In a nutshell: The Sony Ericsson X1 Xperia is a blockbuster
mobile. It's a touchscreen phone with the highest resolution display
available, plus an optical joystick and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
It runs Windows Mobile, making it a powerful platform for all sorts
of applications, especially email and web browsing. With a 3.2 megapixel
camera, Windows Media Player, assisted-GPS, 400 MB memory plus a
memory card slot, quadband GSM plus HSDPA and WiFi, it's got the
lot when it comes to functionality. Not cheap, not small, but very,
very powerful indeed. It just loses one star because the operating
system is sometimes slow to respond. Best buy:
*Free* with half-price line rental from Mobiles.co.uk.
Review:
November 2008. Updated February 2009.
Sony Ericsson have been slow to bring out an iPhone
basher, but here it is: the Sony Ericsson X1 or Xperia.
The X1 is a touchscreen phone, and it's got one
of the biggest and best screens ever seen on a mobile phone. At
3 inches across, it's almost as big as the iPhone
3G's 3.5 inch screen, but here's the thing: whereas the iPhone
3G has 480 x 320 pixels, the Xperia has a massive 800 x 480 pixel
resolution: that's 2.5 times as many pixels. Big isn't always better,
but when it comes to touchscreen phones, it definitely is. As well
as providing a brilliant platform for the touch-operated user interface,
the display also offers a superb environment for web browsing, video
streaming, photo viewing, etc, etc.
A
lot of thought has gone into the user interface design of the Xperia.
As well as the finger-operated touchscreen, there's an optical joystick
and a navigation key. To use the optical joystick you brush your
finger over the touch-sensitive key to move the mouse pointer on
the screen. The navigation key is a conventional 4-way key that
can be pressed to select an option. Handwriting recognition with
a stylus is available as an additional text-input method. But the
X1 holds another secret within: a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
With the keyboard in position and the display in widescreen landscape
mode, the phone resembles a mini-laptop and offers a lot of the
functionality of a real laptop - but more of this later. For the
moment, we'll just say that with all the different input options
available, every user should be able to find a way of working that
meets their needs. This is not a difficult phone to use, although
its advanced options do present something of a learning curve.
The phone feels very solid too. It uses a premium
metal body and feels like it could take some knocks. But the solidity
and wealth of features leads to some bulk. It's a big phone, and
quite thick too, at 17mm. And it certainly is heavy. In fact it's
the heaviest smartphone currently in the shops by our reckoning.
At 158g it weighs more than twice as much as the Sony
Ericsson W890i for example. It's not a machine for wimps, but
it manages to look very nice despite its porkiness. It's available
in a choice of Black or Silver, both of which look nice and businesslike.
The user interface is designed around a "Panel
interface". Each panel provides an environment customised to
a specific activity, such as web browsing, messaging, playing music,
etc. We don't think that this is quite as revolutionary as Sony
Ericsson claim, but it looks nice, works well and we have no issues
with it.
The X1 is a Windows Mobile smartphone. Windows
Mobile has matured a lot since its early days and is now a robust
and powerful OS. It's also used in the Samsung
Omnia, which has proven itself to be a very stable and robust
smartphone. Running Windows Mobile offers several advantages. As
well as being stable, it's a familiar environment for PC users,
and brings a lot of familiar functionality from the desktop to the
mobile. For instance, the X1 uses Outlook Mobile as its email application,
and it uses Office Mobile to let you view and edit Office attachments.
Business folk accessing their corporate mail via an Exchange mailserver
can stay synchronised using Exchange ActiveSync. We hesitate to
say that the X1 can match a BlackBerry
for power and ease-of-use, but it's arguably true. Having said that,
it isn't the fastest OS to respond, and can be too complicated for
casual users.
Moving on to the camera, we have to say that this
is the one area where the X1 disappoints us. A phone this big and
this expensive needs the best camera available, but the X1 doesn't
have it. Instead of the 5 megapixel monster we hoped for, it has
a 3.2 megapixel camera instead. Instead of a xenon flash, the flash
is a weaker LED one. The camera does have autofocus and a digital
zoom and will take decent snaps in good lighting, but it won't replace
a digital camera. This is probably the only fault that we can find
with the phone. As well as taking stills, the camera is capable
of recording video clips.
The X1 uses a Microsoft product as its media player:
Windows Media Player. Not only is this a fully featured and user-friendly
media player, but it also integrates seamlessly with Windows Media
Player on a PC, so you can manage and synchronise your media libraries
without having to mess about with third-party software. The media
player handles most common file formats: both audio and video. A
very welcome addition is the 3.5mm headphone jack which means that
you can plug in third-party headphones (thanks to Paul for pointing
this out to us!) You can listen via an optional
stereo Bluetooth headset.
One of the features that's now pretty standard
amongst high-end smartphones is aGPS, and the X1 doesn't miss out.
With GPS you can find your way either using Google Maps, or with
the Wayfinder Navigator software that gives turn-by-turn instructions,
suitable for use when driving. Unfortunately only a trial version
of Wayfinder Navigator is included, with a limited license duration.
In any case, a dedicated satnav device like a TomTom will provide
a more polished experience for serious satnav use when driving.
As well as the Windows Mobile software and applications
that we've already mentioned, there's also a well equipped personal
organiser application that includes an alarm clock, a calendar,
a calculator, notes and tasks. A benefit of the Windows Mobile platform
is that there's also a wealth of third-party apps available for
download.
The X1 has a built-in memory of 400 MB, which is
sufficient, but not as much as some rivals. Fortunately it can also
accept microSD cards - a welcome change from the expensive Memory
Stick Micro cards that Sony normally require.
Being a 3G phone equipped with HSDPA, a fast internet
connection is possible (when signal strength is good). Combined
with the large touchscreen and the optical joystick, this provides
a very good environment for the mobile web. In addition, the X1
supports a range of connectivity options - USB, Bluetooth and WLAN
- so you can browse the web using a free and fast WiFi connection,
provided that you are in a WiFi hotspot or have a WLAN network in
your home or office.
The battery life that Sony Ericsson quote for the
X1 is exceptionally high - 6 hours talktime and 20 days standby!
And it does have a big battery, so this is theoretically possible.
