The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S and Neo V were both compelling Android devices released in the early 2010s. While sharing a similar design language and some core components, they offered distinct experiences. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you understand which phone was the better choice back then, and what their legacy is today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia Arc S edges out the Neo V thanks to its faster processor and slightly improved overall performance. While both offer a respectable experience, the Arc S's 1.4 GHz CPU provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness. Battery life is a draw, and camera quality is comparable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - LT18i | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - MT11i |
| EDGE | Yes | No |
| GPRS | Yes | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 - LT18a | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - MT11a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, September | 2011, August. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm (4.92 x 2.48 x 0.34 in) | 116 x 57 x 13 mm (4.57 x 2.24 x 0.51 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 117 g (4.13 oz) | 126 g (4.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.2 inches, 48.6 cm2 (~61.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | LED-backlit LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.4 GHz Scorpion | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), not upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM | 1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| 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, EDR |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | No |
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+
HDMI port
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
TrackID music recognition
NeoReader barcode scanner
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | ANT+
HDMI port
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player
TrackID music recognition
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (T9 Trace) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 37 h | Up to 31 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 460 h (2G) / Up to 460 h (3G) | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h 25 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 35 min (3G) | Up to 6 h 55 min (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pure White, Midnight Blue, Misty Silver, Gloss Black, Sakura Pink | White, Blue Gradient, Silver |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.66 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.3dB / Crosstalk -90.2dB |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -80.9dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 42h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1578:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 76dB
|
Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB
|
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S
- Faster Processor (1.4 GHz)
- Slightly Better Performance
- Premium Feel (slightly)
- Good Display Contrast
- Battery life slightly less than Neo V
- Outdated Software
- Camera performance is dated
Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
- Excellent Battery Life (42h endurance rating)
- Vibrant Display
- Good Value (at the time)
- Compact Size
- Slower Processor (1.0 GHz)
- Outdated Software
- Camera performance is dated
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 4.2-inch Reality Display with a nominal contrast ratio of 1578:1. While impressive for their time, the displays are now dated by modern standards. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate, but don't expect the vividness of contemporary screens. Resolution is similar, offering a decent viewing experience for text and images.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 8MP cameras capable of recording 720p video. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but suffers in low light. The Arc S might offer slightly better image processing due to its more powerful processor, but the difference is minimal. Expect grainy images and limited dynamic range.
Performance
The Arc S boasts a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU, compared to the Neo V's 1.0 GHz Scorpion. This difference translates to noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Arc S. Both phones run Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and are unlikely to receive further updates. The Snapdragon S2 chipset is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Neo V is advertised with an endurance rating of 42h, suggesting slightly better battery life than the Arc S. However, real-world usage likely sees similar performance, with both devices providing a full day of moderate use. Battery capacity is similar, but software optimization and background processes can influence actual battery life.
Buying Guide
The Xperia Arc S is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly more premium feel. The Neo V is a good option for those seeking excellent battery life and a vibrant display, especially if budget was a primary concern. Considering their age, neither is recommended for purchase today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version did these phones ship with?
Both the Xperia Arc S and Neo V initially shipped with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread).
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
No, these phones are quite old and outdated. They lack modern features, security updates, and performance capabilities. They are not recommended for purchase.
