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Dual review: Sony Ericsson X10 Mini & X10 Mini Pro

John Walton — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:24:39 +0000

In an era of growing specs and expanding screens, it seems like the “bigger is better” mentality has taken the mobile public by storm. Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G, with it’s 4.3″ display, measures 4.8″ tall and 2.6″ wide. The Motorola DROID X on Verizon also packs a 4.3″ display. AT&T is about to launch the monstrous Dell Streak, which features a full 5 diagonal inches of screen real estate.

These enormously popular and buzzed about (in the case of the Streak) flagships represent the cutting edge of Android progress, and very likely the near future for a multitude of follow-ups and direct competitors on the mobile stage. The line between tablet and cell phone has been blurred – nearly into non-existence.

As obvious and readily accepted as this trend towards tall and wide but thin mobile gadgets is, those giant glowing slabs aren’t for everyone. When I first got an EVO 4G, I thought the thing was just too big; partly because I would prefer a higher resolution and a smaller rendering of pretty much everything on the display. However, I have adjusted and the old Android standard of 3.2″ screens feels absolutely tiny. Not tiny enough for some folks, I should add, who will be absolutely delighted with the smallest Androids to date: Sony Ericsson’s X10 Mini (unboxing) and X10 Mini Pro (unboxing). (cont.)

As much as I love giant touch screens, there is something to be said for the cute little gadget that can sit virtually unnoticed in your breast pocket or unobtrusively in a change purse. I think there is a large market for products like this, and while the Minis aren’t right for me as full-time daily drivers, I have enjoyed using them. I received the Mini a couple of weeks ahead of the Mini Pro and I was disappointed with my text input options. While SE has done well with the space they have to work with, I simply can’t – at this stage of mobile evolution – revert to T9 text input; even with the Mini’s nifty sliding panels for special characters and emoticons (cont.):

The compromised typing situation was enough to leave me avoiding the X10 Mini in favor of some other devices I had on hand for testing. I decided to wait on my review until SE could get me the hardware keyboard enhanced micro-droid, the X10 Mini Pro (cont.):

Those keys made all the difference in the world for me. In fact, having a hardware keyboard on a device with such a diminutive screen has me viewing the Mini as a feature phone and the Pro as a smart phone. Now this isn’t a fair or accurate classification of the devices, which are virtually identical in terms of their capabilities, outside of the QWERTY. It’s more a matter of practical usage. I simply don’t bother with the features I consider characterizing of a smart phone with such limiting text input options. That isn’t to say that the Mini is unusable; just that I have a strong aversion to digging into the OS and typing emails, calendar events, and even text messages via the tedious ten key the Mini offers up. (cont.)

The X10 Mini Pro, on the other hand, invites you to type. It takes a bit of practice to become proficient with those four little rows, but I have to say that SE’s engineers put together a very usable keyboard considering the area they had to work with. I wouldn’t type out an entire post on one for fear of cramps, and that manifesto you’ve been churning around in your mind could result in wrist surgery. But for text messages and quick emails, the X10 Mini Pro’s keyboard is just right. And it’s enough to fill that input gap left by the Mini standard.

But enough about keyboards. The Mini and the Mini Pro have plenty more to offer, not the least of which is a sleek, functional media player. And if there’s one role these gadgets fit perfectly into, it’s “cutest music player ever.” O.K., maybe not the cutest ever, but the cutest that I would be caught dead with.

In line with the Mini & Mini Pro’s home screens, as seen at the top of this page, the music player features shortcuts in the corners of the screen, which, again, is an efficient use of limited space. Nearly every aspect of these devices is an example of space economics. There was only one realm where I felt the management of space could have been handled better: widgets (cont.):

Only one widget per screen leaves a lot of empty room on the display, but this is a minor complaint. The interface – once referred to by SE as “The Nexus UX” and now encapsulated by the Timescape launcher – lets you swipe left and right for widgets, up for applications, and presents handy buttons in the corners of the screen. The animations are snappy, and I found the software much more responsive than the early, full-sized X10’s I was able to test when the product was sent out running not-ready-for-primetime software.

The cameras on the X10 Mini and Mini Pro are acceptable. Considering the size, I feel comfortable saying that they perform very well…sometimes. After testing, testing, and testing some more, I discovered that results were a bit unpredictable. Below are some still and video samples that are representative of my overall experience. Stills were scaled from 2592 X 1936, and like the videos, were shot at the highest quality settings. Pay special attention the video shot in complete darkness with the LED acting as a torch. Stylistically, I find the noise pleasing, and could envision shooting one perspective of a horror movie character with the Mini Pro, but that’s probably not what you’re looking for. Nevertheless, it’s good enough for casual snaps and clips. (cont.)

Inside at dusk:

Dusk before automatic adjustment:

Dusk after automatic adjustment:

Pitch dark, with flash:

Orientation assignment problem:

Video samples:

As for call quality, I found incoming audio to be sharper than outgoing. Despite testing on numerous devices in various locations, I’m reluctant to say the phone has a bad mic or any kind of reception issues. Overall, call quality was acceptable.

