Sony Xperia P mid-range Android

Snap happy

While most Android phones at this price make do with a 5MP camera, Sony gives you an 8MP snapper. As with the Xperia S, you get an Exmor R sensor for better-than-you-expect low light photography and the capacity to record video at up to 1080p. On the whole, I’d rate the Xperia S camera as pretty darned good.

The camera leaves little to complain about

The front-facing VGA camera on the other hand can’t match the 1.3MP unit fitted to the Galaxy S Advance but it’s still more than good enough for making Skype video calls or videoing yourself picking your nose.

 

8Mp stills but 1080p video on-board
Click for a full-resolution image

Despite the rather puny 1305mAh rating the battery proved no worse than average, getting me through between 24 and 36 hours depending on how hard I ran it. That said, you’ll get more from the batteries in both the Galaxy S Advance and especially the HTC One V.

Advance warning: the Xperia P stakes its claim on the middle ground

Verdict

Forget the flash über-phones, it’s in the Android mid-range where the real action is because, like the Samsung Galaxy S Advance, the Xperia P is affordable and all the phone most people will ever need. The screen is bright and crisp, it has a decent camera and a distinctive design. With the same chipset, there’s little difference in performance between the Xperia and the Galaxy Advance so it comes down to this: do you want a better camera and a certain ICS upgrade or a microSD card slot? ®

Thanks to Clove for the loan of the review handset.

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