Sony has launched a 4G variant of Xperia E at MWC this year. It is a basic budget smartphone, one among limited portfolio Sony has to showcase this year. As the name suggests, this device is meant to offer 4G LTE connectivity dressed up in Xperia branded device, that you can buy without spending too much.
Sony Xperia E4G Aqua Quick Specs
- Display Size: 4.7 Inch Display with 960 x 540 qHD Resolution
- Processor: 64 Bit 1.5 GHz MT6732 Quad Core Processor
- RAM: 1 GB
- Software Version: Android 4.4.4 KitKat
- Camera: 5 MP rear camera
- Secondary Camera: 2 MP
- Internal Storage: 8 GB
- External Storage: 32 GB MicroSD support
- Battery: 2,300 mAh
- Removable Connectivity: 3G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS
Xperia E 4G Hands on Review, Camera, Price, Features, Comparison and Overview [Video]
Design, Build and Display
Sony Xperia E 4G has a new design, something which sony hasn’t implemented before, with curved edges and matte finish rear plastic back. The round power button and volume rocker is similar to what you see in Xperia phones which flaunt OmniBalance design.
The rear surface looks neat, but still manages to accomodate Sony and Xperia branding, rear camera, loud speaker grill and NFC logo. The round edges and thick form factor works in its favor and make it comfortable to hold. It’s a sturdy Xperia series phone which looks good.
The display is 4.7 Inches in size and bears qHD 960 x 540 pixels. There is no apparent pixelation and display quality is just ok. A scratch resistant layer is also present on top. Viewing angles and colors could use some improvement. The front glass also accumulates smudges rather easily.
Processor and RAM
We are happy that Sony is using 1.5 GHz MediaTek’s MT6732 64 bit Cortex A53 based quad core SoC, complimented with 1 GB RAM, which will offer good performance and keep the price in check. A little more than 300 MB of RAM is free on first boot.
Past month several phones were launched with the same chip in China, and have received positive nod from critiques. We will be seeing a lot more MT6732 in low end budget quad cores by the same time next year.
Camera and Internal Storage
The rear camera has a 5 MP sensor with LED flash. Low light photos we clicked were darker than we had hoped for. Camera software offers plenty of options and several modes to play with. You can record 1080p HD videos too. On the front side, a 2 MP selfies shooter is present which works well.
Internal storage is 8 GB out of which 4.8 GB is present at user end. You can also use 32 GB MicroSD space. You can install apps on SD card as well.
User Interface
Xperia E4G is running Android 4.4.4 KitKat based ROM out of the box. It is the familiar Xperia interface that we have seen on numerous other devices last year, but has been optimized. Sony has also Clear Audio+ software and Sony 3D Surround Sound technology to improve audio quality, the effects of which will be more pronounced while using headphones.
Though back cover is removable, you cannot swap the 2300 mAh battery by yourself. Sony claims up to 12 hours 42 min of talk time and up t0 653 hours of maximum standby time, which is above average.
Sony Xperia E4G Photo Gallery
Conclusion
Sony Xperia E4G is a good entry level handset and will be admired by basic users prioritizing brand value above everything else. There is plenty to like here, including NFC, enhanced Audio, Powerful Chipset and sturdy ergonomic design, But at the same time, it can’t be denied that there are other better options available in the same price range.The handset has been priced at just $129 (approx 9,000 INR) and will go on sale starting from 15th April. India will be one of the launch countries.
