Review of Sony Xperia ha dual. Sony Xperia XA1 Review - Between Normal and Bad. Video review and unpacking

The Sony Xperia XA smartphone, which appeared in 2016, is the youngest device in the line, and, accordingly, the most affordable in the price. Has a relatively good filling, attractive frameless design, but completely devoid of protection from water and dust. If you try hard, you can find it for 310 USD. This is the minimum cost, and is relevant at the time of this review.

There are 5 modifications of this smartphone in total. The differences lie in the number of SIM cards, as well as in the frequency range of 4G networks. This review will discuss the Sony Xperia XA (F3112) dual-SIM model, which is relevant for the domestic market. Let's see what this smartphone is and whether it is worth spending at least $ 310 on it.

Specifications Sony Xperia XA (F3112)

For the most part, the characteristics are average, only the amount of memory and battery capacity do not fit into the general concept.

Design

The appearance is the calling card of this device. It looks elegant and attractive, hands just reach out to touch. Due to the not very huge screen and very modest side frames, the case turned out to be quite narrow.

As a result, it is easy to hold and comfortable to operate with one hand. A neat rounding at the ends of the rear panel is repeated by the front part: this is facilitated by a rounded 2.5D glass.

The buyer is free to choose between classic and modern case colors: black and white, or lime gold and rose gold. On the right side face there are controls: buttons for adjusting the volume, launching the camera and a round power button.

On the left side edge there is a cap, under which separate slots for a USB flash drive and a SIM card are hidden. The 3.5 mm jack is on the top, the MicroUSB port is on the bottom.

The body is made of matte plastic: a disappointment for those used to metal smartphones from Sony. However, there is nothing wrong with plastic, plus the device, in addition to being compact, boasts a modest weight: 138.8 g.

The build is generally good, but if you find fault with it, you can find a gap between the display and the bezels - a great place to collect dust. Dimensions: 143.6 x 66.8 x 7.9 mm.

CPU

The smartphone uses a fairly powerful 64-bit MediaTek Helio P10 processor, with a Mali-T860 MP2 graphics chip. The system-on-a-chip consists of 8 Cortex-A53 cores, under maximum loads, the frequency can reach 2 GHz. As a result, the device's performance level is more than sufficient for solving trivial tasks and for entertainment. The synthetic AntuTu performance test gives the hardware a score of 48 thousand points, which is an average.

With prolonged intense loads, significant heating of the case is noted, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe NFC tag. In most cases this is not the reason for the drop in performance, but the discomfort in the hand does not decrease.

Memory

RAM 2 GB - I would like more in such a device. But this volume is enough to ensure good performance when launching several applications, and while working with them. The built-in storage is also not the most impressive - 16 GB, of which approximately 10 GB is available. However, support for memory cards with a capacity of up to 200 GB expands the possibilities for installing games and storing multimedia content.

Autonomous work

The capacity of the non-removable battery installed in the device is 2300 mAh. Not enough, but besides the battery capacity, optimization is important, which, apparently, is completely absent from the Xperia XA. Taking into account the energy efficient OS and processor, as well as the low resolution of the screen, in normal use, the device is discharged before evening. In the video playback mode at the maximum display brightness level, the battery withstands a maximum of 4 hours. In 3D games, under the same conditions, the smartphone is discharged in 2 hours.

The activated Stamina mode in this particular device hardly noticeably affects the autonomy for the better (10% percent). And Ultra Stamina turns the smartphone into almost an ordinary dialer, so significant battery savings in this case do not bring much joy.

Camera

The main 13-megapixel photomodule Exmor RS IMX-258, with a single pixel size of 1.12 microns, has an aperture ratio of f / 2.0, supplemented by a single flash. SteadyShot technology stabilizes images under shaky conditions. Of course, nothing has been invented better than optical stabilization, but it's better with SteadyShot than without it. Subject Tracking Phase Detection AF can significantly reduce blurred shots. It takes no more than a second to focus, even in poor lighting conditions.

The physical camera start button also acts as a shutter release, and when pressed halfway, focusing. The camera interface is the same as in previous Xperias. There are different modes, including HDR and some manual settings. The quality of the obtained photos is pleasing, however, strongly depends on the shooting conditions.

The capabilities of the photo module are most fully revealed in good lighting conditions. The shots are detailed, with decent dynamic range even without HDR, and with correct color reproduction. With a significant lack of light, the active work of the noise control is turned on, which is the reason for the loss of detail. Handy Twilight mode partially improves the situation.

Video filming is made in FullHD at 30 FPS. The quality of the videos is decent, but nothing supernatural. The 8-megapixel front-facing camera with f / 2.0 aperture allows you to take very good, detailed pictures. The lens is wide-angle, so several people can easily fit into the frame. But the main thing is the presence of a full-fledged autofocus.

