Perhaps unsurprisingly the Xperia arc hasn’t garnered anything like that kind of mass-market pre-release hype. But that’s not to say that it’s not worthy of your attention or smartphone dollar. Far from it.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc Review
For a start, the sleek as silk Arc has a good claim to being the most stylish Android phone so far. That’s due in good part to its knockout convex form factor that tapers in the centre, where it measures a waif-like 8.7mm, and smart chrome plating around the side that lends it a modishly futuristic look. And it’s lightweight too, weighing in at just 175g.
Similarly eye-catching is the Arc’s capacious, 4.2-inch LED display that features the Sony Bravia Engine imaging technology so it remains crystal clear in bright light conditions.
We also found the display added real richness and clarity when viewing snaps taken with the eight-megapixel on board camera, that showcases an Exmor R sensor of the kind which only recently started showing up on dedicated compact cameras. And the screen really brought videos (which the Arc shoots in 720p lush high-def) to life, too.
Under the hood, there’s no shortage of things to recommend either. Like many phone makers’ flagship smartphones for 2011, the arc rocks the latest Gingerbread version of Android – specifically Android 2.3.2 for those of you who are particular about such things. That means that, combined with the 1GHz processor and responsive TFT touchscreen, the Arc runs with real snap. It also adds an improved virtual keyboard that quantum leaps ahead of the version featured on the first-generation Xperia branded phones. Plus it brings better power management, so that unless you’re using battery-hungry features, we reckon you’ll easily get a full day’s use on a single charge.
Naturally, as with all Android phones arc buyers will get a raft of apps to choose from, as well as some handy Google applications pre-installed (Think: YouTube, Google Maps and Gmail). Because the phone runs the 2.3.2 iteration of Android, you’ll also be able to get on board with classic PSOne games using Sony’s gaming download store, the Playstation Suite.
We enjoyed using the arc. It’s a great-looking handset that cuts a dash in the pub and attracted no end of admiring glances from peers. If you’re in the market for a handset with a great snapper, snazzy media capabilities and tons of apps, look no further.