However, the large display eats battery power, and when you start
using apps, you'll use more power than on standby. So whilst the
talktime and standby figures suggest exceptionally good battery
life, the real world of clicking, browsing and chatting will reduce
performance. Having said that, there's plenty of juice in the battery
and you should be able to use it for a few days between charges,
unless you live your life on the phone.
We are very impressed with the Xperia X1. We love
the huge high resolution touchscreen and the slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
We love the Windows Mobile environment and applications (although
some of our users are complaining that the phone is too slow.) We
love the WiFi. We quite like the memory and the GPS. We're less
keen on the size and weight. And we're disappointed by the camera.
But on balance, this is a 4 star phone, packed with features galore
in a system that seems to be well designed and well tested. In other
words, a smartphone that seems to be genuinely smart. We can recommend
this one with a fair degreee of confidence.
Alternatives include the Apple
iPhone 3G (rubbish camera and various other niggles), the BlackBerry
Storm (no WiFi), the Nokia N96 (too
many problems) or the Samsung Omnia
(smaller screen, but better camera and more memory.) Looks like
you're spoilt for choice - both the Samsung Omnia and the Sony Ericsson
X1 are great phones, and interestingly they're both Windows Mobile
devices.
Features of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 include:
3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash, autofocus
and 3x digital zoom
Video camera plus video calling
Touchscreen display: TFT, 65,536-colour, 800
x 480 pixels (3 inches)
Media player
FM radio
MP3/AAC ringtones
Speakerphone
aGPS with Google Maps and Wayfinder Navigator
(trial version)
Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email
3D Java games
Picture wallpaper
Windows Mobile OS with Microsoft Outlook Mobile,
Exchange ActiveSync, Office Mobile
Organiser: alarm clock, calculator, calendar,
document editor, notes, tasks, phone book
Memory: 400 Mbytes plus support for microSD
memory card
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB mass storage, WiFi,
modem
Internet: EDGE, 3G HSDPA, web browser, RSS feeds
Flight mode
Vibration alert
Quadband plus Triband 3G HSDPA
Size: 111 x 53 x 17 mm
Weight: 158g
Talktime: 6 hours (3G) - 10 hours (2G)
Battery standby: 500 - 640 hours
Sony Ericsson
Xperia Consumer Reviews
Love
your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review
this phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a
forum, so please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear
words or offensive language, and please, no advertising!
Average
rating from 77 reviews:
Reviewed by Rob Griffiths from UK on
1st Jul 2009
The Sony Ericsson X1 is rubbish. one reason... it doesn't matter
how many wonderful apps and programs the X1 has, none of them work
if the battery runs dead... because the phone chokes up and wont
recharge. I have two X1 phones and three batteries all dead and
wont charge. Big problem Sony... needs sorting. Rubbish phone. Rating:
Reviewed by aleksandar from MACEDONIA
on 1st Jul 2009
EXSELENT Rating:
Reviewed by Matt from Northern Ireland
on 16th Jun 2009
This was an awesome phone when it worked but after avout 3 months
the keyboard has stopped working properly. It either types in multiple
characters or ignores me, sony ericssons solution was to master
reset the phone which hasn't fixed anything. When you are stuck
just using the screen you realise that without the keyboard the
phone is useless as when you type using the touch screen the phone
freezes regularly for a couple of seconds. This started off the
best phone i have ever owned and now I can't even be bothered turning
it on and don't even know if I want another touchscreen ever. Rating:
Reviewed by Vince from UK on
28th May 2009
Just got this phone, its amazing. Many people will compare to the
HTC Touch Pro, but it has more or less the same features. However,
the Sony has the edge, with a much nicer screen, and a sensational
keyboard that slides in an arc. The phone has limitless capabilities,
and if you are looking for a phone that does it all, with a brilliant
keypad, the X1 is the only way to go. Rating:
Reviewed by Ben from UK on 23rd
May 2009
I have just bought this phone about 2 week ago. And i will like
to share my experience. This phone is for a perfectionist. If you
are into the best, not looks for showing off like the arte 8800
but for the best features around you have found your phone. If you
are the type of person who likes Falcon Northwest pc's, sony OLED
Screens, high fidelity magnepan mg20.1 speakers. This phone is for
you. I have had absolutely no problems with this smart phone and
i am an owner of an arte 8800 gold, iphone 3G, samsung pixion, htc
HD, and many more because i am an owner of a shop i get to handle
allsorts of mobiles and this is flawless. Even the battery life
is good for a smart phone. just check the specs out i can go all
day long talking about the technical stuff :-) Rating:
Reviewed by Matt from UK on 16th
May 2009
amazing phone! ;) Rating:
Reviewed by Lee from Cupar, Scotland
on 2nd May 2009
Firstly before you consider buying this phone decide what is it
you want from the product. If you want a fashionable user friendly
experience buy the Iphone, if you want a high end camera phone buy
the C905 or Pixon, if you want a phone that has an operating system
capable of changing and growing into something really personable
and totally customizable buy a windows 6.1 device. On first impressions
the phone is slightly bulky compared to alternative models around
at the moment but once its in your hand it does feel solid and well
built. The stainless steel finishing on the slide out keyboard is
stunning and a real eye catcher. The touch screen is a decent size
and although pressure sensitive and not capacitive is fairly responsive
when using the supplied stylus. Once powered up the X1 really shines
with a razor sharp 800x480 65,000 tft display.I've read in other
reviews that the font size is too small but a simple font size change
to large resolves this. You can also add plug ins to enlarge the
windows start menus. At first Windows 6.1 to the novice user does
not feel user friendly in the slightest... sending a simple text
message feels like an absolute chore however with the ability to
skin the operating system with endless programs such as SPB mobile
Shell 3.0, Point UI etc the phone really comes to life and i started
to realize the immense possibilities of having a device that i could
mold into something that worked the exact way i wanted too. On the
downside the camera i found out to be less than average for a Sony..
it seems to be totally overlooked compared to the tech on other
phones that its competing against. The shutter speed is extremely
slow so without the aid of a tripod most photos came out blurry.
In addition the external speaker is on the small and tinny side
if you like to listen to mp3 tracks out loud whilst on the move.