Display

Sony Xperia XA is equipped with a 5-inch display with an IPS matrix. Many will be surprised by the screen resolution: only HD (1280 x 720), at such and such a price. However, there is nothing wrong with that. With a pixel density of 294 ppi, the image is crisp, with smooth interface lines and fonts. In addition, if there were a FullHD matrix, the charge level would probably melt before our eyes. The level of maximum brightness is normal, the image remains readable in the sun.

The viewing angles are good, but when tilted at 30 degrees or more, the image fades a little and colors can be distorted. Multi-touch is designed for 4 touches. The Mobile BRAVIA Engine technology is supported, due to which, while watching multimedia, the picture visually appears more contrasting, juicy, with natural black color. Not without a "fly in the ointment": there is no oleophobic layer, a finger hardly slides on the glass, and prints are collected instantly.

Networking capabilities

The smartphone supports 2 SIM, works in 2G, 3G and 4G networks in all major bands. The traditional network modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 have not gone anywhere. They are complemented by NFC support. Navigation capabilities: GPS, A-GPS and GLONASS. All of these communications work stably, without any complaints.

Sound

The main speaker grill is on the bottom rib. The playback volume is average, you can hear it perfectly indoors, in noisy places (metro, etc.) there is a chance to miss a call. As for the quality, the sound is clear, with a predominance of high and middle frequencies, without a hint of bass. In the headphones, the sound is just excellent - clean, deep, but the maximum volume margin is relatively low. There is an additional microphone for noise canceling.

Software part

Initially, the smartphone is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The system shell has been modified by Sony developers, and the standard list of applications is supplemented with proprietary software from the manufacturer. In general, the system works quite fast, the interface looks nice, right in tune with the design of the case. You can change themes and upload new ones. If in the future Sony does not change its policy, the device will receive fresh versions of the OS.

Individual characteristics

Of all the “chips” of this device, the most interesting feature so far is the minimal side frames. Frameless design is the future, and soon it will cease to be a wonder.

Pros and cons of Sony Xperia XA

Benefits:

• Attractive design, almost no side frames;
• Solid cameras;
• Separate slots for Dual SIM and MicroSD.

Disadvantages:

• Very weak autonomy;
• No oleophobic layer on the glass;
• No fingerprint scanner;
• The body is noticeably heated.

Who is the smartphone for

An excellent find for those who do not care about the price and autonomy. The main thing is that the smartphone is branded, with good characteristics, it looks gorgeous, and excellent selfies are obtained on the front. The problem with a fast discharge is unlikely to be of particular concern to those who are constantly near the outlet - at home or in the office. And if you need to get away somewhere, it will not be difficult for women to throw Power Bank into their purses.

Our review of the smartphone Sony Xperia XA

The purchase of a Sony Xperia XA can hardly be called a rational decision, if the priority is to purchase the most functional device for a reasonable price. One can argue for a long time whether it is a good smartphone or a bad one, but it is clearly designed for a specific target audience. And this audience will be delighted to own it.

For a long time, Sony's mobile division has received a lot of criticism due to: unreasonably high prices, belated design changes, not the best software optimization, in particular software for cameras. And that's just what immediately comes to mind. Have the Japanese been able to correct all the shortcomings in the new line?

Equipment

The Sony Xperia XA1 smartphone came to the review in a simplified version. Inside, I found only the smartphone itself, a Type-C cable for charging and a set of instructions. Remembering my previous one, I was mentally prepared for the fact that again I would not understand anything and would have to read tons of text in the manual.

In the commercial version, of course, there is a power supply with support for fast charging technology (MediaTek PumpExpress 2.0). Unfortunately, I cannot say the exact parameters of the power adapter or the charging speed.

Design

I thought that Sony could not please me with anything in terms of the appearance of the smartphone, but I was deeply mistaken. continues the tradition of straight rectangular shapes with sharp corners. And you know, I still prefer just such a form factor than a smartphone made in the form of a soap.

My previous device was, which I really liked for its bright design and jy was also made in the form of a brick. Personally, I find it more pleasant and more comfortable to hold just such a smartphone.

With the almost complete absence of side bezels, the Xperia XA1 is only 67mm wide! With one hand, it turns out to completely wrap the smartphone so that fingers touch without problems. Accordingly, you can reach with your finger to the opposite side of the screen.

On the front side is a 5-inch display. Above it there is a front-facing camera, an LED indicator for notifications, a light sensor and a speaker, and under the display there is only a lone microphone for conversations.

Initially, when I first looked at the Sony Xperia XA1, I thought there were stereo speakers on the front side, it was very much like that. After all, there is enough free space. The top and bottom bezels "eat up" as much as 36 mm of the total length of the smartphone, which is 145 mm.

