Sony Xperia XA1 Plus

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus was part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, released in 2017. It aimed to offer a balance between performance, design, and price. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus:

Overview:

The Xperia XA1 Plus was a continuation of Sony’s OmniBalance design philosophy, characterized by its rectangular shape and side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it sought to offer a good camera experience and solid performance for its price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P20.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3430 mAh non-removable battery with Pump Express+ 2.0 fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and NFC.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 23 MP camera was one of the highlights, offering decent shots, especially in well-lit conditions.
  2. Design: The phone’s design was typical of Sony, offering a distinct look that stood out from the rounded designs of many competitors.
  3. Battery Life: The 3430 mAh battery combined with the Full HD display and efficient processor led to commendable battery life.
  4. Performance: For its price point, the Helio P20 provided adequate performance for everyday tasks.

Cons:

  1. Processor Choice: While the MediaTek Helio P20 was decent, competitors in the same price range sometimes offered Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, which were often preferred by consumers.
  2. Bezels: The phone had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which started to look dated as the market moved towards more bezel-less designs.
  3. Software Updates: Sony’s mid-range devices typically didn’t receive as frequent software updates as their flagship counterparts.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA1 Plus faced competition from:

  • Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a premium metal body.
  • Nokia 6: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and a solid metal unibody design.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets in October 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Touchscreen Issues: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen becoming unresponsive over time.
  2. Software Glitches: Occasional software bugs and glitches were reported, though some were addressed in updates.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent in good lighting, its performance in low-light conditions was not as strong.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus was a solid mid-range offering from Sony, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience at a more affordable price point. Its camera and design were standout features, but it faced stiff competition in a segment where every brand was trying to offer the best value for money. For Sony enthusiasts or those looking for a reliable mid-ranger with a good camera, the XA1 Plus was a viable option. However, those seeking the best specs for their money might have been tempted by other offerings in the market.

Leave a Reply