The Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro and Xperia Sola represent different eras of Sony's smartphone journey. The Pro, a business-focused device, offered impressive battery life, while the Sola aimed for a more modern design and improved performance. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which phone holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia Sola edges out the Xperia Pro thanks to its dual-core processor and slightly better display contrast. While the Pro boasts exceptional battery life, the Sola's performance improvements make it the more appealing choice for most users in 2024. It's a classic battle of endurance versus speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - MK16i | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 - MK16a | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, October | 2012, March. Released 2012, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 120 x 57 x 15.3 mm (4.72 x 2.24 x 0.60 in) | 116 x 59 x 9.9 mm (4.57 x 2.32 x 0.39 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 142 g (5.01 oz) | 107 g (3.77 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 (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~55.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~55.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | - | Floating touch display |
| 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 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM | 8GB (5GB user available), 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | 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 |
| | - | 3D surround sound
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; GLONASS | 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | 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 | MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 31 h | Up to 40 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-Po 1500 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red | Black, White, Red |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.88 W/kg (head) | 1.25 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -88.1dB |
Noise -81.6dB / Crosstalk -83.5dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 37h | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 928:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1002:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Voice 60dB / Noise 59dB / Ring 61dB
|
Sony Ericsson Xperia pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Robust build quality
- Business-focused features (likely)
- Good contrast ratio display
- Outdated processor
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
- Older design
Sony Xperia sola
- Dual-core processor for improved performance
- Slightly better display contrast
- More modern design (relatively)
- Likely higher screen resolution
- Shorter battery life compared to Pro
- Basic camera
- Outdated hardware overall
- Limited storage
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio around 1000:1. The Xperia Sola's 1002:1 is marginally better, suggesting slightly richer blacks and improved image quality. However, both displays are LCD and will lack the vibrancy of modern OLED panels. Screen sizes are likely similar, around 3.7-4 inches, but resolution is a key difference – the Sola likely has a slightly higher resolution for sharper visuals.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are scarce. Expect basic camera functionality with limited resolution and features compared to modern smartphones. Image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. The Sola's slightly newer hardware *might* offer a marginal improvement in image processing, but don't expect miracles.
Performance
This is where the Xperia Sola shines. Its dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor is a significant upgrade over the Xperia Pro's single-core 1.0 GHz Scorpion. The Cortex-A9 architecture offers better efficiency and performance, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and a generally more responsive user experience. The Snapdragon S2 chipset in the Pro was adequate for its time, but struggles by today's standards.
Battery Life
The Xperia Pro's 37-hour endurance rating is its standout feature. This suggests a significantly larger battery capacity than the Xperia Sola. For users who prioritize longevity above all else, the Pro's battery life is a major advantage. However, keep in mind that battery performance degrades over time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro? Primarily those seeking maximum battery life and a robust, business-oriented device. Who should buy the Sony Xperia Sola? Users prioritizing a smoother experience, faster performance, and a slightly more modern design, even with the limitations of older hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xperia Pro still worth buying?
Only if battery life is your absolute top priority and you're willing to accept significantly reduced performance. Otherwise, there are far better options available today.
❓ Can I find apps for the Xperia Sola in 2024?
Finding newer apps may be challenging due to the older Android version. However, many essential apps will still be compatible.