In conclusion a great start from Sony with their first windows 6.1
device however the X2 should really see the brand leap forward in
front of the competition..... Rating:
Reviewed by Tom from UK on 27th
Apr 2009
Awful phone, got it on contract with orange, now tied into 18mths.
Font is so small you need magnified glasses to read and fingers
of a new born child to use. Clunky, clumsy non-intuitive. I have
the LG arena and Sony ericsson C905 both have far more going for
them than this piece of bad design, maybe it's the windows mobile
software? Avoid if you can, buy if you dare? Software packaged with
product dosen't work on Vista. Three stars for build quality and
the Sony Ericsson name. Rating:
Reviewed by Patrick from England on
26th Apr 2009
I am 13 and i think this fone is rubbish ! . . I have now got the
iphone and it is well better !! I thought the sony ericsson was
good but its rubbish and its to bulky !! Rating:
Reviewed by Khothatso Mosuoane from
Kingdom of Lesotho on 24th Apr 2009
Wow, the best phone ever!! Rating:
Reviewed by Peter Norman from United
Kingdom on 21st Apr 2009
This Phone is over Rated and over priced, I had it for two weeks
and then the software crashed and had to send it back to Sony Ericsson,
The software is very slow, the phone is fiddley, chopped it in and
got the Nokia 5800 much much better Rating:
Reviewed by natalie from scotland on
19th Apr 2009
the phone is not verry good if u ask me Rating:
Reviewed by Jon Marshall from UK on
17th Apr 2009
This phone is absolute rubbish - the operating system ensures this.
Among some of the many stupididties are: phone screen goes to sleep
as soon as you actually answer it phone wakes up to tell you that
the batteries are low, then stays awake phone wakes up with a birthday
reminder etc then stays awake until the batteries are dead phone
is extremely slow to start and operate, frequently stalling, hanging
and crashing I used to be exclusively sony ericsson as they usually
put out such great kit - but this piece of junk (I believe made
by HTC) has already been superceded as my phone by of all things
a nokia! I strogly advise a nokia or iphone over the Experia. Rating:
Reviewed by Eric Soh from Malaysia on
11th Apr 2009
I would not recommend getting until SONY Ericsson resolves the casing
crack issues. This is true for my silver Xperia has develop crack
today (10th April-2009). I bought it in February 2009. The crack
is at the corner of battery near to the camera and the volume control
button. I have brought it to the the attention of SONY Ericsson,
service centre. And I hope that they would acknowledge it, and replace
it with a new and different batch. My guess is that they are using
a cheap plastic that would not be able to take the stress, thus
crack. Couple the heat that has been generated by the battery, it
will accelerate and reduce the lifetime of the plactic, ie reduce
the allowable stress of the plastic. It seems that Sony Ericsson
has decided not to use HTC anymore for the production of Xperia.
I think there is quality issue on the Sony Ericsson Xperia models Rating:
Reviewed by Ryder from Edinburgh UK
on 3rd Apr 2009
Ok, got this phone after the LG Viewty and LG Secret I wanted for
some reason on Vodafone wouldn't accept multi page text messages.
Though this'd be the phone for me. Looks are good, everyone does
a double take when you slide out the qwerty keyboard, and generally
the screen functions really well. I have problems with doing the
basics with this phone. Making a call can be a mega task. The stylus
is a must use. There are only 3 profiles to use 'noisy', 'vibrate
only' and 'silent'. Now at work with any other phone I've had I
can put the phone on silent, plug in my headphones and listen to
music. With this phone I have to turn it to 'noisy' go into the
settings and turn any kind of alert tone, call tone and text message
received tone off just to listen to any music! The screens do have
a tendancy to freeze(anyone using a PC with MS will be used to this!!)
I did expect way more from this phone and seeing the iphone in action
makes me ask how MS have managed to get it so wrong. I'm stuk with
it now for the next 10 months...oh yeah the optical jotstick broke
too. Rating:
Reviewed by Darkeny from United Kingdom
on 1st Apr 2009
I've had it for a week and I already want to get ride of it. Two
days after I got it suddenly it blocked itself and was asking for
a supposed password that I supposedly have set up, a day after it
the panels manager crashed, two days after it had networks problems,
and right now the panel looks like a black and white tartan skirt.
The phone would be brilliant if the OS wasnt windows IMO. Great
layout, very comfortable to use, extremely handy... but it's a windows
mobile :( Rating:
Reviewed by jt from uk on 21st
Mar 2009
what is wrong with all these people having problems with it?? i
run a mac and the normal phone to choose for me would be the iphone....
