Sony Xperia Pro

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia Pro is a unique offering from Sony, designed with professionals, especially content creators and broadcasters, in mind. It combines the features of a high-end smartphone with functionalities tailored for professional use. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia Pro:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Xperia Pro is Sony’s attempt to cater to a niche market of professionals who require advanced connectivity and multimedia capabilities. It’s not just a smartphone; it’s a tool designed for specific professional use-cases.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch 4K OLED with a resolution of 1644 x 3840 pixels, supporting HDR BT.2020 and a 21:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: 12 GB RAM with 512 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, similar to the Xperia 1 II. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, 5G mmWave connectivity, HDMI input (to use the phone as an external monitor for professional cameras), and dual front-facing stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Professional Connectivity: The Xperia Pro’s standout feature is its 5G mmWave connectivity, which allows for ultra-fast data transfer, making it ideal for broadcasting and streaming high-quality content in real-time.
  2. HDMI Input: This feature lets professionals use the Xperia Pro as an external monitor for their cameras, providing a high-resolution viewfinder on the go.
  3. High-Resolution Display: The 4K OLED display offers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and is perfect for multimedia consumption and professional use.
  4. Robust Build: The device is built with durability in mind, featuring a polycarbonate back that can withstand the rigors of professional use.
  5. Camera Capabilities: The camera system, while similar to the Xperia 1 II, is enhanced by the phone’s professional features, making it suitable for high-quality content creation.

Cons:

  1. Price: The Xperia Pro comes with a hefty price tag, reflecting its niche target audience and professional features.
  2. Weight and Size: Given its robust build and added features, the device is relatively heavy and might not be as comfortable for regular day-to-day use.
  3. Processor: While the Snapdragon 865 is a powerful chipset, it wasn’t the latest available at the time of the Xperia Pro’s release.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

Given its niche target audience, the Xperia Pro doesn’t have many direct competitors. However, in terms of flagship smartphones:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Offers a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100), and a versatile camera setup with a 108 MP primary sensor.
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: Features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A14 Bionic chip, and a triple camera system with LiDAR.
  • OnePlus 8 Pro: Comes with a Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 865, and a quad-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia Pro was announced in February 2020 but became available in early 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Price Justification: Given its high price, many users and reviewers questioned if the professional features justified the cost, especially for non-professionals.
  2. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery, while decent, might not last long under continuous professional use, especially with 5G mmWave and HDMI functionalities in play.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia Pro is a specialized tool designed for a specific audience. For content creators, broadcasters, and professionals who require advanced connectivity and multimedia capabilities on the go, it offers a unique package that few other devices can match. However, for the average consumer, many of its standout features might be overkill, especially considering its premium price point. It’s a testament to Sony’s commitment to catering to niche markets and integrating technologies from its various divisions into a single product.