices.
  4. Display Resolution: The 720p resolution might not be as sharp as some users would like, especially given the screen’s size.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia L4 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy A11: Offering a 6.4-inch PLS TFT display, Snapdragon 450, and a triple camera setup.
  • Moto G8: Featuring a 6.4-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 665, and a triple camera system.
  • Realme C3: With its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia L4 was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported slow or infrequent software updates from Sony for this model.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given the entry-level chipset, users might experience occasional lags or slowdowns, especially with multitasking or heavy apps.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia L4 is a budget-friendly option for those who want a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank. While it offers some unique features like the 21:9 display, it does make compromises in areas like performance and camera quality. It’s suitable for users with basic needs or those looking for a secondary device. However, for those wanting a more robust smartphone experience, there might be better options available in the same price range.

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