Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 preview: First look

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 360-degree spin

The XPERIA X2 measures 110 x 54 x 16 mm and weighs 155 g. The dimensions and weight are almost the same compared to the old XPERIA though X2 is a tag wider due to the larger 3.2" display.

Design and construction

The new XPERIA X2 seems to incorporate noticeably less metallic elements compared to XPERIA X1 and for some of us that's actually a step back. The nice and sleek black plastic on the front that you've seen in the press images, actually looks cheap in reality and it's a real fingerprint magnet. The same cheapo-looking plastic is used for the keyboard keys quite in contrast with the metallic styled keyboard of the X1. But those design elements are usually subjectively perceived so we'll stop with the disgruntled mumble here.

Most of the front of Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is taken by the large 3.2" touch screen. Unlike the front plastic frame, the back of the X2 is made from stainless steel and is quite immune to fingerprints.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 all over

Beneath the screen, the navigation deck doesn't have the proprietary X-pattern but is more ordinary incorporating the available four buttons in a regular grid. The large optical trackpad is dead center compensation for the fact that there is no D-pad on the X2. There's no X-panel shortcut this time, the bottom left key this time opens the Sony Ericsson Media center, which now has new items such as Call history, Messages, Calendar, and Panels setup.

XPERIA X2 navigation deck

The 4-row QWERTY keyboard of X2 is quite distinctive in terms of shape and design compared to X1, but the controls and keys order are almost the same. Though the shape of the keys is very comfortable and the arrow keys also add to the usability, the plastic material doesn't impress at all.

The QWERTY keyboard is generally very good

Here's the XPERIA X2 compared to the Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO. Though the OmniaPRO definitely looks bigger, it's actually about the same weight. Though the secondary symbols on the OmniaPRO are more prominent, the XPERIA X2 has the benefit of the slide-and-tilt form factor (or arc slider as SE call it). Plus, the actual sliding action is smoother than the OmniaPRO.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 next to Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO

The right side of the XPERIA X2 hosts the volume rocker at the top and the camera shutter key. The keys are quite comfortable and well integrated with the overall design. Though quite thin, the camera key is relatively responsive, with a distinct half press.

XPERIA X2 volume and camera controls

The X2 left side sports the battery cover release knob. The standard microUSB is located in the upper left part of the phone and the uncovered slot will be easily visible while you're on the phone. We feel that spoils the looks a bit and would rather have a cover on top of it.

The microSD card slot is accessible from the left side of the X2 but only after you remove the battery cover - much like it is with the XPERIA X1 actually.

The right side hosts the microUSB slot, the lock/open knob and the microSD slot under the cover

The bottom of the XPERIA X2 is free of any controls, but we quite like the mesh-like looks of the plastic surface here - kind of reminds of an electric shaver, but in the good, high-tech sense.

The 3.5mm audio jack on the top of X2 also doubles as a TV-out port. Here we also find the power key - tiny as on the previous X1.

Bottom is pretty bare • The top side hosts the 3.5 audio jack and the on/off key

Turning the phone bottom-side up reveals the sleek aluminum back. The 8.1 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and the lanyard eyelet is to be found here. The two stereo loudspeakers are also here located on the opposite sides.

The slightly curved back panel looks very good

Removing the battery cover of XPERIA X2 reveals the 1500mAh Li-Po battery - the same as the one used in X1. The official stand-by and talk time of the battery is almost the same compared to the old X1 battery data, and we guess we can expect the same 2 days of standby under moderate usage.

X2 uses the same battery of the X1

The design and controls are quite comfortable; typing on the QWERTY keyboard is a user-friendly experience. Generally the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 feels nice when held in hand.

The X2 held in hand