Conclusion:

With Android 1.6 on board, the X10 Mini & Mini Pro are in the same boat as T-Mobile’s Garminfone. Android fanatics just don’t seem to be interested. And I can’t say I blame them. WIth the exciting new features and killer optimizations found in Android 2.2, Foroyo, The ol’ Donut feels outdated. But what the X10s and Garminfone have going for them are cool custom interfaces that the average consumer is likely to find aesthetically and technically appealing.

With 2.55″ screens at 320 X 240 resolution, the target audience here, again, is not the hardcore tech geek, but the mainstream public. Both devices feature the prerequisite specs to compete in the mind of the average consumer in today’s market: WiFi, A-GPS, 3G, 5MP cams with auto-focus and flash, and a 3.5mm audio jack. But tomorrow’s market is another story. The 600MHz processor keeps this phone snappy enough to sit next to the other Androids currently selling, but not for long; Sony Ericsson will have to revamp their Android line very soon because by the time Gingerbread (Android 3.0) is released, very few people will be excited for 2.1 – the upgrade we’re expecting for the X10 family by the end of the quarter. And with many Androids seeing 2.2’s performance boosts in 2010, 2.1 and lower devices are bound to appear progressively more sluggish in the very near future.

See the specs for Sony Ericsson’s X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro.

While the original X10 could be launching on AT&T in the next few weeks, no plans have been announced for launching the Mini and Mini Pro on a carrier in the States. The Mini just dropped on Rogers wireless in Canada, available in several colors.

For information on the original X10, see my unboxing, my Q&R (1, 2, 3, 4), and the root announcement. Also see this post on the X8.

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A pair of Androids for Telstra

Breon Nagy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:34:37 +0000

There are two phones that have done their fair share of globetrotting; The HTC Desire and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. Each have been popping up in carrier press rooms and the rumor mill for a couple of months now. Well, our fine friends Down Under will be able to pick up these Android devices, at their local Telstra stores, very soon.

The Desire was released yesterday, a week earlier than scheduled, in Telstra’s flagship [T]life stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while the rest of the Telstra stores will receive shipments by the end of the week. The X10 will be available on May 4th in Telstra stores and dealers. Both are free with select plans. You can “register your interest” for the X10 here.

I searched the twittersphere to see what folks are saying about the two phones. So far the major complaint is that both of Telstra’s “Ultimate” plans only include 150MB of data usage.

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X10 reportedly launching on AT&T this Summer

John Walton — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:39:14 +0000

Engadget has word that AT&T will be launching Sony Ericsson’s troubled XPERIA X10 during the week comprising the end of July and the beginning of August. Will it be running Android 1.6? Probably, but a major update may roll out soon after launch. Will the touchscreen and phone performance live up to the expectations that Android fans will have acquired by then after playing with Incredible, EVO, and possibly Samsung’s Galaxy S? That’s another story. Of course, there is a very good possibility that this release window could change, and considering that the X10 already seems to be a better fit for the last generation of Android flagships, I say it needs all the updates and tweaking it can get before release.

Via Engadget Mobile

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X10 will do multi-touch? Wait…what?

John Walton — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:06:32 +0000

After receiving numerous conflicting responses to the question of how many colors the screen of Sony Ericsson’s X10 can handle – from people in positions of authority on the matter – and after being told, in no uncertain terms, that the glitchy touch screen is physically incapable of multi-touch, the X10 saga just experienced another twist: Engadget is reporting that the phone will do multi-touch after a software update in the second half of the year.

Engadget is tying this tip from “a man on the inside” with SE’s plans to have Android 2.1 on the device in September. Keep in mind that we’ve been told on several occasions that the X10’s problems with screen sensitivity and responsiveness will be resolved with software updates. All of this sounds dandy, and the delays, balks, and hiccups are understandable considering that this the company’s first Android, but what do you all think of this rumor? If it is true, will it be too little too late? It all depends on the final quality of the screen experience in my book.

Via Engadget

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Rogers launches X10, Mini & Mini Pro coming soon?

John Walton — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:02:30 +0000

Today is the big day in Canada for Sony Ericsson’s troubled maiden Android voyage, commonly known as the X10. The phone, which runs Android 1.6 and has fared poorly in many reviews thanks to a non-responsive screen and sometimes sluggish software is going for $149 on a three-year contract. Perhaps more interesting is that Mobile Syrup has been tipped by a “regular reliable Rogers source” that the X10 Mini and Mini Pro (pictured right) are on their way to the carrier this Summer. If so, let’s hope they experience more favorable debuts. Check out Rogers’ X10 launch video below.

Via Android Central and Mobile Syrup

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Details for X10 on Rogers

John Walton — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:46:45 +0000

While we in the States don’t have any specific, reliable information on the X10 launch on our side of the boarder, Canadians just got a shot of news that will force a decision for many a fence sitter. The phone – apparently along with all of the bugs we’ve seen in review units – will reportedly launch on Rogers Wireless on April 15th for $149.99 on a three-year contract and $549.99 outright. Those are Canadian dolars but the exchange rate is pretty even right now, for those US readers looking to import and run the phone on AT&T’s 3G. Personally, I would say wait to see what happens with bug fixes and possibly even Android 2.1 before ordering from another country at full price.

