Remember the days of early Android smartphones? The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 and Samsung Galaxy Reverb M950 represent a fascinating period of innovation and experimentation. Both devices offer a glimpse into the past, but which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Reverb M950 takes the crown. Its significantly faster processor and improved overall hardware provide a smoother experience. While the Xperia X8 has a certain nostalgic charm, the Reverb's performance advantage makes it the more compelling choice for anyone seeking usability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | CDMA / EVDO |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, June. Released 2010, September | 2011, August. Released 2012, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 99 x 54 x 15 mm (3.90 x 2.13 x 0.59 in) | 122 x 64 x 11.3 mm (4.80 x 2.52 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 104 g (3.67 oz) | 129 g (4.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~50.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| | Timescape UI | Touch sensitive controls |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz ARM 11 | 1.4 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 | Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | Adreno 200 | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 1.6 (Donut), upgradable to 2.1 (Eclair) | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB 168MB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries , Photocall | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.1 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | ANT+ | MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 23 h 40 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 446 h (2G) / Up to 476 h (3G) | Up to 169 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 45 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 7 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1200 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White | Black |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.84 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -75.6dB / Crosstalk -70.7dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 69dB
| - |
Sony Ericsson Xperia X8
- Unique design
- Early Android experience
- Compact size
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality
- Limited app support
Samsung Galaxy Reverb M950
- Faster processor
- Higher resolution display
- Slightly better battery life
- More responsive UI
- Still limited by older technology
- Camera quality is still poor
- App support is limited
Display Comparison
The Xperia X8 featured a 4-inch 480x854 display, while the Galaxy Reverb M950 boasted a slightly larger 4.0-inch 800x480 screen. While both were LCDs, the Reverb's higher resolution offered a marginally sharper image. Color accuracy and viewing angles were typical for the era on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones featured cameras marketed as 'photo' capabilities, but the quality was limited by the technology of the time. The Xperia X8 had an 8.1MP camera, while the Reverb had a 5MP camera. Image quality on both was generally poor by today's standards, with limited dynamic range and noticeable noise. The Reverb's processing might have been slightly better, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
This is where the Reverb truly shines. The Galaxy Reverb's 1.4 GHz Scorpion processor is a substantial upgrade over the Xperia X8's 600 MHz ARM 11. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Reverb. The X8's performance can feel sluggish by modern standards.
Battery Life
The Xperia X8 had a 1200 mAh battery, while the Galaxy Reverb M950 had a 1500 mAh battery. Given the Reverb's more efficient processor, it likely offered slightly better battery life, though both would struggle to last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is for dedicated collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design and early Android software. The Samsung Galaxy Reverb M950 is for those seeking a functional retro smartphone with better performance and a more modern (for its time) feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. App support is extremely limited, and performance will feel slow compared to modern smartphones. They are best suited for collectors or those seeking a nostalgic experience.
❓ Can I update the Android version on either phone?
Officially, no. Both phones are long past their software update cycles. While custom ROMs might exist, installing them is complex and not recommended for novice users.
