The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 and Xperia mini were both popular Android devices from a bygone era. But which one offered the better experience? This in-depth comparison will break down their key differences, helping you understand which phone was the superior choice back in the day (and potentially for collectors today).
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia X10 generally wins due to its larger screen, more premium feel, and slightly better overall performance. However, the Xperia mini's smaller size and potentially longer battery life (due to smaller screen) made it a compelling option for those prioritizing portability. It's a close call, but the X10 edges ahead.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 - X10a for Americas | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, November. Released 2010, March | 2011, May. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 119 x 63 x 13 mm (4.69 x 2.48 x 0.51 in) | 88 x 52 x 16 mm (3.46 x 2.05 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 99 g (3.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~58.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~58.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | Timescape/Mediascape UI | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Scorpion | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1 | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | Adreno 200 | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 1.6 (Donut), upgradable to 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 1GB 384MB RAM | 512MB RAM, 320MB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | w480p@30fps, 720p@30fps (via SW update) | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, 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+
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
TrackID music recognition
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 25 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 415 h (2G) / Up to 425 h (3G) | Up to 340 h (2G) / Up to 320 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G) | Up to 4 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery (BST-41) | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sensous Black, Luster White | Black, White, Blue, Dark pink |
| Models | - | ST15i |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.25 W/kg (head) | 0.78 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.4dB / Crosstalk -83.6dB |
Noise -88.7dB / Crosstalk -90.6dB |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 68dB
|
Voice 71dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB |
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
- Larger Display
- Premium Design
- Slightly Better Performance
- Potentially Better Camera
- Shorter Battery Life
- Larger Size
- Can Feel Slow by Modern Standards
Sony Ericsson Xperia mini
- Compact Size
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Easier One-Handed Use
- Smaller Display
- Lower Performance
- Less Premium Feel
- Limited App Compatibility
Display Comparison
The Xperia X10 boasts a 4.0-inch display, significantly larger than the Xperia mini's 2.9-inch screen. This difference impacts media viewing and overall usability. The X10's resolution was also higher, resulting in a sharper image. The mini's smaller screen offered better one-handed use.
Camera Comparison
Both featured cameras described as 'Photo / Video' but the X10 generally had a slightly better camera sensor and image processing. The X10's camera was often cited as producing slightly more detailed and vibrant photos. Both were limited by the technology of the time.
Performance
Both phones share the same 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, but the X10's slightly more efficient thermal management and potentially more RAM (estimated 256MB vs 128MB) gave it a slight edge in sustained performance. The mini could feel sluggish with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Xperia mini likely had a slight advantage in battery life due to its smaller screen and lower power consumption. The X10's larger screen and more demanding processor would have drained the battery faster. Both phones used relatively small batteries by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Xperia X10 is ideal for users who want a larger screen for media consumption and a more premium design. The Xperia mini is best suited for those who prioritize portability and a more compact device, potentially with slightly better battery life. Both are now legacy devices, primarily of interest to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version did these phones run?
Both initially launched with Android 1.6 (Donut) and were later updated to Android 2.1 (Eclair) and 2.3 (Gingerbread).
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Primarily for collectors or those seeking a nostalgic Android experience. They are not recommended for everyday use due to their age and limited functionality compared to modern smartphones.
