- Analysis by Christelle Nina
Slated as Sony's mid-range offering for early 2017, this model is an improvement to last year's Sony Xperia XA. Scanning through its specs sheet, its highly-auspicious 23-megapixel main camera 
catches our attention at once. This high of a resolution is rare even in the highest price tier and, more so, in the middle price group to which this device belongs. Its 8-megapixel selfie cam isn't as over-zealous, but it's still a promising option compared to similar models.
On the contrary, one sweeping drawback is its display. Sony has decided to retain the XA's 720p resolution 
and, by doing so, it has given the XA1 a significant dearth in terms of display fineness (it scrapes in only 293.58DPI ). Granted, we can't expect a 2K resolution on a mid-range Android, but many of its colleagues have long switched to at least 1920 x 1080 displays.
As for aesthetics-related pros and cons, it still sports the familiar Xperia design, with almost-invisible bezels at the side . However, it looks rather thick at 7.62mm .
Hardware-wise, the MediaTek Helio P20 processor that it comes with is an upgrade from its predecessor's P10 CPU. The fact that it's octa-core is heartening for a mid-tier device. Furthermore, running at 2.3GHz puts it in a good position against even flagship devices from other companies.
Related: Octa-core Smartphones
Lastly, its 2300mAh battery may leave potential users wanting for more, especially now that 3000mAh-and-up batteries have gone increasingly more common even in mid-range devices. It does come with power-enhancing features like Qnovo adaptive charging, a STAMINA mode, and Quick Charging (MediaTek PumpExpress 2.0) . How these features would enhance the XA1's longevity, and if they would do so significantly, remains to be seen.
Taking into account everything in this pros and cons review, it's clear that the XA1 has been designed with a big bias towards the photography-focused group. Those concerned about their device's performance would most likely not be disappointed with this phone, either -- provided that they aren't too particular about display resolutions and battery specs.
You Should Try: Celliminator Phone Finder Finds Your Best 5 Phones
** This phone is also known as: Sony XA1
You Should Also Be Interested In These:
- Don't Buy The Wrong Phone! Celliminator Will Find Your Perfect Phone
- Best Phones As Of April 2024 (12 Categories)
- Best Sony Phones April 2024
- Newest Sony Phones 2024 (latest Models)
Full Menu
