Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo vs Sony Xperia P: A Detailed Comparison

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and Xperia P were both popular Android devices, but they offered distinct features and performance levels. Choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia P edges out the Neo thanks to its dual-core processor and significantly better battery life. While the Neo boasts a superior contrast ratio on its display, the P's performance and endurance make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo	Sony Xperia P

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - LT22i
Speed	HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps	HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / HSPA
	HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100	-

Launch
Announced	2011, February. Released 2011, March	2012, February. Released 2012, May
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	116 x 57 x 13 mm (4.57 x 2.24 x 0.51 in)	122 x 59.5 x 10.5 mm (4.80 x 2.34 x 0.41 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Micro-SIM
Weight	126 g (4.44 oz)	120 g (4.23 oz)

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass	Scratch-resistant glass
Resolution	480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density)	540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~275 ppi density)
Size	3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~57.1% screen-to-body ratio)	4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~60.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	LED-backlit LCD,	LED-backlit LCD,
	-	Sony WhiteMagic

Platform
CPU	1.0 GHz Scorpion	Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2	NovaThor U8500
GPU	Adreno 205	Mali-400
OS	Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included	No
Internal	320MB 512MB RAM	16GB (13GB user available), 1GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash, panorama
Single	8 MP, AF	8 MP, AF
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
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, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot, DLNA

Features
Browser	HTML, Adobe Flash	-
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, gyro, 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	HDMI port

Battery
Music play	Up to 31 h	Up to 80 h
Stand-by	Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G)	Up to 470 h (2G) / Up to 475 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 6 h 55 min (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G)	Up to 6 h (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G)
Type	Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery	Non-removable Li-Ion 1305 mAh battery

Misc
Colors	Blue Gradient, Red, Silver	Silver, Black, Red
Models	-	LT22i
Price	About 110 EUR	About 210 EUR
SAR	-	1.18 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.10 W/kg (head)	0.78 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -89.8dB / Crosstalk -92.2dB	Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -86.2dB
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 28h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1670:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: 775:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	Voice 65dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 65dB	Voice 60dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 63dB

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo

Potentially better display contrast
Sleek design (typical of Sony Ericsson)

Weaker processor
Shorter battery life
Older chipset

Sony Xperia P

Dual-core processor for better performance
Longer battery life
More modern chipset

Lower contrast ratio display
Potentially less refined design compared to Neo

Display Comparison

The Xperia Neo features a reported contrast ratio of 1670:1, suggesting potentially richer blacks and better image depth. However, the Xperia P's 775:1 contrast ratio is still respectable. Both phones utilized similar display resolutions (likely 1280x800), so the Neo's contrast advantage might be the deciding factor for visual enthusiasts. Screen size was likely similar, around 4.0-4.1 inches.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting similar basic functionality. However, detailed camera specifications (resolution, aperture, features) are missing. Based on general knowledge, the Xperia P likely had slightly better image processing due to its more modern chipset. Low-light performance would likely be a differentiator, with the P potentially having an edge.

Performance

Here's where the Xperia P shines. Its dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor is a significant upgrade over the Neo's single-core 1.0 GHz Scorpion. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Xperia P's chipset (NovaThor U8500) also likely offered better overall efficiency.

Battery Life

The Xperia P's endurance rating of 28h is a clear winner. The Xperia Neo's battery life was considerably shorter, likely falling in the 12-16 hour range with moderate use. This difference is a crucial factor for users who need their phone to last through a full day or longer.

Buying Guide

The Xperia Neo is a good option for users prioritizing display quality and who don't heavily rely on demanding apps. The Xperia P is ideal for those needing longer battery life and smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.