There are also no unnecessary design elements on the back side, apart from the NFC tag emblem. What for? For what? It's as if Sony is telling everyone: "Hey, look, our new smartphone has NFC support!" Well, of course, it still wouldn't be here at a price over $ 350.

Although, there is no fingerprint scanner and the body is made entirely of plastic ...

But I cannot say that I treat plastic with some distrust. Any material has its pros and cons. The most important plus of this is weight. The smartphone is incredibly light.

The Xperia XA1 is a pleasure to hold in your hands. At the same time, nothing slips and does not fly out of the hands.

In addition to the NFC tag emblem on the back, there is a camera, a single-tone flash and a brand name.

There are no buttons on the left side, there is only a slot for a SIM card and a memory card. At the same time, the slot is not combined, just one plug for two ports.

There are three buttons on the right side: a volume rocker, a round power button and at the very bottom a shutter / camera power button. Just a couple of sentences ο the last one. For left-handed people, this is just the perfect button for taking selfies. The little finger lies exactly on the point where this key is located.

At the top there is a 3.5 mm headphone port, and on the bottom there is a Type-C input and a multimedia speaker. The sound is average, wheezing begins to appear at maximum volume.

By the way, Sony offers 4 smartphone color options: white, black, gold and pink.

Generally, appearance of Sony Xperia XA1 it gave me a lot of pleasant impressions, although a similar design has not changed for many years at a Japanese company. It will be interesting to look at their bezel-less smartphone in the future.

Display

The smartphone has a 5-inch IPS-matrix with HD-resolution. Someone may think that such a resolution is no longer enough in 2017. And I will say that the quality of the display itself plays a big role so that the colors do not fade when you look at different angles. And that's exactly the ο Xperia XA1. In addition, individual pixels on the screen are indistinguishable.

• 5-inch IPS screen
• resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
• 294 dpi

The display itself is of decent quality. The picture is not inverted at large viewing angles, only black can take on a slightly purple tone. With the stock color grading settings, there is a clear shift towards warmer hues. White with slight yellowness.

For AMOLED lovers, there are settings that allow you to make a similar picture typical for these displays. With a slight departure in blue and cold tones.

There is also an oleophobic coating, which really pleased. The finger glides across the screen very easily, any stains are removed at once. It is enough just a couple of times to run over jeans or a rag (which no one ever carries with them). By the way, the display is covered with a protective Corning Gorilla Glass. What generation is not specified.

Specifications

• mediaTek Helio P20 processor with 8 mu ARM Cortex-A53 cores, of which 4 work at up to 2.3 GHz and 4 more at up to 1.6 GHz
• mali-T880 graphics
• rAM 3 GB LPDDR3 (after reboot 1100 MB free)
• built-in memory 32 GB (approximately 19 GB available for the user)
• support for Micro SD cards (slot on the left side)
• 5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (294 ppi)
• 8MP front camera (1/4-inch Exmor R for mobile, 23mm f / 2.0 wide-angle lens, maximum ISO for stills and videos 3200)
• 23MP main camera (1 / 2.3-inch Exmor RS for mobile, 23mm f / 2.0 wide-angle lens, 5x Clear Image zoom, maximum ISO 6400 for still images, 3200 video)
• 2300 mAh battery + fast charging MediaTek PumpExpress 2.0
• uSB Type-C connection ports, 3.5 mm audio output
• Android 7.0 OS
• sensors: light and proximity sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope
• dimensions: 145 x 67 x 8 mm
• weight 143 grams

Wireless capabilities:

• 2G, 3G, 4G LTE Cat. 4 / Cat. 6 (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66)
• support for one or two SIM-cards (2 x Nano)
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g / n), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, FM radio
• navigation: GPS, A-GPS, Glonass

The most important question in terms of performance: how does the processor from MediaTek perform? The proprietary shell from Sony allows the smartphone to work smartly in everyday applications. During operation, system lags or freezes do not appear.

But at the same time, the processor heats up decently. Due to the plastic case, the smartphone instantly becomes warm. As a result, it turns out that the Sony Xperia XA1 is always warm in the hands.

2D games are played comfortably, 3D is harder. I reviewed with the same processor, but there was 6 GB of RAM installed. If my memory serves me, then the games were played on this smartphone more quickly and smoothly than on the device from Sony. But in games like: Asphalt 8, N.O.V.A. 3, GTA: San Andreas, Modern Combat 5, Mortal Kombat X - I didn't get much discomfort. Plus, you need to remember that there is an HD-resolution display installed here, which helps to reduce the load on the graphics chip in any case. But the FPS in World of Tanks Blitz threw from side to side. At high settings, the smartphone produced from wild friezes in the midst of the battle up to 45-50 frames per second in a calm environment.