but no!!!! the x1 is lovely. well made. easy to use. easy to add
software to. good photos, good videos. never freezes up or locks
up. good battery life. not too small but not too large. AMAZING
screen quality. video play back is really sweet! GPS system works
with Tomtom 7 and does not drain the battery very quickly! it gets
beter reception on the same network than a nokia N96, Nokia 6500,
E61i and a sony w900 and c950. gprs, edge and hspda signal in every
town i have gone to so far! (vodafone network uk) and if i can sync
it with a mac why are you lots having problems with PCs?? and the
screen makes my friends who have blackberry curves and iphones jealous!!! Rating:
Reviewed by Ben from South Africa on
13th Mar 2009
Coming from a Nokia Communicator it is not too difficult to get
use to, as long as you remember that you are operating a “miniature”
computer running on a windows operating system. It is not a phone
that will appeal to most of the mobile fraternity out there as it
requires some stretched patience and perseverance to master. I have
only had the X1 for 2 weeks now, and until I discover further shortcuts
to certain applications will have to live with some frustrations
– but it is manageable. It is like a new laptop, until you
have configured it to your preferences it will remain a pain! Working
without the stylus is impossible for me due to the size of my fingers;
but the main attraction for me was in any case not so much the touch
screen as the qwerty keyboard. Would I recommend it…only to
individuals with a passion for gadgets, will I buy it again……don’t
know, comes upgrade time, it is always nice to try something new
again – and relive the frustration…… Rating:
Reviewed by CAL from UK on 12th
Mar 2009
Having spent months agonising over which handset to upgrade to and
having been significantly happy with my LG Viewty I was considering
another LG however having talked to the "Experts" and having a quick
demo in store I decided to go with the Sony Ericsson X1! The windows
operating system is fantastic however I am not finding it user friendly
as an operating system on a phone!! (Many will disagree with me
I am sure) However Windows is for PC's and not mobile phones I now
feel!! The touch screen is very good and the phone is clearly a
fantastic piece of technology HOWEVER I want a phone to be a phone
and this is so very much more!! I chose this over the Nokia 5800
as I was concerned the 5800 might be a little to fragile as this
phone is very solid which being a clumse at times I need! However
I will be taking it back tomorrow hoping that Phones 4U don't let
me down and allow me my 14day return policy to swap it out for the
Nokia 5800 as I feel I should have gone for to start with. In Summary
a superb phone no critism, it does exactly what it says on the box
and a lot more, just not the phone for me!! Rating:
Reviewed by Kunaal from India on
1st Mar 2009
This is class....sheer class....but needs some publicity badly....sony
ericsson should make attempts to make it as popular as the iphone....most
of them have never heard of it....coz if u're holding the Xperia
in ur hand....u want everyone to know....what you're holding Rating:
Reviewed by roger from uk on
21st Feb 2009
if the phone is running slow go to start, settings, system, memory,
main and allocate more memory to programs plus always check running
programs because if you have to many programs running at once the
will freeze apart from that windows mobile is a great os compared
to the iphone which is rubish!! Rating:
Reviewed by Phil from UK on 20th
Feb 2009
Let's be clear about this. The X1 is a computer with an 800x480
screen and Qwerty keyboard that fits in your pocket. You can also
use it to make phone calls! So, when you're comparing the speed
of it with something, compare it to your PC. In the same way, if
you don't like the apps that come with the phone, install some apps
that you do like. I've got SMS-Chat for SMS, Opera and Skyfire for
web browsing and SPB Mobile Shell as the main interface (available
free as a Panel). Menus too small? Install 'FingerMenu'. I get on
fine with the keyboard, but if you don't, install a decent size
touchscreen one (the HTC keyboard is great!) Style? I love it, but
style's a personal opinion. Weight? It's heavy cos it's built to
last - sooo much metal! Facebook panel is great. You can install
a YouTube panel which is also great. Not had any reception problems.
Wi-Fi works fine. Bluetooth sometimes switches itself off, but that's
a known bug and is fixed in the latest release (once O2 get around
to releasing it!). Mine's only crashed when I've tried to get it
to do something it wasn't supposed to (like run HTC's TouchFlo interface
- nearly works!). The X1 is a fantastic handheld computer with the
most flexible input options available (screen, buttons, keyboard,
stylus). It also has great sound quality for making calls 'n listening
to music. If you buy it for the right reasons, and use it in the
right way, you'll love it! Rating:
Reviewed by Yvonne loke from UK on
13th Feb 2009
THIS IS A BAD BAD BAD PHONE .IT'S JUST TOO SLOW TO TURN ON .THE
BUTTON IS VERY VERY NOT SENSITIVE .I AM SO DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THIS
PHONE .SO SAD TO HAVE IT ..... Rating:
Reviewed by Jon from UK on 8th
Feb 2009
Please do yourself a favour and stay well clear of this phone. I
have never been more disappointed with anything I have ever bought
and looked forward to owning so much. Do not believe what positive
reviews you read on this or any other site, this is a rotten product.
Not a day goes by when I don't want to chuck this piece of crap
at a wall because it won't do simple tasks without freezing or just
because it takes just too damm long. if it wasn't because of the
18 month contract with Orange I'm tied to this thing would have
been in a thousand pieces by now. Display is too small, operating
system is slow, weighs too much and is butt ugly. I long for the
simplicity of the iphone regardless of any shortcomings it has.
Do you really need a crap movie mode, weak flash, pull out keyboard
you never use or to spend more money on memory cards??? This phone
just looks and feels so dated and I'm stuck with it now which really
hurts. Whilst you still have the chance don't make the same mistake.
Regrettably there isn't a function on here that gives it less than
one star because it's not even worth that!!! Rating:
Reviewed by Geo from Scotland UK on
4th Feb 2009
GOT THIS PHONE LAST WEEK AND I AM GOOD WITH COMPUTERS BUT THIS THING
SUCKS! Bad reception poor signal,incoming call text is like the
small print on a dodgy contract, battery life is bad and yes I know
its because it is supposed to be a computer but even with all apps
off 7hrs standby is a bit poor! navigation is not the best. plus
point the video playback is superb but hey I want it for working
not watching vids . Buy it NOT ! this phone will be like the I phone
in 6months they will have sorted out some of its problems but it
will always be a work in progress !!! I may have got a bad one but
you will have to decide. Rating:
Reviewed by ibzy from england on
4th Feb 2009
kool phone 1 of da best beats any phone that i own Rating:
Reviewed by Bob from Easter Island on
3rd Feb 2009
DIS FONE IZ DA BOMB YO! Rating:
Reviewed by ibzy from uk on 3rd
Feb 2009
one heck of a phone Rating:
Reviewed by Hadi from England on
1st Feb 2009
this is good Rating:
Reviewed by marie from England on
1st Feb 2009
this fone is too bulky and is a bit ugly the keyboard makes the
fone fat and i prefer the number and letters 2 b 2gether Rating:
Reviewed by Natalie Shepherd from uk
on 29th Jan 2009
I love this phone but i do think you have to be good with the computer
to get on with it. The size and touchscreen is perfect for me but
i am a tiny person, the stylus is defo a good thing! THere is a
lot to learn on here and unfortunately i wont ever use it to even
nearly its full potential, thats my only bad point but if you are
the business type and have the time to read through the instructions
then wicked. Rating:
Reviewed by Jack from England on
29th Jan 2009
Highest resolution? Don't think so as the HTC Touch HD has 480x800
meaning they both have the same number of pixels. [Editor's reply:
Read our review again. We said "one
of the biggest", not "biggest". Does it matter anyway?
