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In 2010, it was all about the Xperia series for Sony Ericsson, which raised a lot of questions towards the outdated versions of Android, bulky design and lacking features. In 2011 Sony Ericsson has announced the addition of a new model in the series called the Xperia Arc, and it seems like it is a great design improvement when compared to all the previous Xperia models. Furthermore, It is one of the most slimmest and thinnest phone ever produced by any mobile company; sporting a 4.2 inch screen with a TFT LD screen and a distinct feature of Sony’s Bravia Engine image.

It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It boasts of 8.1 megapixel camera and here comes the real twist; it features the Exmor R CMOS sensor. The Xperia Arc would be the first phone to feature this in its model as only compact cameras had recently started to add this feature. It would be a feature packed phone with 8 GB memory expandable up to 32 GB, HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.1, micro USB slot and HDMI slot, IM services, Google maps, integrated social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Xperia Arc is set to be released in the first quarter of the year in UK but there has been no mention about its price. It could be expected to be on the higher side. Though the version of Android has been updated when compared to its previous models, but still its outdated when compared to phones of other leading companies which are running on Android 3.0. Latest announcements of phones like Motorola Atrix and LG Optimus 2x have dual core processor chip where as Xperia Arc has single core processor. However, its 2 distinct features of Bravia Engine and Exmor R CMOS sensor gives a new dimension to phones aimed at entertainment.

If you go for overall appeal as the determining factor in purchasing a mobile, then you should definitely consider the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8. To put it bluntly, this Smartphone is one of the most aesthetically pleasing mobiles we’ve seen in a long time. However, it isn’t all about looks as this phone is equipped with impressive mobile phone features.

All About Looks

What immediately captures the eye with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 is definitely its gradient back cover. Aside from the device being primarily coloured white, its behind is also equally appealing as it comes in different gradient colours including aqua blue, pink, silver, and dark blue.

This Sony Ericsson Smartphone is also very well proportioned with dimensions of 99 x 54 x 15 mm. It only weighs 104 grams which makes this XPERIA device very compact. It’s considerably smaller than most Smartphones in the market today and fits perfectly in your hands.

And Features Too

As with other XPERIA Smartphones (and most Sony Ericsson mobiles, for that matter), there is no shortage in features on the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8. Both 3G HSDPA and WLAN are on board the device and it also supports EDGE and GPRS. Alongside its Android mobile OS is a 600 MHz processor that is able to get the job done. The device also sports a functional 3.15-Megapixel snapper that features geo-tagging as well.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 has a sizable 3” TFT capacitive touch screen display that has a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. Another aspect that makes this Smartphone unique is the four on-screen shortcut buttons which are located on each corner of the display. You’ll have quick access to your messages, applications, phonebook, and multimedia using these conveniently positioned shortcut keys.

O2 UK has gotten first dibs on announcing the launch of the XPERIA X8 Android. While some folks might be groaning at the prospect of having another Android smart phone (there really are quite a lot this year), this new handset is a pretty fine addition to Sony Ericsson’s lineup –the only question would be if the launch of the device is not a little too late.

For most handsets packing the same hardware specifications as the X8 smart phone, the ideal release date would have been much earlier this year, right before the first wave of high end smart phones had come out. Also, the launch of the X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro have already rounded up plenty of sales in the mid range market. The two products might possibly cannibalize each other’s sales.

For Android smart phone fans, having more choices is always better, and the X8 offers one interesting alternative for those who want to own an Android smart phone. The design is, without a doubt, the signature XPERIA smart phone look that the X10 has. It stands out with its heavy lines and use of subtle curves. At the same time, the looks are quite classic, able to deliver the intensity of a serious smart phone. This diverse style and appearance makes XPERIA handsets fitting for both casual and formal occasions.

Unique to the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 is its’ simplistic features. The form may be similar to the other SE Android devices, but the X8 has to be the most standard of them all. The 3 inch TFT capacitive touch screen, 3.2 mega pixel camera, a 600 MHz CPU; these are mid range specs that would go well for any phone –Sony is giving buyers an option to purchase a unique looking handset with very familiar and comfortable features.

