Sony Xperia C3 and C3 Dual review: Let me take a selfie

Unboxing the Sony Xperia C3 Dual

Sony Xperia C3 retail package is perhaps too big for what it actually offers. The basics are duly taken care of, but that's about it. You get an A/C adapter, a microUSB cable and a standard headset with an integrated mic.

Sony Xperia C3 Dual retail package

Sony Xperia C3 Dual 360-degree view

With a 5.5" IPS display, the Xperia C3 is obviously a large handset and we've seen better use of space and screen-to-surface ratios. The Meizu MX Pro 4, for instance, is a very good, and recent, reference. On a positive note, the Xperia C3 is slimmer. At 156.2 x 78.7 x 7.6mm, it is 1cm taller than a 5.5" LG G3 and about the size of an iPhone 6 Plus, which however has a hardware Home button / fingerprint scanner. The Xperia C3 weighs a reasonable 150g.

Sony Xperia C3 next to the HTC Desire 820 and iPhone 6 Plus

True, the Xperia C3's bezels are not flagship grade but being a midrange device after all, it can get away with that easier than most. It's actually on par with the 5.5" HTC Desire 820, which is a direct competitor.

Design and build quality

We've seen the Sony Xperia C3 design used on other Xperia smartphones a couple of generations already. Although the next flagship can probably do with at least a facelift, the OmniBalance design still works just fine for the more affordable models.

Sony Xperia C3 Dual

The Xperia C3 is looks more than reasonable and is probably slimmer than most in its price bracket. It's a pleasure to handle and easily recognizable.

The Sony Xperia C3's has a large 5.5" Triluminos HD screen but the highlight at the front is, of course, the PROselfie 5MP camera and the accompanying LED flash.

Although the two grilles above and below the screen might look as stereo speakers, they are in fact standing for the earpiece and the primary microphone.

The 5MP selfie snapper and its LED flash • the primary mic

The chassis of the Xperia C3 is made of plastic, with a glossy silver trim around the edges. Those give the looks a huge boost even though they are prone to fingerprints.

The non-removable rear cover of the Sony Xperia C3 is made of matte plastic, typical of the mid-range Xperia lineup. It is fingerprint-proof and has excellent grip.

Handling the Sony Xperia C3

The Sony Xperia C3 is big and while its UI provides some options for single-handed use, it is best navigated using both hands. The slim profile and lightweight body (for the size) make it quite comfortable to hold and pocket. There's more than sufficient grip so you'll have no worries handling the phone.

Controls

The 5.5" IPS display of 720p resolution occupies most of the Xperia C3's front, though its rather big bezels make for an unimpressive screen-to-body ratio of 67.8%.

Of course, most people would be interested into the 5MP selfie camera with LED flash, which is a rather conspicuous circle next to the Sony logo.

The earpiece is around, carved out of the screen's protective glass above the Sony logo and hidden under a proper grille. Above the screen we also find a couple of hidden sensors and the status LED.

What's above the 5.5" HD display • Looking below the screen

The grille below the screen isn't a speaker as its looks might suggest. This is where the primary microphone is.

The left side is where we find the microUSB port and the microSD card slot under its own plastic cap.

The left side has the USB port and the microSD slot

The right side is very crowded. First - another plastic cap covers the SIM bed - it can either accommodate one or two micro-SIM cards, depending on the model you've chosen.

Next come the round Power/Lock key made of metal, followed by a small plastic volume rocker and a two-step camera shutter.

Sony Xperia C3 Dual on the right • popping out the SIM cards bed

On top of the Xperia C3 is the 3.5mm audio jack, while the bottom is completely bare.

The 3.5mm jack is on top • There is nothing at the bottom

The 8MP Exmor RS camera lens is on the back, accompanied by a LED flash and the secondary microphone used either for stereo audio recording or active noise cancellation in calls. The huge loudspeaker grille is also at the back, near the bottom.

The matte rear cover is non removable.

The 8MP camera and the LED flash • the loudspeaker grille