There's always going to be something better just around the corner.] Rating:
Reviewed by ExTra from London on
24th Jan 2009
Finally got this phone after more than a month waiting waiting and
waiting... what is SE playing with? Nearly put me off and switched
to a HTC, glad didn't do it... Still trying to get my hands on it,
being a Mac user, everyone says I am mad going for a Window Mobile,
but the only thing the iphone cant do but this phone can is to open
my website... and the keyboard. Still a lot to learn but loving
it. Battery is OK, charged it for a good few hours before turning
it on the 1st time, been on over 24 hrs, still a bit left... not
bad for a big screen phone, could be better tho. Rating:
Reviewed by Marcus from London UK on
23rd Jan 2009
For the last 4 years, I have been an avid Blackberry fan. I decided
that I might try something different though, so ordered an Xperia
handset. it arrived today, and on first impressions it looked amazing.
Build quality was great, and the materials used are top notch. Unfortunately,
my views changed when I turned it on. It was so slow, and bordering
on the painful to use. I even updated the phone software from the
sony ericsson site, but that had a negligible effect too. I didn't
realise that this phone was meant to be used with a stylus (unless
you have the smallest fingers ever)... i was hoping that he screen
would work something like my friends iphone....alas not. Anyway...long
story short...gave up on it after about 3 hours, and its now on
ebay. Back to my Blackberry Bold. Rating:
Reviewed by Janac Dufrais James Omar from
United Kingdom, London on 22nd Jan 2009
Got the phone today, was very interesting to see. Had a lot of high
hopes for this. It was very outstanding. Shame about the camera,
could have been at least 5 megapixels. That’s the only bad
point. Other then that its all good. Excellent to know that sony
ericsson have moved away from the usual great walkman phone and
have made a very good attempt at a more multi-purpose handset. Ten
out of ten! Rating:
Reviewed by Ian from UK on 22nd
Jan 2009
I have this phone and it is excellent. you will get a slower performance
if you save to internal memory, but if you save to external, it's
much much faster. fast internet, fast performance, excellent idea
with the panels, but camera could be better. battery is excellent,
i use the phone a lot and i get 2 days out of it. Rating:
Reviewed by Femi from Nigeria on
21st Jan 2009
Oh, how i waited for this phone. But like most things longed for,
it was not worth the wait. within 5 days i was back to my Omnia.
I found it difficult syncing with my computer - why then is it a
smart phone. the keyboard was fiddly and the looks aged faster than...
the fact is that the phone is overrated, the software is slow and
relatively unresponsive (the Omnia shows same problems) and many
i time i feared handling it as i thought it might break. A "nice"
effort but Sony try again. Rating:
Reviewed by Phil from UK on 16th
Jan 2009
Had this phone for couple of months and it was a nightmare at first
lots of bugs and windows mobile is different to all my other phones.
However I persevered, and did research on XDA developers and X1
forums, then after a few weeks of installing new software and updating
roms, it now works perfectly. In fact this is the best phone I have
ever had!!!! It is now easy to use great reception lots of worth
while functionality. The only thing that I find useless is the panel
feature as all programs can be linked to the start up screen which
is far easier and quicker. The battery is not great but if you amend
data connection, wifi settings and close unused programs you get
a good 3 days battery usage, thats with about 50 texts a day, 10
emails, playing on facebook and few calls. If you want a phone out
of the box this phone is not for you, but if your happy to research
and experiment you will be in mobile heaven. Rating:
Reviewed by Mike Hart from UK on
10th Jan 2009
Pros: Good build quaility overall, nice finish, loads of features,
panels impproce on WM OS, both GPS and aGPS - something not always
made clear, and Opera browser installed which makes full use of
a display that is stunning. OKs: Battery life not too bad. Video
can be good but can be choppy. Cons: First, the biggie - POOR signal
reception. You have been warned! Rating:
Reviewed by Dawn from UK on 9th
Jan 2009
This is the worst phone I have ever used. I have put up with its
flaws for 2 months now and have phoned Vodafone to come and pick
the thing up tomorrow! There is not one thing going for it other
than it looks good to show off to your friends. Sony Ericsson seem
to have forgotten that it is still a phone and making calls should
be priority! it is very difficult to navigate around to even call
your contacts and then when you do manage to make a call, its touch
screen function hits your cheek and cuts the caller off - this has
happened with every call of mine with NO exeptions. It crashes almost
every day when you are in the middle of texting - which may I add
is near on impossible if you use the touch screen method - and the
camera is useless. DO NOT GET THIS PHONE - Trust me .... I waited
3 months for this phone and have been hugely disappointed Rating:
Reviewed by Phil from UK on 5th
Jan 2009
had the phone just over two weeks, and some minor niggles but nothing
too major. Everytime i go to turn the handset off im greeted with
the word "warning" in the place where the "start" function is. keeps
connecting to the internet by itself even though i do not touch
it, the vibrate alert is terrible and weak and the camera isnt great.
However, awesome interface, touch screen is spot on with calibration
etc, solid and robust - damn near indestructable, nice looking and
the wealth of features is great. sadly though that now means i spend
even more of my life on msn and facebook. Rating:
Reviewed by TechnoBoy from Portugal
on 4th Jan 2009
this phone has so many problems!! Rating:
Reviewed by SANUR ALI from London UK
on 25th Dec 2008
I waited a long time for this phone, got it on Vodafone network.
The phone was nice with a touch screen and a slide keypad, but nightmare
started when the phone freezed and the signal stop. Phoned vodafone,
they don't have a clue what is wrong with their network. While following
instruction from vodafone technical support, the phone came apart
in two pieces. Took the phone back to the store, they tell me to
take it to any mobile repair shop and get it fixed. Which is a poor
service from vodafone. Gave the phone back straight away, cancelled
the contract of £50 a month. Went to O2 store and got a Blackberry
Bold. Two weeks into the phone, it's brilliant not problem at all
with the O2 network or the phone. If any one wants to buy a phone
buy a blackberry Bold O2 and you can thank yourself later. O2 network
is far better than vodafone. Rating:
Reviewed by SW from N Ireland on
22nd Dec 2008
I have had the X1 for over a month now and I have been well pleased
with quality and performance. The microsoft mobile package really
suits me down to a T. The only gripes I have with it is I wish it
had more applications like the i-phone and sometimes the signal
is not that good on my wi-fi and when using the phone in certain
areas, which I cant understand as my last Sony Ericsson was fine
in and the battery life could be a bit better. But sayin that I
am running a 16g Memory card of the phone and constantly using it
so the performance has been fine other than those issues. I do admit
it takes some getting used to but when u do its a class phone. Oh
yes the sound could be better but when you have your earphones in
its fine. Would recomend this phone but I think its only going to
get better, so it might be an idea to wait for the next model. Rating:
Reviewed by Mike from UK on 22nd
Dec 2008
DD is 100% correct. Very overrated phone, i went back to my iphone
3g literally hrs later.. Rating:
Reviewed by Adam from UK on 20th
Dec 2008
The phone is great, although i found it hard to work out how it
works at the beginning but i now know it is really easy Rating:
Reviewed by DD from UK on 20th
Dec 2008
Just got this phone, and all I can say is "It is very very poor"
. Panels software not a patch on iphone software. Its feels cheap
and brittle. Very slow to do anything good. Very jerky Interface.
