Feature Articles

The Google Android 2.3 Smartphone Guide

By Seow Tein Hee - 24 Mar 2011

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson's situation is crystal clear - you're better off with a new device from its Xperia series for two simple reasons. Firstly, the company has stated that it won't be updating their existing Xperia lineup, one of which is the their flagship model, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. Most unfortunate for the existing users, but if you don't fall into that category, here's the good news - the Sony Ericsson Android lineup for 2011 will be preloaded with Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread. And its 2011 portfolio is definitely interesting, with an insanely thin Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, the PlayStation-certified Xperia Play, a business-centric Xperia Pro and an all-rounder Xperia Neo joining the Android party.

Update: In an unexpected turn of events, Sony Ericsson has reversed its decision regarding the Android update for its Xperia X10. The Android 2.3 update will be made available to X10 users by the end of Q2 2011 to early Q3 2011. However, the company has also stated that the Gingerbread upgrade is subjected to operator decision.

Unfortunately, the Android 2.3 update won't be available for the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini, X10 Mini Pro, and X8.

How should you differentiate the Sony Ericsson lineup? Well, you can take a quick glance at our summarized points for these four Xperia devices, or check out our comparison chart. (Note: huge table that's best viewed with 100% screen view)

New Sony Ericsson Devices Preloaded with Google Android 2.3

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Announced at CES 2011, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is a clear sign that Sony Ericsson won't be falling behind on the updates. Starting off with Google Android 2.3, the Xperia Arc is by far one of the thinnest Android devices at a mere 8.7mm. Its real draw comes not from being Sony Ericsson's first Android 2.3 device. Staring right at you is the 4.2-inch Reality Display powered by Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine for enhanced display performance.

Availability: Q1 2011

Here's our preview of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

Even before the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play was officially announced at Mobile World Congress 2011, it was gaining fame as the rumoured PlayStation phone. That rumor was soon verified, revealing the Xperia Play as the first PlayStation-certified device, with dedicated PlayStation buttons to enhance the gaming experience. Lest we forget, this is an Android 2.3 smartphone, so you'll get an endless list of Android apps to install on the Experia Play.

Availability: From March 2011

Here's our hands-on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo bears much similarity to the earlier announced Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, including the Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine, though slightly shrunken down to a 3.7-inch real estate size. Thankfully, that's about the only thing that's downsized, leaving the 8-megapixel camera intact with a HDMI-out to display HD content onto a bigger screen. The Xperia Neo is powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 processor, which will do nicely to match the latest Google Android 2.3 OS within.

Availability: Q2 2011

Here's our hands-on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro

The final Xperia member to appear would be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro. By now, some of you might have guessed its key feature from the "pro" term - a slide-out, physical QWERTY keyboard. Preloaded with Google Android 2.3, the Xperia Pro nonetheless takes a cue from the tablet-optimized Android 3.0 with a split-screen email interface. Likewise, the Xperia Pro is armed with the same Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine and an 8-megapixel camera sensor to put a balanced mix of work and entertainment on this Android 2.3 device.

Availability: Q2 2011

Here's our hands-on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro.

 

Existing Sony Ericsson Devices Receiving Google Android 2.3 Update

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

As they say, better late than never. The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 had a great amount of potential in its hardware delivery, sporting a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and an impressive 8-megapixel camera and good imaging quality befitting the brand. Its initial launch was hindered by the use of Android 1.6, and a slow update to Android 2.1 put it way behind the competition while others moved onto the Android 2.2. Froyo edition. Thankfully, the company heeded much of the consumers' request, and decided to bypass the Android 2.2 upgrade straight to the new Gingerbread version.

Android 2.3 Update Availability: End Q2 / Early Q3 2011

Here's our review of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10.

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