Also, when checking in CPU-Z, I saw that not a single processor core goes to sleep. In fact, even in idle time, the smartphone uses all 8 cores, albeit with different frequencies.

The multi-touch test showed support for only 4 touches. Is it okay? In a device of this class and at this price, you expect the standard 10 touches. Bigger is better. And nothing else!

Another big difference from Sony's flagship smartphones is that the Xperia XA1 lacks moisture protection at all.

Photo and video

The front camera is represented by an 8-megapixel Sony IMX219 sensor with an aperture of f / 2.0. It seems that even in low light, you should get good pictures. Moreover, when the manufacturer calls its smartphone a camera phone. In practice, the possibility of a selfie camera is a little frustrating because the expectations were very high.

There is a clear lack of detail on the face. The background absolutely doesn't want to blur. Although, the camera instantly detects the person in the frame and tries to make the most successful shot.

Even in good light, it's hard to get a detailed, blurry shot. The girls will definitely not like it! The video is recorded at 1080p / 30 frames, there is no stabilization.

The main camera is a 23-megapixel Sony IMX300 sensor. I will immediately answer the question "Is there any sense from 23 megapixels in the camera?" Almost none!

Better two times fewer pixels, but adequate operation of autofocus, flash, the presence of stabilization for both photos and videos. None of this.

From the examples, everything is clear at once: although there are optics with a high aperture ratio, this does not save you from strong light and noise in automatic mode. In general, I suggest forgetting about it and taking pictures with manual settings.

The autofocus in the smartphone is very poor. The easiest and most common picture can be taken on the second or third attempt. At the same time, I cannot take many pictures in a couple of seconds. The device needs to think for a while after shooting to display the frame in the gallery.

The flash fires in sync with the camera shutter only once. I don’t remember this at all in my last reviews on smartphones.

Good flash performance

Poor flash performance

At the same time, correctly setting the settings in manual mode, you can get extremely pleasing pictures for the eyes. For example, a macro photo with a high level of detail in the foreground and very natural bokeh in the background.

The maximum quality for video recording is 1080p / 30 frames. And this is in a smartphone for 22 thousand rubles. At the same time, the video itself turns out to be twitchy, there is not enough clarity in the frames, there is no stabilization. The light is generally regulated in jerks.

Battery life

The biggest problem with the Sony Xperia XA1 is battery life.

The smartphone has a battery of only 2300 mAh, which is simply prohibitively small for 2017. Now, even in the most budgetary options, there are more voluminous batteries.

An hour of playing with ordinary toys consumes a quarter of the charge, surfing + the work of music takes about the same amount from the battery. If you do not use low power modes, then the smartphone will never live from morning to night. At best, hours before 6 pm. This smartphone is definitely not for long trips.

After 118 minutes of walking, when I went out to take street photos, while listening to music and using 4G Internet, and the display brightness was turned to the maximum level, the device lost 60% of its charge.

Sony, as always, has two proprietary power modes:

1. Stamina - without tangible losses, it allows you to extend the life of your smartphone by a couple of hours, applications begin to unload much faster from memory.
2. Ultra Stamina - the smartphone turns into an almost ordinary dialer without much functionality. This allows you to add a couple more hours of work.

Outcome

Sony Xperia XA1 Smartphone turned out to be very ambiguous. Outwardly, the device looks cheerful, it is beautiful, elegant and does not feel like a budget device at all. But! As soon as you start to get acquainted with the technical characteristics, it becomes sad.

The main disadvantages are:

• lack of a fingerprint scanner
• small battery
• weak camera software
• lack of stereo speakers, although there is stylization for them
• mini-problems with incomprehensible work of kernels and the number of supported touch points

Basically, Sony Xperia XA1 will appeal to those who come to communication stores or large electrical stores to buy a phone. I am talking about those who are poorly versed in modern technologies and trends and cannot adequately correlate price / quality parameters.

Discerning people know very well that there are much more pleasant options for an approximate cost. For example, and,

An inexpensive Sony smartphone (22,990 rubles for the Dual version) with an interesting design, LTE, two separate slots for SIM cards, a slot for a memory card - a good gadget for your money ...

