Sony Ericsson Xperia Active Review

An Android-exclusive feature - rugged smartphones have literally been riding the wave, since the launch of the Motorola Defy that packed quite a punch or two in it’s IP67 certified shield. This year, more competitors, like the Xperia Active, the Defy+ and the Samsung Xcover entered the rugged Android smartphone race. Sony Ericsson’s latest entrant in their Xperia series, the Active or the ST17i is built and designed for those wanting to or have an active lifestyle. But is it worth the bucks? Let’s find out. 

A 3 inch Bravia Mobile display

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice about the Xperia Active is its relatively miniscule display size. It's relative, if you compare it to the 4+ inches sized phones that are currently in the market. But the Active doesn’t aim to compete with them, in terms of display size. It has got a rather different ace up its sleeve. It’s a rugged smartphone and with the design it’s got, it’ll take care of you, rather than the other way round.

Dual protection layers

Rugged generally indicates a sturdy, strong, no-nonsense design. But, the Active is not built like an armoured combat vehicle; on the contrary, it’s got this cutesy appearance that might just make people wrongly overlook this phone. The phone has a rubberized back with a silver rim running along the sides and owing to its size; it fits snugly into your hand. The rubberized finish pretty much ensures it doesn’t slip out of your hands. Also, it isn’t too heavy, with the weight being 110.8 grams. 

Sealing up the connectors

The front consists of the 3-inch Bravia Mobile engine LED-backlit LCD screen with an ambient light sensor and a notification LED above it. Also, SE has put in two proximity sensors, yes two, and we’re not too sure about the functionality of the second one. Sadly, it doesn’t come with a secondary camera. Those who want to take self-shots during a rainy hike, or just whilst surfing might have to put those thoughts aside, for now at least. The first of the two noise cancelling microphones is located right underneath the screen, whilst the second is located at the back, next to the 5 megapixel camera, the LED flash and the loudspeaker. The left consists of the power button, the volume rocker and dedicated camera button are located on the right. The only two physical connectivity options, the 3.5mm slot and the microUSB slot are located at the bottom, under air-tight rubberized flaps. There’s a slight gap above the buttons, which facilitates easy removal and securing of the flap, whilst still adhering to the water resistance certification. 

Two proximity sensors on top of the screen

There’s some engineering goodness under the back cover. Access to the internal parts of the phone is restricted by a second plastic case with a rubber seal along the sides that ensures it stays air-tight on the internal chassis. The 1200 mAh battery, SIM card and the microSD card are located underneath the dual protection covers. The memory card isn’t located under the battery though, and you can swap it without having to restart your phone. With all the protection mechanisms and flaps underneath that shell, the Xperia looks and feels like a powerful rugged device.