Sony Xperia XA

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XA was a part of Sony’s Xperia X series, positioned as a mid-range offering with a focus on design and camera capabilities. Launched in 2016, the Xperia XA aimed to deliver a blend of style and performance at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XA was designed to cater to the mid-range segment, offering a sleek design, decent camera, and a balanced performance. It was positioned for users who wanted a taste of Sony’s smartphone experience without spending on the flagship range.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), with subsequent updates.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P10 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and an 8 MP front camera with a wide-angle lens.
  6. Battery: A 2300 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Edge-to-edge display design, NFC, and micro USB charging.

Pros:

  1. Design: The edge-to-edge display design gave the XA a modern and sleek look, making it stand out in its price range.
  2. Camera: The 13 MP rear camera was capable of capturing decent photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
  3. Compact Size: The 5.0-inch form factor made it easy to handle and use with one hand.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2300 mAh battery was relatively small, leading to average battery life.
  2. Display Resolution: A 720p resolution was somewhat dated for 2016, especially when considering the device’s price point.
  3. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P10 was decent but lagged behind some competitors in terms of raw performance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Moto G4: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 617, and a more stock-like Android experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016): With its 5.2-inch HD display, Snapdragon 410, and a Super AMOLED screen.
  • Huawei P9 Lite: Featuring a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Kirin 650, and a fingerprint sensor.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA was announced in February 2016 and released in June 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Battery Life: Many users reported that the battery life was not sufficient to last through a full day of moderate use.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Occasional lags and stutters were reported, especially with multitasking or heavy apps.
  3. Build Quality: Some users mentioned that the plastic build felt less premium compared to other devices in the same price range.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA was a stylish mid-range offering from Sony, focusing on design and camera capabilities. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of design, it faced challenges in terms of battery life, display resolution, and performance. For users who prioritized aesthetics and were fans of Sony’s software experience, the Xperia XA was a decent choice in the mid-range segment. However, it had to contend with other offerings that provided better value in certain areas.

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