Specifications

• Body materials: plastic, metal, glass
• Operating system: Android 6.0
• Network: GSM / EDGE, WCDMA, LTE (nanoSIM)
• Screen: IPS LCD, 5 ", capacitive, HD, automatic backlight level control
• Processor: MediaTek Helio P10 8-core 64-bit processor
• Graphics system: Mali t860
• RAM: 2 GB
• Memory for data storage: 16 GB, slot for memory card microSD
• Main camera: 1/3-inch 13-megapixel Sony Exmor RS, flash LED flash, fullHD video,
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Interfaces: 3.5 mm for headset, NFC
• Navigation: GPS / Glonass (support A-GPS)
• Optional: FM radio, fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0)
• Features: LTE supported, FM radio, two SIM card slots and one separate microSD slot
• Battery: 2300 mAh, fast charging supported
• Dimensions: 143.6 x 66.8 x 7.9mm

Contents of delivery

• Smartphone
• USB cable
• Charger

Design, construction

The look of the device is just a delight and that's why the Sony Xperia XA is sure to gain some popularity this summer, the relatively small and inexpensive smartphone arrived just in time, in the summer when many want something compact for shorts pockets. Girls will also like the gadget, the colors "lime gold" and "rose gold" are very relevant now, and I must say thank you to Apple - pink, new black and new gray for gadgets, it is simply impossible not to release a device of this color now. In our first glance, there was just such a device.

The smartphone also reminded me of Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray, there is something in common in the size and shape of the body.

Although for the price it is, of course, not Ray at all, Sony Xperia XA is already inexpensive at the start and fills a very important niche now, a kind of "budget plus segment" - basic characteristics, but good design. Therefore, communicating with a smartphone resembles walking through a minefield, looking for where the savings are, and you find.

Well, here, take the materials. The back cover is made of plastic, the fingers do not slip, but the scratches are clearly visible, I accidentally put it in my pocket with the keys, and hello, just a few below. The inserts at the ends are made of metal, under the flap there are two full-fledged slots for nanoSIM and one slot for microSD - no need to cut anything and go to some tricks, it's nice. The familiar cool button on the right, but no fingerprint sensor, the volume rocker could have been made longer - but there is a camera button.

The speaker at the bottom is loud in a quiet room, but somewhere on the street you can skip the call, the microUSB connector is without plugs, on the back there is an NFC area, a flash and a camera. There is no water protection, no dust protection, so be careful on the beaches. There is a 3.5 mm jack on the top, so keep the device safe in the rain, drops can easily get inside during a call.

The dimensions of the device are 143.6 x 66.8 x 7.9 mm. Well, why is the design good? As you know, this is always a very subjective question, some people like the thing, some don't, but I can try to explain why people like XA. Firstly, there is a screen without frames and glass with rounded ends, for many it is already a kind of marker - something new and interesting. Secondly, the smartphone has a minimum of Sony decorations and applications - but the wallpapers and icons are well chosen. Thirdly, it seems like a budget device, but here you have Xperia Care, Sony Xperia Store, and Xperia Lounge - a person feels cared for and a kind of exclusivity from the first minutes. It's funny to you, but are there such services in other smartphones in this price range? Then, here you can really get a discount on a speaker or accessories; it's worth stopping by in the Lounge. I tried the Xperia to Xperia data transfer service, it doesn't work very well with applications, not all were installed, but dragging and dropping photos, videos and contacts helps.

Another thing I noticed is that the Sony Xperia XA is completely flat! Here the camera does not protrude, the buttons do not protrude (only from the side), and therefore it is convenient to use them, it is convenient to push and take out of the pocket, it is convenient to hold it in the hand during a conversation - a finger clings to the rough back part, does not slip. It is also kind of a trifle, but you know, it is from the trifles that the impression of a thing is formed.

The Sony Xperia XA has a great design, there are no questions at all, and this is a big plus of the device among other gadgets in this price category.

Display

Immediately, as I removed the film, I noticed that the glass was without an oleophobic coating, my finger stumbled, it is most convenient to perform some operations by pressing a fingernail or even a stylus to the screen. Keep in mind that films or glasses for XA are still crooked, that is, they cover the front part, leave the ends open, it looks awful, it's better not to buy anything than to buy it. And keep in mind one more thing, the lack of an oleophobic coating affects not only when you simply navigate the menu, but also when typing from keyboards that support "swipe", you cannot quickly move your finger. The difference with any smartphone where there is coverage is obvious - even if it is a well-worn iPhone 6S Plus, where it is almost erased and prints appear instantly. The prints on the Sony Xperia XA are also clearly visible on the front and back, so a device in white, gold or pink colors will look better and more accurate.

The diagonal of the IPS-display is 5 inches, the resolution is 1280 x 720 pixels, the rounded ends have a positive effect on the impression - the light indicator from above seems to float in the air, the display seems to have no frames, formally they still exist, albeit almost invisible. I think many people will rush to buy a Sony Xperia XA, licking their lips on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, of course, there are more functions, completely different characteristics, but the glass is also rounded! "So, almost the same!" - I quote here consumer thoughts overheard in the store. Both funny and sad, and the price pushes you to buy. Of course, it's not the same at all - I would advise you to try working with the screen on samples in the salons before buying.

