Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo review: More than a sequel

Final words

Sony Ericsson is introducing new additions to their refreshed Android lineup as we speak. With newly found processing power, bigger high-res screens and HD video, even the new Xperia minis are children who will prey on their parents. The difference between old and new Xperia just cannot be overstated. And the Neo is certainly a part of that.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo has the latest features of the house. Equally important – it’s the same features that they thought worthy of the flagship. Of course, the Neo will at some point have to worry about the lack of dual core and 1080p video. But it will be a while before they start to make a real difference. And when they will, the Arc will be standing in front to cushion the blow.

There’ll be enough room for the Xperia Neo to hide behind its bigger sibling’s back. The Arc flaunts a massive 4.2” screen. It’s one of the prettiest phones lately but all the coolness will cost you more.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc

The XPERIA Neo’s more likely rivals are nowhere near the description of a flagship. But with enough Gingerbread phones around, the competition is pretty strong. Let’s have a look.

The Samsung I9000 Galaxy S is a bestseller with loyal fans around the world. The 4” SuperAMOLED screen and the 1GHz processor have just received a boost from Gingerbread. An excellent package has just got better but it’s an older phone that will be gradually weaned off OS support. Price is in the Galaxy’s favor, and so is the SuperAMOLED screen (if you’re lucky). It’s a tie in terms of video, the Neo getting the upper hand in still imaging.

Samsung I9000 Galaxy S

The HTC Desire S is friendly and compact but you’d be wrong to underestimate its ability. Gingerbread-powered, beautifully built and HTC-Sensed, the Desire S is a viable alternative except in the imaging department. The 720p videos are quite good but stills are obviously no match for the Xperia Neo’s 8MP photos.

HTC Desire S

If you need a real contender for imaging skills, it must be no other than the Nokia N8. The bigger 12 MP sensor, the Xenon flash and the 3x zoom in video capture leave little doubt as to which one is the superior cameraphone. With Gingerbread inside though, the Xperia Neo is the better smartphone.

Nokia N8

A smartphone and a cameraphone, the XPERIA Neo promises solid all-round experience, which it readily delivers. It won’t cut it as a flagship but fortunately that’s not part of the job description. The Xperia Neo will enjoy the sense of space and safety in the upper midrange. And it will certainly take pride in being an option some users will gladly consider ahead of the Xperia Arc.