Sony Android phones as compared to the rest?

[Beeplance]

I have never seen much discussion about Sony's Android phones here, as compared to Samsung, HTC and the rest.

I've have also never been much of a fan of Sony's phones. All the 2012 phones have this very similar look for all models, and more often than not the specs are just borderline impressive. What's more, I heard that software updates like JB has yet to rolled out to any of their phones, they're still in the ICS phase...

Why do you guys prefer other Android models?

 

[3bs]

I've never used a Sony Android phone but I used to love the Sony Ericsson phones a few years ago.

 

[Ericcc]

Sony's mobile division is lost right now. All their phones' specs are one iteration behind the curve, good models get to global markets way too late to make an impact.

Take the Xperia XS for example -bar none the best small android phone on the planet. Flashy hardware, LTE, S4 processor, 300 DPI on a 3.7" package. At a time when every manufacturer is pushing out giant phones, this could have dominated on the other end of the spectrum. However, it is only available in Japan and Sony doesn't have any plans of releasing it globally. Instead, they trot out the Xperia T -another large phone with inferior specs to any flagship out there.

This is all too bad. Sony has the design flare, imaging and audiovisual tech to make outstanding phones.

 

[Beeplance]

Sony's mobile division is lost right now. All their phones' specs are one iteration behind the curve, good models get to global markets way too late to make an impact.

Take the Xperia XS for example -bar none the best small android phone on the planet. Flashy hardware, LTE, S4 processor, 300 DPI on a 3.7" package. At a time when every manufacturer is pushing out giant phones, this could have dominated on the other end of the spectrum. However, it is only available in Japan and Sony doesn't have any plans of releasing it globally. Instead, they trot out the Xperia T -another large phone with inferior specs to any flagship out there.

This is all too bad. Sony has the design flare, imaging and audiovisual tech to make outstanding phones.

Back then, some of their technologies are quite impressive, at least to me. Like the Mobile Bravia display, their special camera optics and such. But their modified Android interface looks really bad, even TouchWiz looks better.

Heard they've some flagship device ready for 2013, although there isn't the least bit of hype about it.

 

[siiip5]

Sony is bleeding cash and their credit rating was lowered to junk level. Buying a Sony phone is about as dangerous as buying a Blackberry, maybe even more so.

 

[Axious]

Back then, some of their technologies are quite impressive, at least to me. Like the Mobile Bravia display, their special camera optics and such. But their modified Android interface looks really bad, even TouchWiz looks better.

Heard they've some flagship device ready for 2013, although there isn't the least bit of hype about it.

Sony Yuga

http://androidcommunity.com/sony-yuga-smartphone-rumors-suggest-a-handset-with-128gb-of-storage-20121214/

Does have some good specs

 

[flopticalcube]

I'll let you know as I have an Xperia Ray on the way. I wanted a Nexus 4 but couldn't pass the chance to pick up the ray at less than 1/3rd the price. AFAIK, Sony-Ericsson and Sony phones have reasonably good quality, decent cameras, and good options. I had heard that for the best Xperiance (sorry, couldn't help myself), a custom ROM is a must.

 

[nickchallis92]

Sony have been a step behind since about 2007. I remember when the Nokia N95 came out (and stunned us all) and sony never having an answer to the great s60 range of handsets that came out.

it's continued until this day. The specs are always a year behind. Anyone who bought a sony handset over a samsung one is mad!

 

[Ericcc]

Sony Yuga

http://androidcommunity.com/sony-yu...est-a-handset-with-128gb-of-storage-20121214/

Does have some good specs

Those specs look too good to be true. There are sites that link them to another flagship that will be released in late 2013. The Yuga/Odin will most likely come with the standard 1080p screen, S4 Pro processor and 2 Gb of RAM. I would love for Sony to surprise me though...

 

[danakin]

I'm very much a fan of Sony and wish that they would "keep up" with the rest of the mobile community's innovation. They certainly do seem to always be one step behind the pace setters.

Ericcc mentioned the Xperia SX which, unfortunately, was only available in Japan. Such wonderful specs packed into a tight little package; I would have bought an unlocked version of this phone in an instant - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y20M_OsRdKs

I'm hoping that, with their gung-ho support of AOSP, Sony is given a shot at producing a Nexus phone. The latest Android software coupled with Sony's design sense would be worth lining up for... well, virtually lining up and, who knows, by then maybe Google will have gotten their on-line store issues sorted out.

 

[roxxette]

Sony made some really awesome phones back in the day, i was a big fan the k700 was great and the s700, i still have a k900 around i think and honestly that phone kicks any smartphone around in regards of photos and ****ing xenon flash !

UI was not bad also imo

 

[flopticalcube]

I've had the Xperia Ray for a couple of days now and I like it a lot. It's small, very well built and packed with features. Too bad Sony decided not to make another small model this year. Removable battery, front/rear cameras, uSD slot, mini SIM, lightweight and small enough to fit just about any pocket. Only downsides are low RAM at 512MB and a single core 1GHz CPU neither of which bother me. Anyone looking for a compact (3.3") bargain can pick up a used one on eBay for a little over $100. Mine was unlocked, rooted and came with ICS 4.0.4

 

[onthecouchagain]

They're ugly.

:T

 

[Beeplance]

I've had the Xperia Ray for a couple of days now and I like it a lot. It's small, very well built and packed with features. Too bad Sony decided not to make another small model this year. Removable battery, front/rear cameras, uSD slot, mini SIM, lightweight and small enough to fit just about any pocket. Only downsides are low RAM at 512MB and a single core 1GHz CPU neither of which bother me. Anyone looking for a compact (3.3") bargain can pick up a used one on eBay for a little over $100. Mine was unlocked, rooted and came with ICS 4.0.4

I saw my friend use one before, the screen is even smaller than the iPhone 4S, which people are grumbling to be have a small screen already.

The sad fact about Sony phones is that all their models look so similar to each other, I'd have a hard time pointing them out if they lay all of them on a table. Plus their Android interface isn't very attractive to begin with.

 

[flopticalcube]

I saw my friend use one before, the screen is even smaller than the iPhone 4S, which people are grumbling to be have a small screen already.

The sad fact about Sony phones is that all their models look so similar to each other, I'd have a hard time pointing them out if they lay all of them on a table. Plus their Android interface isn't very attractive to begin with.

I like the small screen and consider it a feature as it makes the phone more compact which is a plus for me. Even with my largish hands i don't find it a drawback. I really don't care about looks. I have Xperia Ultimate HD on it and would agree that the standard Sony interface is not the best but the nice thing is that in the case of Android that is something that can be changed and Ultimate HD is not bad. I am going to try a JB version soon as well.

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They're ugly.

:T

It has three advantages over the Nexus 4. I can get it. It's much cheaper. If I drop it, it will probably survive.