The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY and Xperia pro represent a fascinating era of mobile technology. Both devices offer a glimpse into the past, but cater to different user priorities. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia pro wins on battery life and multimedia capabilities with video recording. However, the Xperia PLAY's defining feature – its dedicated gaming controls – makes it a unique choice for retro gaming enthusiasts. It's a trade-off between endurance and a specialized gaming experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - MK16i |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 38, 66, 71 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 - MK16a |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, March | 2011, February. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 119 x 62 x 16 mm (4.69 x 2.44 x 0.63 in) | 120 x 57 x 15.3 mm (4.72 x 2.24 x 0.60 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 142 g (5.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~55.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | 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 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included |
| Internal | 400MB 512MB RAM | 1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS; GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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, HTML5, Adobe Flash | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | 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) | ANT+
Type & Send feature
HDMI port
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player
TrackID music recognition
Organizer
Office Suite Pro document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Music play | Up to 31 h | Up to 31 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 425 h (2G) / Up to 413 h (3G) | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 25 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 25 min (3G) | Up to 6 h 55 min (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Stealth Blue (for Play 4G), Orange | Black, Silver, Red |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) | 0.88 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -88.1dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 37h |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 928:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 79dB
|
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY
- Dedicated gaming controls (physical buttons)
- Nostalgic gaming experience
- Compact form factor
- Limited camera functionality (no video)
- Shorter battery life
- Outdated performance for modern apps
Sony Ericsson Xperia pro
- Exceptional battery life (37h endurance)
- Photo and video recording
- Better multimedia capabilities
- Good contrast ratio display
- Lack of dedicated gaming controls
- Outdated performance for modern apps
- Less unique selling point compared to the PLAY
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a similar display with a respectable 928:1 contrast ratio. However, the Xperia pro likely has slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potentially better panel technology, though detailed specifications are scarce. The Xperia PLAY's screen was adequate for its time, but not a standout feature.
Camera Comparison
The Xperia pro boasts both photo and video recording capabilities, a significant advantage. The Xperia PLAY is limited to photo capture only. Image quality on both will be limited by the sensors of the time, but the Xperia pro's video recording adds versatility.
Performance
Both devices share the same Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset and 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU. Performance will be comparable, adequate for basic tasks and older games, but struggles with modern apps. Expect some lag and limitations.
Battery Life
The Xperia pro's standout feature is its exceptional 37-hour endurance rating, significantly outperforming the Xperia PLAY. The Xperia PLAY's battery life was considerably shorter, typical for phones of that era with more power-hungry features.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xperia PLAY if you're a retro gamer seeking dedicated physical controls and a nostalgic gaming experience. Buy the Xperia pro if you prioritize exceptional battery life and a more versatile camera with video recording capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones worth buying in 2024?
They offer a nostalgic experience for retro enthusiasts, but don't expect modern smartphone functionality. Their value lies in their historical significance and unique features.
❓ Can I use these phones for everyday tasks?
Basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing are possible, but performance will be limited. Modern apps and websites may not function correctly.