Sound is poor. over all I can t understand why there is some much
hype over this phone,It is a poor effort from Sony. This phone will
be going back. Rating:
Reviewed by christopher sly from .u.k.
on 19th Dec 2008
had this phone about 3 days now....takes some getting used too...also
being windows based...can be a fraction slow to respond to commands
(typical microsoft then) but the slide out key-board is superb for
messaging... if you get stuck with the multitude of screens/menu`s
just press start on the main screen like your windows .p.c. & it
takes you anywhere you wish to go! SUPERB.... Rating:
Reviewed by Mark from UK on 13th
Dec 2008
This is overall a brilliant phone. I read all the reviews on here
before deciding to purchase and i would highly recommend others
do the same. A bit of research always benefits you. This phone will
not suit people who are not experienced with computers/windows.
AVOID it if you arent computer literate.! For me its perfect, stylish,
FAST (not sure why some have said slow..mine is nippy) It has all
the office tools i need, word adobe, emails, Notes and tasks...it
also has all the other extras u could possibly want on a phone.
I feel i should point out WAYFINDER needs to be downloaded to the
phone. I thought it was coming as standard and had to check the
SE website. ONE NIGGLE i do have, the weather doesnt always auto
update...some days it does then it will go 4-5 days without updating.
not sure how i get around this problem?. I would advise downloading
the SPB panel off SE website 'fun and downloads' section. its by
far the quickest and most acessible panel. Screen/video quality
is awesome - the best on the market. Check out the BOND trailer
it comes with. Overal an excellent phone i couldnt ask for a lot
more. WELL DONE se!!!. Rating:
Reviewed by Demelza Waite from Brixham
on 11th Dec 2008
poor sound quality and overpriced in my eyes. so im giving this
a 3 star great phone otherwise. Rating:
Reviewed by Badger from Uk on
9th Dec 2008
I agree with comments below, it has forgotten it is a phone and
thinks it is a computer. Build quality is very good, looks great
and has many, many features. However, unless you have very small
fingers then you will be using that tiny little stick a lot more
than you thought you would. Also, the sound quality is not great
and rying to open a simple text message - aggh. So if you want a
mini computer with a great camera then this is for you but if you
like to call people and text then I would suggest considering very
carefully. Rating:
Reviewed by Jay from uk on 2nd
Dec 2008
only got mine a few days ago it was hard to figure out at first
but i thought it was a good phone until it started freezing and
switching between the pannels is very slow. Also the battery cover
was hard to get off. I put it down to the fact maybe i had a faulty
phone as ive seen good reviews on this phone but maybe i was wrong.
i rang up for a replacment and was told i couldnt have one until
the 15th so i have cancelled my contract and im sending the broken
phone back. Im going to get a diffrent phone if you hate slow phones,touch
screen or want this to take pictures stay away. other then that
it was a good phone. but ive decided to go for a samsugn or maybe
the iphone. Rating:
Reviewed by Tom from UK on 29th
Nov 2008
The phone is very good and i cant really add much that hasn't already
been said other than the X panel which comes with it is very slow.
I would recommend you just use the windows mobile today screen and
never touch the x panel button, its a lot faster that way. Also
if you are happy to use windows mobile then phone is really good
for emails (you can turn the push email off, so to stop receiving
work emails when out of work), texts, calling and work related things.
I would recommend you try a windows mobile first before you use
this phone as the OS can take getting used to. Certainly the keyboard
helps so much and i am running a 8GB micro SD card as well. Battery
life is pretty good, i get about 50/60 emails a day, data connection
on 24/7 and 25 calls + text a day and it would need charging every
2 days. Oh and the fact it uses a mini usb connection to charge
on and talk to the computer helps rather than some special connector. Rating:
Reviewed by jack from england on
27th Nov 2008
The XPERIA X1 is a legend of a phone... i got mine last week from
www.mobiles.co.uk I got mine last week and now i dont know how i
lived without it. The slide out QWERTY keyboard makes txting and
emailing a breeze but it also comes in handy when jotting things
down for work etc. Definately a 10 out of 10 from Sony Ericsson Rating:
Reviewed by Tim from Malaysia on
26th Nov 2008
After spending time with this handset I have only one thing to say...
It's way too slooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow!!! Rating:
Reviewed by stephen from n ireland on
21st Nov 2008
this phone's problem is the fact that it thinks it's a laptop computer,
so much so that the fact that it's PHONE seems to have been forgotten.
this handset will be completely lost on you unless you're a real
office-type who uses the e-mail and word/excel applications. fair
enough, it might be powerful and a great wee thing to show off to
your friends but after that, it's hard to live with. the OS is too
slow, even with no applications running, and when it was connected
to the internet via 3g the touchscreen disabled itself a couple
of times (i had to disconnect the power supply and reboot). the
transcriber setting is pointless because 1 - there's a slide out
keyboard right there, and 2 - you have to re-write your messages/e-mails
over and over until it recognises that you want a '1' instead of
an 'L' etc etc... the camera is so average that you have to question
the point of it even being there - there isn't even a short-cut
key to it so even the manufacturer doesn't even want you to use
it. the reception was very poor at best, very frustrating indeed.
the touchscreen display disappears mid-call so any calls to a touch-tone
system are a no-go (so forget those calls to your bank/credit card
company!) the panels are a useless addition that generate no proper
functionality unless you want to know what time it is on the other
side of the world. the speaker is very basic and tinny but that's
to be expected on a handset like this. the battery life is a disgrace
- i charged for 4 hours solid until it was 100% and an hour later
with no usage it was down to 56%. 3 hours later and after 1 phone
call(15 mins) the low-battery noise started screeching. all in all,
too much stuff going on for a mobile phone, loads of bugs ruining
the 'XPERIAnce' for me - lucky i changed to a c905 ... Rating:
Reviewed by ibz from uk on 18th
Nov 2008
brilliant phone! Rating:
Reviewed by whattodo from UK on
18th Nov 2008
Outstanding hardware build quality, Screen is great. I have the
phone for 1 week now, even installed TouchFlo 3D and a few mods.