Well, the characteristics of the screen are not the best, but the size of the display is also small, so during normal use the HD resolution is not striking. Although, if you look at the clock, the icons ... In general, it's better not to look anywhere and just use the device. The screen fades when viewed from the side.

I don't know if this is Sony's design work or a common thing for Android, but the calendar has very funny pictures for each month, cool and sensible drawn. The music player has its own design, its own wallpapers, themes, several applications, but, like the Z5 series, a course is taken here to reduce third-party software - few utilities, pure Android, at least "enhancers", many like it.

I believe that oleophobic coating in 2016 is necessary for a device at any price point.

Modifications and performance

Two main modifications, XA (F3111) and XA Dual (F3112), remember, use nanoSIM, in the version with two SIM cards, you can use two cards and a microSD memory card without dancing with a tambourine, separate slots. I personally like the Dual version more, and the difference in price is small.

Operating system Android 6.0, processor MediaTek Helio P10, Mali t860 is responsible for the graphics, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal memory - it is better to count on a microSD card right away. Sony doesn't forget to play the radio, which some people really like. Of the music formats, MP3, 3GPP, MP4, SMF, WAV, OTA, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, ASF are supported by default. Bluetooth Profile 4.1, Wi-Fi MIMO, NFC,

LTE is supported, with MegaFon everything worked as expected.

Working hours

The battery capacity is 2300 mAh, among the features it is announced that it will work for two days, the Sony Xperia XA has the familiar STAMINA and Ultra STAMINA modes, the first disables only some of the features (GPS, vibration, regular synchronization is turned off, etc.), the second simply cuts out connection to the network by all means, telephone, SMS and a number of the most necessary programs work, although I would argue with some. For example, you can definitely do without a radio. Both functions can be enabled independently, and in order to achieve two days of work, you have to do it, in simple mode it does not work. The smartphone works during the day at normal load, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, if you want more - learn to use the standard energy-saving functions, reduce the backlight. You know everything yourself.

The set comes with a usual charger, using the UCH12 power supply you can enjoy the benefits of fast charging - 10 minutes of connection to the network, 5.5 hours of operation. Convenient if you are somewhere in the city, but then you have to fork out for UCH12. Quick Charge 3.0 (class A) technologies from Qualcomm and Pump Express + 2.0 from MediaTek are supported, charging works not only with X, XA, but also with the Z5, Z3 series. The price of the charger in Russia is still unknown.

Cameras

Front camera 8 MP, main 13 MP Sony Exmor RS, pulse LED flash. There is support for HDR, hybrid autofocus, from the Sony Xperia Z5 some features like the 5x Clear Image zoom came here - but it's better to do without zoom. It is unclear why the device does not remember the set parameters, for example, I chose manual settings, maximum resolution, took a few pictures, went to the menu, then I started the camera again, and there it was again in auto mode. And you constantly have to go into the settings, switch between 13 MP and square frames and 9 MP and pictures with a normal aspect ratio. In general, this has been the case at Sony for a long time - and also, if you start the camera from a button, here too the settings cannot be changed at will.

The video turns out like this.

Front camera 8 MP, wide-angle, with autofocus, several people can fit in the frame.

In the additional menu, you can install various applications for the camera, but you should note that this is not a flagship, and some add-ons will be slow.

Liked the speed of autofocus and camera startup.

conclusions

The prices so far are 21,990 rubles for the version with one SIM card, 22,990 rubles for the DualSIM, not bad.

The vibration is felt in the pocket, the reception quality seemed to me worse than with the same SIM card in the iPhone 6S Plus, but, of course, the devices cannot be compared, different prices, different worlds.

Simple question, is it possible to live with the Sony Xperia XA after the flagship expensive devices? Eh, they would add an oleophobic coating, so there would be no questions at all - this is my biggest complaint to the company. The XA smartphone is beautiful, smart, the camera is not bad, the “empty” Android will appeal to those who are used to setting everything up themselves. It's good that the DualSIM version has two slots, and it's good that they didn't forget about the slot for memory cards. I advise owners to immediately find a suitable film or glass, the UCH12 charger will also come in handy.

Answering the question above - living with XA is quite possible.

Among the presented flagship solutions of the X-series from Sony in 2016, one of the most interesting was a smartphone Sony Xperia XA... It should be noted that the device does not have the highest performance, but it will find many buyers. Mainly because of its design.

New design

Despite the high performance Sony Xperia X Performance, many buyers will prefer the XA-series. All because Sony xperia ha conquers with its design: compact, slim and neat. The 5-inch HD display is hidden behind a 2.5D protective glass. But the main feature the Xperia X and X Perfomans lack is the lack of side bezels. This solution can be found in ZTE Nubia Prague S or ZTE Blade V Plus, which the new Sony is somewhat reminiscent of. But still, some signs indicate that this is an Xperia. And, despite the plastic back, the rounded frame, and the familiar keys on the side edges, the smartphone does not look like the Z-series. This makes it unique among other Sony devices.

