The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, fondly remembered as the 'PlayStation Phone,' was a unique device aiming to blend smartphone functionality with dedicated gaming controls. But there were two versions: a CDMA model and a global GSM variant. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see if there are any significant differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both Xperia PLAY models share the same core Snapdragon processor and gaming controls. The CDMA version's primary difference lies in network compatibility. The global version offers broader appeal due to its GSM support, making it the slightly more versatile choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 38, 66, 71 |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | CDMA / EVDO | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, May | 2011, February. Released 2011, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 119 x 62 x 16 mm (4.69 x 2.44 x 0.63 in) | 119 x 62 x 16 mm (4.69 x 2.44 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | Touch-sensitive gaming controls
PSP like gaming buttons
Timescape UI | Touch-sensitive gaming controls
PSP like gaming buttons
Timescape UI |
| 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) | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included |
| Internal | 400MB 512MB RAM | 400MB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | Yes | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML5, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Dedicated game store
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
Track ID
Organizer
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | Dedicated game store
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
Organizer
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Music play | - | Up to 31 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 405 h | Up to 425 h (2G) / Up to 413 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h 40 min | Up to 8 h 25 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 25 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Stealth Blue (for Play 4G), Orange |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) | 0.36 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 79dB
|
Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY CDMA
- CDMA Network Compatibility
- Dedicated Gaming Controls
- Nostalgic Appeal
- Limited Network Compatibility (CDMA only)
- Outdated Hardware
- Difficult to Find Parts/Support
Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY
- GSM Network Compatibility
- Dedicated Gaming Controls
- Nostalgic Appeal
- Potentially Easier Parts/Support
- Outdated Hardware
- Difficult to Find Parts/Support
Display Comparison
Both models feature a 4.0-inch Reality Display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. The display technology is consistent across both versions, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for its time. No significant difference here.
Camera Comparison
Both models have a 8.1MP rear camera. Image quality is comparable, though limited by the sensor and processing capabilities of the era. The front-facing camera is also consistent across both versions.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and Adreno 220 GPU. Expect similar gaming performance and app responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both models utilize a 1500 mAh battery. Battery life will be similar, typically lasting around 6-8 hours with moderate usage. Charging is via 10W wired charging for both.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY CDMA is best suited for users on CDMA networks (primarily Verizon in the US) who are nostalgic for this unique device. The global Xperia PLAY is ideal for those with GSM carriers and seeking broader compatibility and potentially easier access to parts and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the main difference between the Xperia PLAY CDMA and global versions?
The primary difference is network compatibility. The CDMA version works on CDMA networks (like Verizon), while the global version supports GSM networks, offering broader compatibility.
❓ Are the gaming controls the same on both models?
Yes, the dedicated gaming controls, including the PlayStation buttons and physical D-pad, are identical on both the CDMA and global Xperia PLAY versions.
