There is a new Sony hitting the shelves today, it is the much awaited Xperia X that was announced at MWC 16. This is slightly scaled down version of what went before in the form of the Xperia Z5 range. It shares a lot of features of its older sibling in that they both have very similar design language, with some subtle changes. We had a very brief hands-on with some early prototypes of the devices when we were in Barcelona and since then we have seen an insight into what was to come in the form of the Xperia Z5 Software update to Marshmallow. Leigh was able to get some very brief hands-on time with the phone at MWC and here is the video he shot whilst out there.
The new Xperia X feature a new 5-inch, full HD 1080p, TRILUMINOS display that was built explicitly for the best mobile experience. Hiding behind the display, we can find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor, with 64-bit architecture, with 3GB RAM and 32 GB of internal flash memory, expandable by a further 200 GB with the right microSD Card.
The phone ships with Android 6.0.1, and offers “up to” two days battery life thanks to the 2620 mAh battery. We are very pleased to see the 23-megapixel rear shooter from the Z5. However, this time around it is packing the new Predictive Hybrid AF feature, allowing you to capture moving subjects with better accuracy. It offers full HD 1080p video recording and comes with SteadyShot technology built in. For the Selfie fans your in for a real treat as Sony have managed to work in a selfie cam with a 13mp Exmor R powered sensor meaning your selfies will look better than ever.
Sony is offering the Xperia X in White, Lime Gold, Rose Gold and the Graphite Black that we have here.
Here are the full specs in all their glory.
| Xperia X | |
|---|---|
| Display | 5” Full HD 1080p display, TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile, X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine, Dynamic Contrast Enhancement |
| Main camera | 23MP, 1/2.3’’ Exmor™ RS for mobile sensor, Predictive Hybrid AF, Quick launch, 5x Clear Image Zoom, 24mm Wide Angle G Lens F2.0, Low-light photography: up to ISO 12800, Full HD 1080p Video, SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode, Superior Auto Mode, Pulse LED Flash |
| Front camera | 13MP, 1/3’’ Exmor™ RS for mobile sensor, Quick launch, 22mm Wide Angle Lens F2.0, Low-light scene recognition: up to ISO 6400, Full HD 1080p Video Recording, SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode, Superior Auto Mode |
| Battery | 2620 mAh, Up to 2 days battery life, Sony STAMINA Mode, Quick Charge3, Qnovo Adaptive Charging |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD), Digital Noise Cancelling, DSEE HX upscaling to hi-res |
| Connectivity | aGPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth® 4.2, NFC, USB Micro B, Wi-Fi® 11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi® Miracast |
| Entertainment | Xperia Lounge Gold, Sony Media Apps, PlayMemories Online™*, Playstation® app*, PS4™ Remote Play |
| Memory | 3GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, microSD™ slot up to 200GB |
| Performance | Qualcomm® Snapdragon 650 Processor 64-bit capable, |
| SIM | Nano SIM |
| Other | Fingerprint sensor on power button |
| Size and weight | 143 x 69 x 7.7mm / 152g |
| Cellular | Up 4G/LTE Cat 6 |
| Software | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
Here is the unboxing video.
What Sony are really keen to shout about here is that this phone has been designed for the user in effect by the user. During some extensive market research, they compiled a list of the most requested features of a phone and then they have used that list to make the X.
The phone does feel really good in the hand, which given I was such a fan of the Xperia Z5. It did surprise me slightly as they have shrunk then screen down to a 5″ size for this phone. I guess it will just take a bit of time for me to get used to it again. I was able to type on the display with relative ease with one finger, which is something I have not done for a while if I am honest. The screen feels very bright and it is very crisp with the text looking gorgeous. The subtle curves of the screens edges going around the phone are very nice touch and it is appreciated. 
The same fingerprint sensor employed on the Z5 range is here again, and the boffins at Sony’s R&D dept have clearly been busy as they have dramatically improved the speed of recognition, getting it right up there with the Nexus 6P. Another area where there has been a massive improvement and somewhere that had become a pain point is the camera launch speed from standby. On the Z5, this could take a few seconds to do whereas now it is done in under a second, which is great news.
I have yet to put the camera through its paces, but from what I have seen from initial first impressions it looks good. More testing is required and this will be done in the full review.
That is about all I have to report on the Xperia X for now, although I do have to say that after it received a very lacklustre welcome when it was first announced, I am now a bit more excited to be delving into the phone and give it a serious run for its money.