Sony’s Xperia X10 has been one of the most popular models at the high-end of the smartphone market, and Sony now hopes to repeat that success in the below-$250 market with the Xperia X8. It might not have a big price tag, but this Android friendly device comes with a 3″ touchscreen display with a 320 x 480 pixel resolution, built-in GPS, WiFi compatibility and 3.5G speed, an FM radio and microSD slot (the package even includes a 2 GB card to get you started). All of this is packed into a device that only weighs 104 grams.
The Xperia X8 is arguably one of the most attractive Android phones on the market, with its main cosmetic downside being the plastic used on the back of the phone. It tends to cheapen the feel of the phone. Otherwise, it is designed as most Android phones, with the home, menu, and back keys located beneath the display. The top of the phone has the controls for power/lock functions, the 3.5mm audio connector, and the microUSB port; the left side is home to volume controls and the quick one-step camera function.
The battery life of the X8 is pretty respectable. You will be able to talk on a 3G network for up to 5 hours and 40 minutes. If you are using advanced apps, you will find that there is plenty of processor speed available, thanks to the 600MHz processor and 128MB of RAM. This should be enough firepower to tackle almost any request, though it does not match the blazing speed of the best Android phones.
Though it lacks a flash or auto-focus, the 3.2 megapixel camera is impressive for the price range. It is very easy to use and navigate around the menus, with the capability to record video as well. Users will not be disappointed with the quality even when uploaded to a full size computer screen. The quality is definitely above average.
Current X8 models have the Android 1.6 operating system installed, though you will be able to upgrade to 2.1 very soon. Sony plans to ship X8′s with 2.1 already installed later this year. Because this is an Android phone, you will be able to take advantage of the Android Market, adding all your favorite apps with just a few clicks.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 has a very modern, stylish look that manages to be small yet remain fully functional. For the right market demographic, it provides all the services you could want. So who is the right market demographic? The phone is clearly designed to be affordable, and unfortunately, it seems Sony met this goal by going with reduced internet browsing ability. If you want a reliable phone at a good price and do not plan on doing much internet browsing, then this is a good choice.
