The Sony Ericsson Xperia arc has been out a few days now and we’ve seen a number of reviews published. For those contemplating on buying the Xperia arc, we’ve consolidated the main reviews we have come across below.
Overall, a similar thread runs through most of the reviews. Sony Ericsson is commended for producing one of the most attractive handsets on the market at the moment. It also wins points for its 4.2-inch display, 8MP camera and launching with the latest Android OS. On the downside, some reviewers question the construction materials, battery life, internal speaker and some software issues. Click through for a quick summary of the reviews published so far.
Xperia arc Review Roundup
3G: “It’s not built as well as the iPhone 4, Timescape is a tad disappointing and there are a few software issues that need sorting out, but on the whole Sony Ericsson has come up with another great Android handset that can handle all kinds of tasks with style.”
Cnet: “The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc offers a stunning wide-screen display and an excellent camera. It’s the ideal Android smart phone for media lovers.”
Engadget: “If you just fancy an uncomplicated, big-screened phone to enjoy movies on during your daily commute, the Xperia Arc might just be your perfect candidate. It doesn’t really lack anything on the feature front, but it’s Sony Ericsson’s execution and occasionally odd design choices that hold it back from being a triumph.”
GSM Arena: “In the end though, is the Arc worth it and did Sony Ericsson make a difference? The answer is yes, though not without reserves. The XPERIA Arc more than any other recent phone puts Sony Ericsson back on the map as a premium device manufacturer. And the Arc does command a premium.”
Mobile Choice: “The build quality isn’t as high as, say, an iPhone 4, Timescape doesn’t match its promise and there are a few software niggles that need ironing out, but overall this is another fine Android phone that tackles a multitude of tasks with aplomb.”
Pocket-Lint: “Relationships are built on compromise and there is plenty you can do to make this model better – a dab of the Android Market here and there and it’s a more positive experience overall. And we still love the looks. It might be plastic, but it is sexy, and that goes a long way.”
Recombu: “The Xperia Arc feels very much like the go to handset for Sony Ericsson fans. It also makes a nice change from the usual HTC/Samsung-orama that Android has become. The Arc benefits from Sony’s imaging and display pedigree and boasts one of the best handsets screens currently available.”
TechRadar: “The hardware is also extremely impressive, both in terms of looks and performance. Forget the fashionable dual-core phones – when done right a single-core 1GHz processor can do it all – although busy, dynamic web sites will cause the phone to chug a little.”
VR-Zone: “While the Xperia Arc may have many good features and performance, it is not without flaws. The overall build of the phone feels plasticky, the touchscreen prone to fingerprint smudges, and if you are running intensive apps, the rear does feel fairly hot (which you have to be careful of) after some time.”
What Mobile (Part 1 and Part 2): “Despite the fiddly camera button, and the terrible internal speaker, there’s really nothing you could consider a deal breaker. Future updates will hopefully tweak the camera and improve HD video recording, but as it stands today you’ll be more than happy to own this phone.”