Technical capabilities

The device works on a media library platform and, despite the productive Helio P10, it can be called a flagship with an interference. In general, the characteristics are quite enough for many everyday tasks: 2 GB of RAM, as well as 16 GB of permanent memory, a 2300 mAh battery, an eight megapixel front camera and a thirteen megapixel main camera. Isn't that enough for comfortable operation? In addition, the new product supports the work of two sim cards - and this is much more important for many consumers. There is also a slot for microsd, with a capacity of up to two hundred gigabytes. It is also important that there are all modern wireless interfaces, including NFC. In addition, support for LTE is declared, the advantages of this wireless network are appreciated by more and more users every day.

Although the device looks attractive, it does not belong to flagships, but to the line of the middle price segment. On the other hand, the 2.5D bezel-less display makes you feel like you are holding a modern, exclusive device. First of all, the smartphone will interest women, especially if we talk about the pink version.

The main models of the new line of Sony smartphones. Now it's time to get acquainted with the youngest representative of the series - Xperia XA. There is nothing funny in its name, XA should be read as "x hey" or "x a", but by no means "ha". In my opinion, the device would be better called XS - it is narrower, thinner and lighter than the original Xperia X, simpler in terms of hardware, but much more interesting externally and in some other aspects.

Sony Xperia XA specifications:

• Network: GSM / GPRS / EDGE, WCDMA / HSPA, LTE
• Platform (at the time of announcement): Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
• Display: 5 ", 1280 x 720 pixels, IPS, Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
• Camera: 13 MP, 1/3 "", f / 2.0, hybrid focus, Clear Image Zoom 5X,
• Front camera: 8 MP, 88 degrees, HDR
• Processor: 8 cores, up to 2 GHz, MediaTek Helio P10 MT6755
• Graphics chip: Mali-T860 770 MHz
• RAM: 2 GB
• Internal memory: 16 GB
• Memory card: microSD (up to 200 GB)
• A-GPS and GLONASS
• Bluetooth 4.2
• LDAC, DSEE HX, High-Resolution Audio, Clear Audio +, S-Force Front Surround
• Wi-Fi (802.11a / b / g / n / ac)
• microUSB 2.0
• 3.5mm jack
• Battery: non-removable, 2300 mAh
• Dimensions: 143.6 x 66.8 x 7.9mm
• Weight: 137.4g

Video review and unpacking

Package and design

The packaging of the smartphone differs from the Xperia X in material and shape. The box is made of softer cardboard and is designed in the style of the Xperia Z line - flat and rectangular. The exterior design and paintwork are similar to those of the Xperia X, but there are no separate compartments or boxes inside. The device is supplied with a charger block (normal, not reinforced), cable and paper documentation. In total, four color variants of the smartphone are released on the market: black, white, gold and pink, and pink is available only for the version with one SIM, although there is only a name from pink here. Rather salmon or coral with overflows under different lighting (sometimes it seems almost orange).

Externally, the Xperia XA inherits the design concept of the C5 Ultra smartphone (overview) with minimal side frames. The solution is cute, fresh, against the background of the Xperia Z line it was a breath of air and even now remains so next to the new Xperia X and X Performance. The Xperia XA attracts primarily with its compact size and borderless display. The case turned out to be smaller, lighter and more comfortable than the older X's, despite the same display size. There are only two complaints about the appearance: very sensitive plastic on the back and a weak oleophobic layer on the front panel. The back cover easily collects scratches even with careful handling, and the display does not wipe off marks too well and readily collects prints. Compared to devices without an oleophobic layer, everything is not as bad as it could be, but it was worth putting something more sliding and resistant to dirt on such a spectacular frameless display. Look for films by size in general. And do not forget to buy a case.

The smartphone differs from the Xperia X and X Performance in several ways. There is no all-metal case, and only the frame is made of metal. However, the build is excellent in all cases. The NFC pad is located in the traditional place for Sony Xperia - on the rear panel (in Xperia X it is to the left of the front camera). There are no stereo speakers in the new product, as well as a finger scanner, but the power and volume buttons are located in more convenient and familiar places. Waterproof for the smartphone is not declared, as well as for the Xperia X (only X Performance has it). The slots for memory cards and nanoSIM are hidden under a flap in both smartphones. The notification LED is located to the left of the front-facing camera, while the Sony Xperia X has it hidden in the earpiece.

