Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc : Full Review with Video

One of the most beautiful Android devices in the market yet, The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc proves that not all Android Devices need to be dull and boring. The Arc is a show stopper, and it certainly impressed us on another level.

Let start with the usual line up.

BUILD QUALITY and HARDWARE

The Xperia Arc has a deceiving structure, the device looks like a plastic toy initially, but is extremely well built and once you hold the device in your hand you will never make the same mistake again. It has a great design which tapers out in the center and broadens out to the side.

Contrary to what most critics are saying the device is extremely comfortable to hold in the hand and fits comfortably when gripping the device during those in game driving scenes.

The Xperia Arc also packs a brilliant bit of hardware in terms of specs. Check them out :

Specifications of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Price :Rs.  27,500

CAMERA and MULTIMEDIA

The camera on the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc has an 8 MegaPixel Sony Exmor-R Sensor. It is just something you will love to – well, LOVE. The camera is absolutely brilliant, and comes close to a perfect replacement for a day use digital camera. The camera is extremely sensitive to light and will pick up the slightest detail in the image. The device also has 720p recording capability which when combined with onboard image stabilization methods provides a decent set of tools for video capture.

We were however, disappointed with the lack of quality and depth in the video captured by the Arc. while it looks absolutely stunning on the Device , video playback on a big screen looks washed out to say the least.

The Arc also provided the best movie/video experience we have had with an Android Device. The Display simply cannot be praised enough, the colors are deep and the resolution combined with the all new Bravia Engine for Mobile phones makes the video quality just Superb. We have not seen better quality on a Phone display period.

Sound quality, video playback and Audio/Video streaming work flawlessly and deliver a promising multimedia experience. The placement of the onboard loudspeaker is at an akward position and when you are holding the device in landscape, you will find yourself covering he speaker with your finger. The results of which can be devastating for the volume levels.

Check out the Video Capture Sample

PHONE and MESSAGING

The device is exceptionally good at doing what its meant to , the voice clarity is -bang on- at both ends, and network performance is sustained. The device is really good and pocket-able and simple to use, the phone dialer is fast and has large keys, the contacts and messaging screens are easy to navigate and simple to use.

The keyboard on the device is also, possibly the best stock keyboard we have used, clean large-square button layout increases the accuracy of your typing capabilities many-a-fold. The keyboard is quick as is the touchscreen responsive, creating one of the best touch input interfaces. You will actually enjoy typing on this keyboard, so text away!

BATTERY

Usage life on the Xperia Arc was erratic. Sometimes lasting a full day without a recharge, and sometimes asking for juice every 5-6 hours. The battery life tests revealed a lot more info :-

• 2G Talk Time  : 4.5-6 Hours
• 3G Talk Time  : 3.5 Hours
• 3G Browsing : 4 Hours
• Wifi Browsing : 5-6 Hours
• Video Playback : BE : 4.5 Hours / Without BE : 6 Hours
• Audio Playback : Screen Off : 14 Hours (approx)

USER INTERFACE

The device runs Android 2.3 with a custom time-scape UI on top. The UI is simply beautiful and is like a melodious song that has no ending. The UI is the most innovative form of developer work seen on a stock device since the HTC Sense. The use of new widgets with the clean interface and the customizable App Drawer/ Full Menu make the device User Experience a wonderful one.

CONCLUSION

The device is good to look at and comes with Android 2.3 from the get go. The camera is good at taking pictures but, just average at video quality. The build is solid and the display like we said earlier has no parallel comparison. The device attempts at fulfilling the purpose of the average user and taking to task the pro user. We found no reason to root the device as we were happy with both performance as well as the UI (our major reasons for rooting). Although a new tool for the boot-loader unlock is now available and the full root for the device will come out sooner than we expected.

The device comes with a free leather cover and a free screen protector, which are excellent freebies.

There were a few negative aspects to the device and we will list them for easy access

• The device gets overheated with prolonged use, does not affect usage but gets too hot to hold against the face.
• The device also has unsteady HSDPA connection which breaks quite frequently
• The battery is erratic and drains faster when the device is hot (see first)

[xrr rating=3.25/5 label=”WE RATE THE ARC” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Check out the remaining pictures below while you wait for the Full Video Review to go up.

Full VIDEO REVIEW