The speed is acceptable. Rate it high among WM6 mobiles. Main problem,
the reception is quite bad. we have X1, N95 with vodafone and a
HTC Diamond with O2 in the household. Constantly, N95 and Diamond
get full bar reception and X1 only got 1-2 bar. It's to a point
that it will drop calls. All these time I was within zone 2 of London,
not the middle of nowhere. Although I love the phone but am seriously
thinking about returning it. Rating:
Reviewed by we3ster from UK on
17th Nov 2008
I can't add that much that has not already been said, this phone
is truly outstanding!! If you like customisation and being different
from the pack, get this handset!!! Rating:
Reviewed by ibz from uk on 15th
Nov 2008
ive seen this phone and it is a hit!!!!!!!!!!! i reccomand it 2
any person THE BEST MOBILE PHONE YET Rating:
Reviewed by Ace from UK on 12th
Nov 2008
this is a awsome gadget , nice sexy look, internet speed is great,
one of the best highest pixel touch screen phone avilable in market,
no doubt its windows phone but much easier to use with any PC or
laptop without installing any software. solid Masculine phone much
better than feminine looking iphone. loaded with good sotware......totally
fan of this Rating:
Reviewed by Adrian from uk on
9th Nov 2008
I have to agree with the majority folk on here, this phone is the
bis. I cant say I have found any faults with it yet, but I did only
get it yesterday. I think the looks are great, the build quality
seems very good and all of the functions that I have found so far
work very well. I think this will be a phone that will keep my interest
for a good few months to come. I got rid of an n96 for this and
so far I certainly made the right choise. Rating:
Reviewed by Paul from England on
9th Nov 2008
Simply Outstanding!! Rating:
Reviewed by sujon from england on
9th Nov 2008
outstanding features and a amazing camera Rating:
Reviewed by shani from pakistan on
8th Nov 2008
omg absolutely gorgeos phone I love it!!!!! Rating:
Reviewed by Laurie from UK on
7th Nov 2008
I agree with Trevor (28.10.08) 100%. Whilst the phone should be
good, it isn't! It's so slow for a start. Frustratingly so. Press
a button to go to panels screen...wait a few seconds...nothing happens...press
again...panel screen loads. slowly. Touch a panel...phone loads
a low res picture of the panel for about 5 seconds... then the proper
panel loads. Try and send a message? You have to use the stylus
to touch about 5 or 6 various miniscule parts of the screen. It's
horrible. The panels themselves are pretty useless - you only really
need one, so what was the point? It just makes it harder to navigate,
not easier, since you can't just leave it on the panel screen. And
the fish?! Pointless. If they were a screensaver then fair-enough.
But why would you choose the fish panel? Above aside, the web browser,
screen, keyboard and build quality of the phone are top-notch. So
it has promise for a future X2 or X3 model, it's just a shame its
so horrible to use. Sony Ericcson - drop Windows Mobile and the
panels and stick to your normal excellent OS without the need for
a stylus. (ps. I sent my X1 back and got a C905. And it's brilliant!) Rating:
Reviewed by ntakali from uk on
5th Nov 2008
recommend this phone for ultimate experience Rating:
Reviewed by Mark from UK on 5th
Nov 2008
I got this phone yesterday from O2, the silver edition and WOW it
is great. I was initially impressed with the build quality and it's
a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be, it's just a tiny
bit bigger than my old Sony Ericsson K800i. I've probably not scratched
the surface of what this phone will do but so far I am over the
moon. The QWERTY keyboard is excellent and not at all difficult
to use (which in total contrast to some reports I read!) the OS
is quick and reliable. The 3G connection is quick and I've watched
youtube videos on both the wifi and 3G connections and they were
both excellent and I'm in a traditionally poor 3G reception area.
The screen is crystal clear and when necessary I've used the stylus,
without difficulty. I cannot recommend this phone highly enough,
it is simply excellent and I'm so glad I didn't settle for the 3G
iphone which I was using for a couple of days, this phone wipes
the floor with it! Rating:
Reviewed by John from UK on 4th
Nov 2008
What a phone, This is a mini laptop. I've been picking it up and
playing with it a lot and the battery has lasted 5 days from it's
first charge. Handwritting recognition is fantastic, can't wait
to start to get applications loaded on this thing and realise it's
true potential. The WinMo actually works very well (can't believe
microsoft have produced something reliable for a change). The QWERTY
keyboard is easy to use. I hardly ever use the keys on the front
as the touchscreen has everything to hand for all functionalitiy. Rating:
Reviewed by Paul from UK on 3rd
Nov 2008
I have had this handset for 3 days and up to now it is the best
handset i have owned. I have had handsets from most of the major
manufactures and feel qualified in some respect making the above
statement. Moving between applications is generally speedy with
one exception - it takes 1 - 1 and a half seconds to start the onboard
windows mobile interface but once in is just as fast as the other
interfaces. Radio is really well laid out and reception is excellent,
Windows media player works just as well as in my laptop, Plays Youtube
videos very well (although I did stream the content over the built
in wifi connection so not sure how well it performs over the 3G
connection). I have not had chance to test the GPS but google maps
are as good as my home and work PCs, Microsoft office programs work
a treat and the camera is also very good (Not tested the images
against my K800i yet but on first glance they look crisp. The touch
screen is precise and crips, Contrast is really good and colours
are well defined. The case is made of metal and feels expensive
none of this plastic rubbish (even if it is tough plastic) this
does add to the weight so if you would rather have something light
go for the nokia 6220 or similar. The Qwerty keyboard is brilliant
and makes it really easy to type up emails or text messeges. If
I would criticize anything it would be the volume of the onboard
speaker, fine in normal use but maybe not as powerful as say the
nokia n96 or the Samsung i8510 when watching movies or listening
to music tracks. The fact that programmers can create new applications
that can be downloaded like TomTom sat nav was a big plus for me.
