Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10 was one of the most highly publicised Android Smartphone releases this year with its large 4 inch screen and 8 MP shooter. The device's smaller cousins have made their appearance - the compact Xperia X10 Mini and the Xperia X10 Mini Pro. Does this dimunitive slider have all that it takes to make a cool buy:
Key Specifications:
Screen Size: 2.55 inches
Weight: 120 gms
Processor: 600 mhz
RAM/ROM: 256 MB/256MB
Cam: 5 MP
OS: Android 1.6 (aka Donut).
Slideout Keyboard (38 keys)
Pros:
Compact Size
Responsive Slide-out Keyboard
Decent Camera
Great Build quality
Apps load fast
Great Speaker Audio
Timescape that integrates all Calls, Messages and Social Networking on a Single App (Same as the X10)
Cons:
Screen size can be too small for those used to larger screens
No Smart Dialling (Major Minus)
Small screen hinders some Google Apps from running and also home screen customisation
Older OS (Android 1.6)
Bottomline:
For a phone that is small enough to squeeze into your fifth (small) denim pocket the Xperia X10 Mini Pro is a surprise package. The Keyboard is probably the biggest plus about this phone. Neatly spaced, very responsive and yet surprisingly compact. The Camera produces good images, the Music Output and battery life are acceptable and the small screen ensures the 600 Mhz processor has less screen real estate to service; the result – a smooth and swift user experience. The phone’s biggest strength – Size, is probably its biggest weak-link. The Small screen size means lesser place for Widgets and customisation which seriously handicaps the Android Interface. The Android version is quite dated too; the phone runs Android 1.6; Versions 2.1 and 2.2 (aka Froyo) are already out. Overall the phone is still a good buy for those seeking a feature-packed compact phone. And at Rs 16,500 (Approx) it is still good value-for-money.
