Sony launched the company's first X series line of phones in June in India. Like the popular Xperia Z series phone, new model also comes with top-of-the-line camera hardware.
After using the Xperia X for a month, we have our verdict on the Sony's brand new smartphone series.
Design and build quality (3.5/5):
Though Sony claims Xperia X to be a brand new series, it still retains most of the design elements of the now retired Xperia Z series. The Xperia X features same "OmniBalance" exterior look with slim brick like structure having metal-based frame and cover. Only change we see is the power-button. Sony has done a cosmetic surgery to make the power button elongated to house the finger print.
As far as build quality is concerned, Xperia X's metallic body impressed us a lot. It felt hard and premium when held in hand.
Display (4/5):
Sony Xperia X sports compact 5.0-inch display with full HD display having pixel density of more than 440 ppi (pixels per inch). During the testing, we found the screen's touch sensitivity really good. It was able to respond quickly to the finger-touch and also watching high definition videos was a delightful experience.
Performance (3/5):
Sony Xperia X comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 hexa-core processor backed by 3GB RAM and 64GB storage. During tests, it fared really bad.
Xperia X scored a disappointing 31,895 point on AnTuTu Benchmark app and fetched 1,394 and 3,647 points on single-core and multi-cores based tests, respectively, on Geekbench 3.0.
Device's processor and RAM capacity is too under powered for a device which costs more than Rs. 48,000. Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5 and HTC 10, which fall in same price range, score three times better than Sony's device.
Camera (4.5/5):
It boasts 23MP with 1/2.3-inch Exmor RS sensor, predictive hybrid auto focus, quick launch (less than 0.03 seconds), 5x clear image zoom, 24mm wide-angle G Lens F2.0 aperture and Pulse LED flash. And on the front, they come packed with a 13MP snapper having 1/3-inch Exmor RS sensor, Quick launch (less than 0.03 seconds) and a 22mm wide-angle lens.
During our testing, Xperia X captured some stunning images and we were pretty impressed with loss-less zoom feature. It performed superbly under all lighting conditions. Xperia X also fared really well at macro photography.
Even the front camera is of fine quality. Taking selfies is a delightful experience as it offers some pretty cool editing tools.
Sony Xperia X houses an 13MP front snapper with 1/3-inch Exmor RS sensor, Quick launch < 0.03 seconds, 22mm wide-angle lens and F2.0 aperture.
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India 
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India 
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India 
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India 
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India 
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India 
Sony Xperia X Review: Terrific camera-phone but priced too expensiveRohit KVN/ IBTimes India
Battery (4/5):
Besides the Camera, long battery life is another hallmark of the Xperia X series. Once fully charged, the 2,700mAh cell in the phone was able to last for close to one and half day during our testing, which included voice calls, WhatsApp messaging, few minutes of browsing and watching YouTube videos. During intense sessions, which included extended sessions of gaming, it was still able to last a day. If used moderately and activate stamina mode, Xperia X can last up to two full days.
Verdict (3.8/5):
Like previous generation flagship phones, Sony's new Xperia X has an state-of-art camera hardware, but its overall performance is a bit underwhelming. Its processor is sub-par compared to its rivals in the 50K price range. If the company had incorporated Snapdragon 820 series in the Xperia X, it would have been able to give Samsung Galaxy S7 series a run for its money.
Another rival OnePlus, which also houses Snapdragon 820 quad-core SoC (System-on-Chip) costs Rs. 27,999. This apparently shows Sony got the pricing of the Xperia X completely wrong. If they reduce the price of the device below Rs. 25,000 mark range, it will certainly find traction among buyers.
Pros:
- Excellent camera, worthy to be placed second to the Galaxy S7 (and Note7) series
- Top notch build quality
- Terrific battery life
Cons:
- Price is too expensive
- CPU is not powerful enough
- Design language is not inspiring enough
