Sony Ericsson Xperia Active: A Durable and Feature-Packed Android Phone

In 2011, Sony Ericsson released its Xperia Active model, boasting a unique blend of rugged durability and impressive features. Despite being discontinued, this phone still stands out as an excellent option for those looking for a sturdy and versatile Android device.

With its sturdy design and impressive specifications, the Xperia Active was certainly ahead of its time. It proved to be a viable option for those looking for a phone that could withstand the demands of an active lifestyle without compromising on performance. Let's take a closer look at what made the Xperia Active a standout device.

A Capable Platform

The Xperia Active runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), which was the latest version of Android at the time of its release. While it may seem dated now, Gingerbread was a popular and reliable operating system, offering a stable overall experience. And with the ability to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich, the Xperia Active remains capable of running a wide range of apps and games.

Powering the Xperia Active is a Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, underclocked to 1.0 GHz for better battery efficiency. While not the most powerful processor, it was still able to handle daily tasks and basic mobile gaming with ease. The Adreno 205 GPU also helped in delivering smooth graphics and animations, making the device more appealing to gamers.

Memory and Display

The Xperia Active comes with a decent amount of storage, with a microSDHC slot available for expandable storage. The device also comes with 1GB of internal storage, though only 320MB is available to the user. However, the inclusion of a 2GB microSDHC card helps alleviate this issue. The device also comes with 512MB of RAM, providing enough memory for everyday use but may struggle with heavy multitasking.

The Xperia Active features a 3.0 inch LED-backlit LCD display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. While not the most impressive display, it was still adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing the web and checking emails. The device also boasts a scratch-resistant glass screen and touch-sensitive controls, making it durable for outdoor activities.

Durable Design

The Xperia Active was designed with durability in mind, making it stand out from other smartphones at the time. It was IP67 dust and water-resistant, meaning it could withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This feature was particularly useful for those who enjoyed outdoor activities or were prone to accidents.

In addition to being water-resistant, the device was also equipped with a flashlight and was compact and lightweight at 110.8 grams. Its dimensions of 92 x 55 x 16.5 mm made it easy to carry around, making it a perfect companion for outdoor adventures.

Impressive Camera

The Xperia Active featured a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, capable of taking decent quality photos and recording 720p videos. While it may not have been the best camera out there, it was adequate for capturing special moments and taking quick selfies.

While the device did not have a front-facing camera, it made up for it with features such as 3D sweep panorama, touch focus, and video stabilization. These features enhanced the camera's overall performance, making it a suitable option for those who enjoyed photography.

Long-Lasting Battery

The Xperia Active came with a removable 1200 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing a decent amount of juice for a full day of use. The phone boasted an impressive standby time of 351 hours on 2G and 335 hours on 3G, allowing users to stay connected without worrying about their battery life.

Additionally, the device offered up to 5 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 25 hours of music play, making it a reliable choice for those who used their phone for music or frequent calls.

Connectivity and Features

The Xperia Active came with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. The device also offered USB and DLNA support, making it easy to connect to other devices and share media. Additionally, it featured popular apps such as TrackID for music recognition, as well as document viewers and voice memos for added convenience.

The device also boasted a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These features enhanced the overall user experience, making the device more functional and practical for daily use.

Colors and Pricing

The Xperia Active came in two color options - Orange/Black and White/Black, representing a bold and modern look. With an SAR rating of 1.12 W/kg (head) and 1.07 W/kg (body), it was also deemed safe for use.

At the time of its launch, the Xperia Active was priced at around 170 EUR, making it an affordable option for those looking for a durable and feature-packed smartphone.

In Conclusion

While the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active may now be considered a blast from the past, it still stands out as a durable and versatile Android device. Its impressive specifications and rugged design make it an excellent option for those with active lifestyles or for those looking for a reliable, low-cost smartphone. With its unique blend of functionality and durability, the Xperia Active remains a memorable device that is sure to have left a lasting impression on its users.


Latest Sony Ericsson Xperia active Specs and Prices

LAUNCH

  • Announced:  2011, June. Released 2011, October
  • Status:  Discontinued

PLATFORM

  • Operating System:  Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
  • Chipset:  Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2
  • CPU:  1.0 GHz Scorpion
  • GPU:  Adreno 205

MEMORY

  • Card slot:  microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included
  • Internal:  1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM

DISPLAY

  • Type:  LED-backlit LCD,
  • Size:  3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~53.0% screen-to-body ratio)
  • Resolution:  320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density)
  • Protection:  Scratch-resistant glass - Touch sensitive controls

BODY

  • Dimensions:  92 x 55 x 16.5 mm (3.62 x 2.17 x 0.65 in)
  • Weight:  110.8 g (3.88 oz)
  • SIM:  Mini-SIM - IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) Flashlight

MAIN CAMERA

  • Single:  5 MP, AF
  • Features:  LED flash
  • Video:  720p

SELFIE CAMERA

  • -:  No

BATTERY

  • Type:  Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery
  • Stand by:  Up to 351 h (2G) / Up to 335 h (3G)
  • Talk time:  Up to 4 h 53 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 31 min (3G)
  • Music play:  Up to 25 h

CELLPHONE NETWORK

  • Technology:  GSM / HSPA
  • 2G bands:  GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
  • 3G bands:  HSDPA 900 / 2100 - HSDPA 1900 / 2100 / 800
  • Speed:  HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps

SOUND

  • Loudspeaker :  Yes
  • 3.5mm jack :  Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

  • WLAN:  Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot
  • Bluetooth:  2.1, A2DP, EDR
  • Positioning:  GPS, A-GPS
  • Radio:  Stereo FM radio, RDS
  • USB:  microUSB 2.0

FEATURES

  • Sensors:  Accelerometer, proximity, compass
  • Browser:  HTML, Adobe Flash - ANT+ MP4/H.264 player MP3/eAAC+/WAV player TrackID music recognition Document viewer Voice memo Predictive text input

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Colors:  Orange/Black, White/Black
  • SAR:  1.12 W/kg (head) & & 1.07 W/kg (body) & &
  • Price:  About 170 EUR

Disclaimer: Specifications shown may be different from the actual product. We cannot guarantee that the information provided on this page is 100% correct. This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice.

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