Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 vs. Xperia X10 mini pro: A Retro Showdown

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.
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🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 900 / 2100
EDGEClass 10-
GPRSClass 10-
SpeedHSPA 7.2/2 MbpsHSPA 7.2/2 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
 HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
Launch
Announced2010, June. Released 2010, September2010, February. Released 2010, June
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions99 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
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight104 g (3.67 oz)120 g (4.23 oz)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
Resolution320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~157 ppi density)
Size3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~50.1% screen-to-body ratio)2.55 inches, 20.1 cm2 (~43.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFTTFT (65K effective)
 Timescape UITimescape UI
Platform
CPU600 MHz ARM 11600 MHz ARM 11
ChipsetQualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1
GPUAdreno 200Adreno 200
OSAndroid 1.6 (Donut), upgradable to 2.1 (Eclair)Android 1.6 (Donut), upgradable to 2.1 (Eclair)
Memory
Call records20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls-
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB includedmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included
Internal128MB 168MB RAM128MB
Phonebook1000 entries , Photocall-
Main Camera
Features-LED flash
Single3.15 MP5 MP, AF
Video480p@30fps480p@30fps
Selfie camera
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP2.1, A2DP
PositioningGPS, A-GPSGPS, A-GPS
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/gWi-Fi 802.11 b/g, hotspot (v2.2 or higher)
Features
BrowserHTMLHTML
GamesYes-
JavaYes, MIDP 2.1-
MessagingSMS, MMS, Email-
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, 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 playUp to 23 h 40 min-
Stand-byUp to 446 h (2G) / Up to 476 h (3G)Up to 285 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G)
Talk timeUp 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)
TypeRemovable Li-Po 1200 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Po 930 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsWhite, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ WhiteBlack, Red, Pink
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 70 EUR
SAR0.76 W/kg (head)     0.68 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.84 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.