It is a double sided bit of news, the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro is finally coming out, but it seems like the Android smart phone will still be using the old 1.6 operating system.

We already knew that the X10 Mini Pro would be launching soon and it is about time that Sony finally confirmed that the handset is indeed heading to UK stores. If the initial estimates are correct, fans of the Android OS should expect to see the handset come out in the next few days –which means that network operators will also be adding the device to their tariff plans as well.

The big bonus of the X10 Mini Pro over the original X10 Mini is the addition of the slide out QWERTY keyboard. While the additional feature may not mean much for some smart phone users, it actually makes the handset much more suited to texting, writing long emails and other text heavy applications.

Users with big stubby fingers will appreciate the layout of Sony Ericsson’s physical keys; the buttons are evenly and widely spaced –which means that accidentally clicking the wrong buttons will not be so common. The responsive buttons also make the handset much more suitable for high speed typing.

As impressive as the keyboard may be, the OS is still quite lacking. While the Android 1.6 Donut is considered to be one of the best Android versions available, the newer 2.1 Éclair is already out, not to mention the fact that the Froyo is finally downloadable for many users with some devices awaiting special versions of the update to be available.

With the Éclair already set as a new standard and the Froyo version being released for many handsets, the X10 Mini Pro (as well as the XPERIA X10 and the X10 Mini) will be left behind in terms of OS performance.

The new Mini Android smart phone from Sony Ericsson is now available through the Carphone Warehouse. It appears that there has been plenty of interest in this tiny mid range smart phone. Despite not having the high end hardware on the XPERIA X10 (which comes with a massive 4 inch capacitive touch screen, an 8 mega pixel camera and a Snapdragon 1GHz CPU), the X10 Mini is actually a pretty practical phone to have.

In fact, for those who are not too picky about their hardware –and are on a budget, the X10 Mini is the perfect solution to many smart phone needs.

In terms of hardware, the X10 Mini is a practical handset. The 2.5 inch capacitive touch screen is not as small as it may sound (compared to the significantly larger screen on the original device), and at close look, the display delivers a pretty solid Android experience for users. Even the phone’s interface comes with a stripped down version of the Timescape tool on the original XPERIA X10.

For now, the X10 Mini will be using the older Android 1.6 Donut operating system –just like the original handset. This probably means that when the larger handset gets an update, so might the mini version, and the original X10 is due to get an update on September (so anyone hoping for an update to the latest version might want to settle for another handset).

The device comes with a very small 128 MB of internal storage so users will certainly want to make use of the microSD card support –it will support up to 16GB cards and according to initial reports, a 2GB card will come packed with the handset.

A 5 mega pixel camera with autofocus, LED flash, geo-tagging and 30FPS VGA video recording will be replacing the larger 8MP camera on the original X10.

Despite the fact that the device has yet to be released in the UK, the XPERIA X2 is still being supported by Sony Ericsson.

According to reports, a new update will be bringing over Windows Mobile 6.5.2 to the smart phone as well as the addition of new features of the XPERIA OS. The Panels system will be updated, as well as the rotating graphic user interface. The Dialer has also been updated to make navigating the device’s contacts list a lot easier. The last part of the add-on includes some interesting new features such as an FM radio, video calling, auto lock and a more efficient GPS lock.

Folks hoping to get the newer Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Maldives update will have to wait for May.

If importing the XPERIA X2 is not something that you are inclined to do, you might prefer to get the XPERIA X10. It is an Android device, but many would prefer that operating system over the WinMo OS. According to reports, an update to version 2.0 of the Android will be made available soon –quite important considering that the X10 only comes with version 1.6 Donut.

The X10 has an 8 mega pixel snapper, a 4 inch capacitive touch screen display and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The device made its debut last February at the Mobile World Congress and is now available on various contracts on Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile.

For those looking for a slightly cheaper SE device, the X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro smart phones are going to be in stock in the UK by sometime this May. Both devices share similar specifications with the Mini Pro having an extra feature: a slide out QWERTY keyboard.

Find out more about the XPERIA X2 update for the Windows Mobile OS and more at GSM Arena.