Despite first casting our discerning (not to mention modest) eye on its rather flashier sibling, there’s something to be said for Sony Ericsson’s lower profile effort as well. Seemingly taking its design cues from old Samsung feature phones back before Samsung took its design cues from litigious fruit, the Xperia Ray is a no-nonsense, no-gimmicks device.
Design and Build Quality
The Xperia Ray stands out with its slim profile and elegant design. Measuring just 9.4mm in thickness, it is incredibly easy to slip into a pocket or purse. The 3.3-inch screen, while smaller than many of its contemporaries, still manages to pack in a WVGA resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 297 ppi, making text and images appear sharp and clear. The device’s build quality is solid, with a combination of metal and high-quality plastic that gives it a premium feel despite its lower price point.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the Xperia Ray is powered by a 1 GHz Scorpion processor, which was quite respectable at the time of its release. This, combined with 512 MB of RAM, ensures that the device can handle everyday tasks with relative ease. Whether you’re browsing the web, checking emails, or using social media apps, the Xperia Ray performs smoothly without significant lag.
One of the standout features of the Xperia Ray is its camera. The device boasts an 8.1-megapixel rear camera with an Exmor R sensor, which is capable of capturing high-quality photos even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports 720p HD video recording, making it a versatile tool for capturing both still images and video.
There was a lot to like, including the slim profile, 3.3-inch screen that still managed to pack in WVGA, respectable 1 GHz Scorpion, and just general lack of compromise in key areas that usually accompanies a phone at that price point. Said price point is apparently hovering around the £20 pay monthly mark, but that’s by no means gospel at this point. The long and short of it is we came away impressed with the amount of phone stuck in such a respectably diminutive package.
In terms of software, the Xperia Ray originally shipped with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but it was later upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This provided users with access to a wide range of apps and features available on the Android platform. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for both new and experienced users to navigate the device.
Battery life is another area where the Xperia Ray excels. The device is equipped with a 1500 mAh battery, which, given the smaller screen size and efficient processor, provides ample usage time. Users can expect a full day of moderate use on a single charge, which includes activities like web browsing, social media, and occasional calls.
The Xperia Ray also includes several connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. These features ensure that users can stay connected and navigate their surroundings with ease. Additionally, the device supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing users to increase the available storage space for apps, photos, and media files.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray is a well-rounded device that offers a lot of value for its price. Its slim profile, high-resolution screen, capable processor, and impressive camera make it a compelling choice for those looking for a reliable and stylish smartphone. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it more than makes up for it with its solid performance and thoughtful design.
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