Sony Xperia X8 Review: Affordable Android Experience

Sony Xperia X8 (E15i/E16i): Detailed Noun Explanation

The Sony Xperia X8 is an entry-level Android smartphone launched by Sony Ericsson (prior to Sony’s full acquisition of Ericsson’s mobile division) in October 2010. Positioned as an affordable alternative to Sony’s flagship Xperia X10, it targets first-time smartphone users and budget-conscious consumers with a compact design, basic smart features, and Sony’s signature multimedia capabilities.

Basic Identity & Launch Info

Item	Details
Full English Name	Sony Ericsson Xperia X8
Model Codes	E15i (Global variant); E16i (China variant with Walkman branding)
Launch Date	October 2010
Product Category	Entry-level Android smartphone
Key Taglines	“Smart for All”; “Compact Android Experience”
Starting Price (2010)	~€199 (unlocked, 2GB storage)

Key Technical Specifications (English)

1. Display

Type & Size: 3.0-inch capacitive TFT LCD touchscreen
Resolution: 320×480 pixels (HVGA), 160 ppi
Color Gamut: 16 million colors
Features: Scratch-resistant glass; multi-touch support; Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine (basic version for enhanced contrast)
Aspect Ratio: 3:2

2. Processor & Performance

Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7227 (65nm process)
CPU: Single-core 600MHz ARM11 Cortex-A8
GPU: Adreno 200
Memory: 256MB RAM (LPDDR1); 256MB ROM
Storage: 2GB internal storage (user-accessible: ~150MB); expandable up to 16GB via microSD card slot (supports microSDHC)
Note: The E16i variant retains the same specs but adds Walkman music software optimizations.

3. Camera System

Rear Camera: 3.2-megapixel fixed-focus sensor, f/2.4 aperture, 3× digital zoom, LED flash
Video Recording: 320×240 pixels (QVGA) at 15fps (no HD video support)
Front Camera: None
Multimedia Features: Sony Clear Audio Technology; MP3/AAC/WMA playback; FM radio with RDS; 3.5mm headphone jack

4. Battery & Charging

Capacity: 1200mAh removable Li-ion battery (model: BA750)
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours (2G); up to 4 hours (3G)
Standby Time: Up to 480 hours (2G); up to 420 hours (3G)
Charging: Proprietary Sony Ericsson Fast Port (no Micro-USB, a key limitation vs. competitors)

5. Design & Build

Material: Plastic body with metallic accents; curved back panel for grip
Dimensions: 99×54×15mm
Weight: 104g
Color Options: Black, White, Pink, Blue, Silver
Buttons & Controls: Physical home/back/menu keys; volume rocker; dedicated camera shutter key
Protection: No official IP rating (basic dust resistance only)

6. Software & Connectivity

Operating System: Initially Android 1.6 Donut; upgradable to Android 2.1 Eclair (no further OS updates)
User Interface: Sony Ericsson Timescape UI (aggregates social media, messages, and calls in one feed); Mediascape UI (multimedia library management)
Connectivity:
- Cellular: 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900); 3G (HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 2Mbps)
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g; Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (A2DP for stereo audio)
- Navigation: A-GPS (no standalone GPS)
- Port: Sony Ericsson Fast Port (for charging, data transfer, and audio output)
Security: PIN lock; pattern lock

Market Position & Key Differentiators

Budget-Friendly Flagship Design: Adopted the same “arc” design language as the high-end Xperia X10, making it visually appealing for entry-level users.
Sony Multimedia Optimizations: Clear Audio Technology and BRAVIA Engine delivered better audio/visual performance than most competitors in the same price range.
Walkman Variant (E16i): Targeted music lovers with dedicated Walkman software, equalizer presets, and track recognition features.
Limitations: Lack of HD video recording, proprietary charging port, and limited OS updates (stuck at Android 2.1) restricted its long-term usability.

Common Terminology Clarification

Android Donut/Eclair: Early Android versions (1.6/2.1) that laid the foundation for basic smartphone features like app widgets, multi-touch, and improved camera APIs.

Timescape UI: Sony Ericsson’s custom UI layer that integrates social media, SMS, and call logs into a single, scrollable timeline.

Mediascape UI: A media management interface for organizing photos, videos, and music files on the device.

Fast Port: Sony Ericsson’s proprietary connector for charging, data transfer, and audio, which was later replaced by Micro-USB in subsequent Xperia models.