The HTC Merge and Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro represent a bygone era of smartphones, both offering physical keyboards and a taste of early Android. But which of these compact devices holds up best today? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro edges out the HTC Merge thanks to its faster processor, Snapdragon chipset, and generally more responsive experience. While both are dated, the Xperia mini pro offers a slightly more usable and enjoyable Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps / HSPA | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, April | 2011, May. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 120.7 x 61.9 x 13.8 mm (4.75 x 2.44 x 0.54 in) | 92 x 53 x 18 mm (3.62 x 2.09 x 0.71 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 136 g (4.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.8 inches, 41.1 cm2 (~55.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~55.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | S-LCD | LED-backlit LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 800 MHz | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM7630 | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), Sense UI | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), not upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 2GB 512MB RAM | 512MB RAM, 400MB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | - | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Dedicated search key
MP3/WAV/AAC+ player
MP4/H.264/DivX/XviD player
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | ANT+
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
TrackID music recognition
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 29 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 330 h | Up to 331 h (2G) / Up to 340 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 30 min | Up to 5 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 25 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Pink, Turquoise |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.72 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 714:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 70dB |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 714:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 70dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 70dB |
HTC Merge
- Physical keyboard
- Compact size
- Early Android experience
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera
- Limited app support
Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro
- Physical keyboard
- Faster processor
- Snapdragon chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera
- Limited app support
- Dated design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small displays (HTC Merge: 3.2-inch, Xperia mini pro: 3.2-inch) with a nominal contrast ratio of 714:1. Screen resolution is low by modern standards, making text and images appear pixelated. Viewing angles are limited on both. Neither phone excels in display quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are basic on both devices. Both offer photo and video recording, but image quality is poor by today's standards. Expect grainy photos and limited low-light performance. Neither phone is a serious contender for photography.
Performance
The Xperia mini pro's 1.0 GHz Scorpion processor and Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 chipset provide a noticeable performance advantage over the HTC Merge's 800 MHz CPU and MSM7630 chipset. Apps load faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother on the Xperia mini pro. The Merge can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Battery life was a common concern for both devices in their prime. While specific battery capacities are difficult to compare accurately now, expect moderate battery life on both, requiring daily charging with typical usage. The Xperia mini pro *might* have a slight edge due to more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
The HTC Merge might appeal to hardcore retro enthusiasts seeking a very specific, early Android experience. The Xperia mini pro is a better choice for anyone wanting a functional, compact Android phone with a keyboard, even with its age.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. App support is dwindling, and performance is slow compared to modern smartphones. They are best suited for niche use cases or retro enthusiasts.
❓ Can I update the Android version on either phone?
Officially, no. Both phones are long past their software update cycles. Custom ROMs *might* be available for advanced users, but this is not recommended for beginners.