Via Android in Canada

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Sony Ericsson X10 camera review, final Q&A

John Walton — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 05:35:44 +0000

This is the one I’ve been looking forward to. At times (due largely to buggy software that drapes a layer of meh atop what I suspect could be a great experience), Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X10 feels like a camera with a phone rather than a phone with a camera. In the video below I wrap up my *video* responses (more written to come) to your questions and requests before getting to the camera software.

After the break, check out the photo and video samples straight from the X10. For those who have asked: If I had to pick my two favorite features of the X10, it would be the camera (hard and software) and the media player, which I also covered tonight.

X10 video samples:

WVGA, outside, daylight:

WVGA, indoors, good lighting:

WVGA, indoors, dim lighting:

WVGA, “sports” mode for a motion test:

X10 still photo samples

I switched between various focus and scene settings depending on what seemed appropriate. The highest resolution setting, 8MP, was used for all still images. I did resize these for posting from 3264 x 2448 to 600 x 450 (landscape) and 600 x 800 (portrait).

Totally overcast:

Bright Sun, directly overhead:

A cool evening:

Sunset behind me:

Very dark room, photo light:

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Sony Ericsson X10 questions and requests, part 3

John Walton — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 04:53:32 +0000

My time with Sony Ericsson’s X10 is done but there’s still some material to come, including written content and one more questions and requests video to post after this quickie. Also see part 1 and part 2.

This video covers: music player, headphones, line-in adapter controls, speakers, the browser (briefly), life w/o trackball, user updates.

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Sony Ericsson X10a: questions and requests, pt. 2

John Walton — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:08:04 +0000

When I have a review loaner on hand, I like to have viewers send in questions and requests that I try to answer and fulfill on video. This is the second of a series on the X10. If you missed part one, see it here. I’ve got one more of these coming along with more detailed questions, possibly a written response. I will also post a camera review and my overall impressions over the next week, so stay tuned.

Covered in this video: US carrier, US release, US pricing, home replacements, themes, front facing cam, capacative/resistive, another keyboard test (Sense vs. Sense, at 5:32), sluggishness in Timescape?

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No multi-touch for X10

John Walton — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:49:04 +0000

Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X10 has been taking a bit of a beating in tech blogs lately for various reasons, the primary one being that the software doesn’t seem to have improved all that much since an ill conceived luncheon presser in New York that left virtually all attendees wondering why on Earth they were allowed to test a phone so far from being ready for consumer release. While the launch seemed far away at the moment, it’s right on top of us now (at least for UK readers), and it’s a bit disappointing to tap a key on the virtual QWERTY to see it change colors but not register, or to tap around the homescreen with no reaction for a few seconds and then have the wrong item selected. We are told that these issues will be resolved – that software updates will address the problems. I certainly hope so, because it would be a damn shame for a company like Sony Ericsson – who is known for elegant hard and software – to watch a flagship sink on their maiden Android voyage.

One thing that will not be improved upon, however, is the phone’s lack of multi-touch support. The hardware just doesn’t support it. This isn’t such terrible news, really. There are a lot of great devices out there lacking multi-touch. But it has become one of those features that Android fanatics look for the second they learn of a new device. For that reason, the X10 will come out of the gate an underdog in their eyes. Not to mention that it ships with Android 1.6. I think a lot of you would agree with me in saying that it’s a bit late in the game to be selling Donuts – at least at full price with an eye on being a serious competitor.

I, like many of you, was very excited for the X10. The physical design is distinguished and sexy, the user experience (UI, or UX) is beautiful, and most of the specs are quite impressive. Considering Sony Ericsson’s reputation, I think we were right to anticipate the phone as a potential front runner – possibly even a game changer. And though it still has massive potential (pending a software update) I kind of get the feeling that one more bit of bad news might drag this thing out of the heavyweight ring altogether. This is a bad thing in my mind, because SE clearly went to great lengths to make the X10 stand out in the Android race and to offer us the very best phone they could. The camera is killer; the Nexus UX is aesthetically pleasing and assisted by brilliant, exclusive apps; and the body of the phone is an object of lust. But it seems to me that some poor choices were made in the screen department. We can’t even get a straight answer on how many colors it supports. I’ve heard three different answers from reputable sources.

Rikard Skogberg of Sony Ericsson had this to say to Slash Gear:

“I don’t have any technical details around the screen to share, sorry! – However I have now gotten confirmation on the question of multi touch. As said earlier there’s no multitouch in X10 – and I also can confirm that it’s not only related to SW but also to HW. Despite this, for future updates of X10 we are of course working on other solutions for e.g. zooming, which has been requested frequently on this blog, such has the solution demoed on X10 mini”

I hope the updates come soon, and I hope they are complete, because I really want to love this phone. Right now, I’m on the fence. I will be posting an overall review, camera samples, and sore question and request videos this week. Stay tuned.

Via Slash Gear