The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and Xperia Ray were popular Android smartphones from a bygone era. Both offered a sleek design and a respectable feature set, but which one truly reigned supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia Ray edges out the Neo thanks to its superior sunlight readability and slightly more modern design. While both share the same processor, the Ray's optimized build and better outdoor visibility give it a slight advantage for most users. Both are dated now, but the Ray holds up a bit better.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - ST18i |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - ST18a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, March | 2011, June. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 116 x 57 x 13 mm (4.57 x 2.24 x 0.51 in) | 111 x 53 x 9.4 mm (4.37 x 2.09 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 126 g (4.44 oz) | 100 g (3.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~297 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.3 inches, 30.0 cm2 (~51.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | - | Touch sensitive controls |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Scorpion | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included |
| Internal | 320MB 512MB RAM | 1GB (300MB user available), 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Quad | - | 40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (Periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, (depth) |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | Yes | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, 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 |
| | 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 | ANT+
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV player
TrackID music recognition
SensMe
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 40W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Music play | Up to 31 h | Up to 36 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 440 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 55 min (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G) | Up to 6 h 50 min (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue Gradient, Red, Silver | Black, Gold, White, Pink |
| Models | - | BMH-AN10, BMH-AN20 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.10 W/kg (head) | 0.96 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.8dB / Crosstalk -92.2dB |
Noise -89.4dB / Crosstalk -91.3dB |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1670:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1.955:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 65dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 65dB |
Voice 64dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 66dB
|
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo
- Slightly larger screen
- Traditional design
- OLED display
- Weaker sunlight readability
- Standard charging
- Older chipset
Sony Ericsson Xperia ray
- Excellent sunlight readability
- Compact design
- Advanced charging (40W wired, 5W reverse)
- Slightly more modern design
- Smaller screen
- Older chipset
- Similar battery life to Neo
Display Comparison
The Xperia Neo boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 1670:1, which is respectable for its time. However, the Xperia Ray shines (literally!) with a contrast ratio of 1.955:1 specifically measured for sunlight readability. This means the Ray's screen is significantly easier to see outdoors, a crucial factor for many users. Both phones used OLED displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities, but specific megapixel counts and features are not detailed in the provided specs. General knowledge suggests both cameras were around 8MP, offering decent image quality for the time, but lacking advanced features found in modern smartphones. Low-light performance would be a weakness for both.
Performance
Both devices are powered by a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset. Performance will be similar, adequate for basic tasks and older Android games, but struggles with modern, demanding applications. Don't expect blazing speeds from either phone.
Battery Life
The Xperia Ray includes 40W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, indicating a slightly more advanced charging system. The Neo lacks these details, suggesting a standard charging setup. Battery capacity was roughly similar (around 1200mAh), so real-world battery life would likely be comparable, depending on usage.
Buying Guide
The Xperia Neo might appeal to those seeking a slightly larger screen and a more traditional design. However, the Xperia Ray is a better choice for users who prioritize outdoor visibility and a more compact form factor. Considering their age, neither is recommended for new purchases unless you're seeking a nostalgic device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Given their age, neither phone is recommended for new purchases. They lack modern features and security updates. However, they might appeal to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic Android experience.
❓ What Android version did these phones run?
Both the Xperia Neo and Xperia Ray originally shipped with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), with potential for updates to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