I was originally going to get either the N96, i8510 or the C905
but after trying this handset out it just blew me away and i had
to have it. Just too many features to mention without filling up
this webpage, I would give it 99 out of 100 if i could just dropping
one point for the speaker volume. Hope this helps. Rating:
Reviewed by NBR from UK on 3rd
Nov 2008
I've had the X1 for about a week now and i'm very impressed. I've
waited since Feb for this thing but it was worth the wait. It is
very different to any other SE phone(in terms of OS system) i have
owned. So if you are a die hard SE fan like myself that will take
abit of getting use to. But once you have it in your head that you
have a computer in your hand & not a phone it will soon make sence.
The camera is good & the screen is great so it really shows your
pictures well. The size of the thing fine along with the weight.
Its not too big not too small. Build quality is not a problem, it
feels like it could take a knock if it was dropped. The features
included in the phone seem fine, google maps etc are useful, but
i'm not a fan of things that are a jack of all trades. If i want
a sat nav system i will go and buy a Tom Tom. I've no regrets with
it and would recommend it to anyone. Thanks for reading. Rating:
Reviewed by James from UK on
1st Nov 2008
Awesome, best phone ever put together. Out does the iphone in all
departments, and blows away the blackberry! Don't need to say anything
else!! Rating:
Reviewed by DD from N iRELAND on
31st Oct 2008
Hi Editor, sorry I haven't been back on but have been really busy
with work. I told you the X1 was an excellent phone. I think Trevor
must of got a faulty one as everyone else seems to agree how good
the X1 really is, and thats including a few buisness friends of
mine who have exchanged their Blackberrys for this phone. Rating:
Reviewed by jimmal from uk on
30th Oct 2008
This has got to be the best phone i have ever had. Do not buy anything
else. Rating:
Reviewed by Mike from Uk on 30th
Oct 2008
I have had this phone a week now. I had the HTC Touch Pro before
and also tried a Blackberry Bold, Nokia N96 and Samsung Omnia (we
have a Vodafone business contract with 20 phones so they sent us
a few to try). This phone is smaller than all of them, or feels
it at least, the battery lasts 3 times as long as the others and
is better built by a long way. The initial battery charge only lasted
24 hours. I am not sure if I was playing with it a lot or that happens
on the first charge, but the second one lasted 2.5 days and I have
not charged it since the 3rd time so it has lasted 3.5 days and
counting. OS is fine and it seems a lot faster than it did on the
HTC. I love the screen definition, it really makes things vibrant
and clear and is bigger than the others. Windows mobile hooks up
with our exchange servers at work and syncs extremely quickly, it
outdoes the blackberries in my view, it is so seamless I sometimes
use the X1 while I am in the office using the wifi. My brother has
an iphone and he is changing to the Sony next week, he thinks it
is awesome mainly because of the windows integration. he found the
iphone a pain to sync. he also loved the screen on the Sony. Negatives,
I prefer the silver one but only black was available when I got
mine and the chrome looks a bit cheap against the black finish.
Also no car charger was included in the pack, I thought this would
be a problem but as the battery lasts a decent amount of time I
think it will not be an issue. Rating:
Reviewed by trevor from uk on
28th Oct 2008
i have waited for this phone for ages and never bought a iphone
cause i was wanting the x1 so bad. I wish i never bothered the x1
is one flawed phone, i have sooooooo many gripes with it, i will
only put a few. the OS is so slow and clunky i know this is the
norm with some os but this is a joke, sometimes you push an option
and nothing will happen so i'm there pressing and pressing until
it finally works (i could have put up with this). then i tried to
sync it to my pc and it wouldn't, so i phoned SE they said its faulty
and needs to be returned. i couldn't find out how to manage my memory
card which sometimes it didn't know it was even there.i tried to
send a file over bluetooth and not one phone could connect to it.
i think the panels are just a gimmick and not what i was expecting
i set up one to how i wanted it and for no reason icons would dissapear.
i hated that i had to go through so many hoops just to send a text.
i was connected to my wireless network at home and the browser kept
failing for no reason. i had to insert my sim 5-6 times to get it
to see all my contacts on it and then when it did it put every number
up twice so i had to delete them 1 by 1 (i had a lot of numbers)
there are more but i wont go on any more, there are good things
its not all bad but this was the phone that was to rival the iphone
and i say NO WAY my 85 year old uncle could use the iphone, bill
gates couldn't use this phone. huge let down and is going back tomorrow Rating:
Reviewed by DD from N iRELAND on
14th Oct 2008
Just got this phone, will what can I say what a phone. Sony Ericsson
have really done it this time. They have just turned one of their
phones into a mini office and has everything I need. My friend has
the iphone which is a decent phone but he is thinking of changing
to this because of the windows mobile facility plus a whole load
of other stuff that his iphone can't do ringtones etc. Also love
the option of the slide out keypad which helps if your not to comfortable
with the touch screen facility. Great Phone [Editor's comment: You
sure about this, DD? Don't think the phone is available yet, but
who knows?] [Reply by DD from N iRELAND on 17th Oct 2008: I work
in Carphone warehouse and I got to test it for the week. ye ha.]
[Editor's reply: You're lucky! Can you tell us more???] Rating:
A
lot of thought has gone into the user interface design of the Xperia.
As well as the finger-operated touchscreen, there's an optical joystick
and a navigation key. To use the optical joystick you brush your
finger over the touch-sensitive key to move the mouse pointer on
the screen. The navigation key is a conventional 4-way key that
can be pressed to select an option. Handwriting recognition with
a stylus is available as an additional text-input method. But the
X1 holds another secret within: a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
With the keyboard in position and the display in widescreen landscape
mode, the phone resembles a mini-laptop and offers a lot of the
functionality of a real laptop - but more of this later. For the
moment, we'll just say that with all the different input options
available, every user should be able to find a way of working that
meets their needs. This is not a difficult phone to use, although
its advanced options do present something of a learning curve.