Despite the same 5 "displays, the Xperia XA's screen is noticeably lighter than the Xperia X. It is much dimmer and turns blue or yellow at different angles. double the amount of internal memory, so do not count on more than 16 GB (of which 11 GB is available for the user). In addition, the Xperia XA does not qualify for bonuses when purchased before the end of July - a year of additional warranty for the display and its free replacement, six months Google Play Music and 12 Sony films. A potential owner can only count on 3 months of Play Music, which are activated when you first subscribe to the service. That's what, and a free screen replacement in case of damage would certainly not be superfluous. easier to break than a screen with thick side bezels.

Software

The smartphone runs Android 6.0 with the latest edition of the Xperia Home shell, but in a somewhat simplified form - there are many differences from the Xperia X interface. So, there are no online recommendations when starting the search with a swipe from the center down or on the left screen of the application menu, there is no support for Remote Play and Dualshock controllers, double tap to wake up the display and start the camera by double pressing the power button. To improve the images, the Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 technology is used, and not X-Reality (although the principle of their operation is the same - they make the picture richer for photos and videos). There is also no automatic sound optimization for any connected headphones (there is only a few branded headsets), as well as DSEE HX technology, which completes the sound of very compressed music files to a normal level.

The rest of the interface is the same, all new design elements and sections are used, themes are sharpened to match the colors of the smartphone, the Xperia keyboard has given way to Swiftkey with the Sony theme, and the power settings contain energy-saving STAMINA and Ultra STAMINA modes (hello to all users of old Xperia who were deprived of these functions with update to Android 6.0).

Camera

Unlike the Xperia X, the Xperia XA has a 13-megapixel main camera module and an 8-megapixel front camera instead of the 23-megapixel and 13-megapixel of the older model. At the same time, the device retained the main advantage of the flagship - hybrid tracking autofocus. The interface is outwardly similar to the Xperia X, but the only functional differences here are the lack of a smart SteadyShot stabilization mode and the possibility of full shooting in all modes and scenarios at full 13 megapixel resolution (Xperia X in some cases has a 8 megapixel limit). By default, it is suggested to shoot photos in 9 megapixel resolution, video is recorded only in 1080p at 30 fps, but with the ability to record HDR video, which the Xperia X does not have. Smell of a catch, right?

The main problem with the Xperia X and Xperia X Performance cameras was overheating when using focus tracking in photos or videos. The Xperia XA, surprisingly, does not have this problem, and the camera interface is faster and faster than the Xperia X (but not faster than the X Performance). Moreover, the photographs differ for the better. The Xperia XA produces more detail, more faithful colors and less noise in daylight, but the automatic sometimes misses the white balance and raises the ISO in the dark. This is where the manual mode comes to the rescue, in which the set ISO values \u200b\u200bcorrespond to what you see on the screen (the Xperia X has some kind of incomprehensible problem with this: ISO 400 and ISO 800 look the same light). Another point: the Xperia XA is much easier to shoot macro, it focuses on close objects much more readily than the Xperia X and allows you to get a more or less successful shot with accurate focus from the first attempts, and not from tenths.

Sony Xperia XA - Sony Xperia X:

Sony Xperia XA - Sony Xperia X

Exactly the same can be said about auto-mode. On the Xperia XA, it is more accurate and stable, while on the Xperia X you risk six different frames out of six in color and quality. For some reason, the Xperia X camera takes longer to think and does not always select the best scenario for the right conditions. The camera misses especially badly with "Night Scene", as a result of which it takes too many attempts to get a clear shot with the correct light and color. In manual mode, again, the Xperia XA has more space (full resolution, no problems with ISO), and in low light conditions the smartphone does not light up the frames and does not try to embellish the picture, although it has a little more noise than the Xperia X. How could you notice that the Xperia XA has a smaller grip angle, and here, it would seem, glasses on the side of the Xperia X, but the geometric distortion of the cars in the photo above negates this advantage. Actually, in this photo, the Xperia X automatics did something terrible, turning the trees into mush, raising the contrast and highlighting the background (and this is the most successful shot in a series of several).

Sony Xperia XA auto - Sony Xperia X auto:

Sony Xperia XA manual - Sony Xperia X manual:

As for the front cameras, the Xperia XA has an 8 megapixel module with wide-angle optics, 1/4 "matrix and f / 2.0 aperture, while the Xperia X boasts a 13 megapixel module with the same optics, but 1/3" matrix and exactly the same aperture ... Both have a skin softening effect, both cameras record Full HD video with electronic stabilization. The Xperia XA writes less video than the Xperia X. The exposure does not line up smoothly, although the picture stabilizer works well and the sound is written cleanly. The presence of the HDR video function allows you to shoot videos with high dynamic range and it is strange that the Xperia X does not have this function. The Xperia XA, on the other hand, doesn't have an auto-select scene when recording video, while the Xperia X does.