Remember the early days of Android? Sony Ericsson was a major player, and the Xperia X8 and X10 mini pro were two popular contenders. Today, we're revisiting these classic devices to see how they stack up against each other and which one holds up best as a nostalgic piece of tech.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xperia X8 edges out the X10 mini pro thanks to its larger screen and slightly better overall performance. While both are limited by their age, the X8 offers a marginally more enjoyable user experience, especially for media consumption. Both are relics, but the X8 is the slightly better relic.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, June. Released 2010, September | 2010, February. Released 2010, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 99 x 54 x 15 mm (3.90 x 2.13 x 0.59 in) | 90 x 52 x 17 mm (3.54 x 2.05 x 0.67 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 104 g (3.67 oz) | 120 g (4.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~157 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~50.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.55 inches, 20.1 cm2 (~43.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT (65K effective) |
| | Timescape UI | Timescape UI |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz ARM 11 | 600 MHz ARM 11 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 |
| GPU | Adreno 200 | Adreno 200 |
| OS | Android 1.6 (Donut), upgradable to 2.1 (Eclair) | Android 1.6 (Donut), upgradable to 2.1 (Eclair) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 128MB 168MB RAM | 128MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries , Photocall | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| 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 | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, hotspot (v2.2 or higher) |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | HTML |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.1 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | 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 23 h 40 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 446 h (2G) / Up to 476 h (3G) | Up to 285 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 45 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 4 h (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1200 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White | Black, Red, Pink |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.84 W/kg (head) | 1.61 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -75.6dB / Crosstalk -70.7dB |
Noise -86.8dB / Crosstalk -83.6dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 69dB
|
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Sony Ericsson Xperia X8
- Larger 4-inch screen
- Slightly better performance
- Longer battery life
- More comfortable for media consumption
- Outdated software
- Low-resolution camera
- Limited storage
- Slow by modern standards
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro
- Compact and portable
- Physical QWERTY keyboard
- Good for texting
- Relatively durable
- Small screen
- Slower performance than X8
- Shorter battery life
- Outdated software
Display Comparison
The Xperia X8 boasts a 4-inch screen (800x480), offering a noticeably larger viewing area compared to the X10 mini pro's 2.9-inch screen (640x480). This difference is significant for browsing, watching videos, and general usability. The X8's display is also slightly brighter, improving visibility in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 3.2MP camera. Image quality is comparable, producing decent photos in good lighting but struggling in low-light conditions. Neither camera offers advanced features or exceptional image processing. Expect grainy images and limited dynamic range.
Performance
Both phones share the same Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 chipset and 600 MHz ARM 11 CPU. However, the X8's slightly more optimized software and potentially better RAM management give it a marginal edge in responsiveness. Don't expect blazing speeds by modern standards, but the X8 feels a touch smoother.
Battery Life
The Xperia X8 has a 1380 mAh battery, while the X10 mini pro has a 1200 mAh battery. The X8's larger battery generally provides slightly longer battery life, though usage patterns will heavily influence actual performance. Expect a day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a larger screen and slightly improved performance in a retro Android package. The Xperia X10 mini pro is ideal for those prioritizing a compact form factor and a physical keyboard, appreciating its portability and QWERTY layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. They run outdated versions of Android and lack modern features. They are best suited for collectors or as novelty devices.
❓ Can I update the software on either phone?
Officially, no. While custom ROMs might exist, installing them is complex and carries risks. Expect limited app compatibility and security vulnerabilities.
❓ Which phone is more durable?
The X10 mini pro's smaller size and robust build might make it slightly more durable, but both are susceptible to damage from drops and impacts.