Sony Xperia X

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia X was a part of Sony’s Xperia X series, launched in 2016. Positioned as an upper mid-range device, the Xperia X aimed to deliver a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and design. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia X:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia X was designed to cater to users who wanted a premium experience without necessarily reaching for the top-tier flagship segment. It combined Sony’s camera expertise, design language, and performance into a more affordable package compared to its flagship counterparts.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), with subsequent updates available.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 Hexa-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, predictive hybrid autofocus, and a 13 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2620 mAh non-removable battery with Qnovo Adaptive Charging.
  7. Other Features: Fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), NFC, and stereo front-facing speakers.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 23 MP rear camera with predictive hybrid autofocus was designed to capture sharp images, especially of moving subjects.
  2. Design: The Xperia X continued Sony’s sleek and minimalist design language, making it aesthetically pleasing.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 650, combined with 3 GB of RAM, ensured smooth performance for everyday tasks.
  4. Compact Size: The 5.0-inch form factor was perfect for users who preferred a more manageable device size.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While the 2620 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t exceptional, especially when compared to some competitors.
  2. Price: The Xperia X’s price point was considered a bit high for the specifications it offered, especially when compared to other devices in the same segment.
  3. Processor Choice: The Snapdragon 650, while competent, was not the top-tier chipset available at the time, which some users felt was a compromise.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • OnePlus 3: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 820, and 6 GB RAM.
  • Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016): With its 5.2-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display and a premium glass and metal design.
  • Huawei P9: Featuring a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Kirin 955, and a dual-camera setup co-engineered with Leica.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia X was announced in February 2016 and released in May 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Overheating: Some users reported overheating issues, especially during extended camera usage or 4K video recording.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite having a capable camera, low-light performance was not always consistent.
  3. Software Updates: While the X received updates, some users felt that the updates were slower than expected.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia X was a solid offering from Sony in the upper mid-range segment, focusing on camera capabilities, design, and a balanced performance. While it had its strengths, it faced challenges in terms of pricing and certain specifications when compared to competitors. For users who were fans of Sony’s design and camera capabilities, the Xperia X was a viable choice in the market. However, it had to stand out in a competitive segment where other brands offered devices with higher specifications at similar or lower price points.

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