Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Preview

Introduction and Design:

It took the manufacturer less than a year since the release of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 to announce its successor, the XPERIA X2. It´s the first Windows phone of the company, meaning it runs Windows Mobile 6.5. The panel interface we know from the X1 haunts us again, but it has been revamped and the manufacturer´s personalization pack seems to have taken over the standard Windows interface deeper. The XPERIA X2 sports 8-megapixel camera with touch focus, larger display, new keyboard and navigational keys design, plus a microUSB port. We´ve got a prototype intended for Vodafone, but it´s functional, so we will show you what to expect from the first Windows phone of Sony Ericsson.

The design of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 features small changes and the manufacturer has staked on retaining the characteristic style of the X1 and its high build quality. You will almost immediately notice the lack of the prismatic navigational keys on its face side - they are now flat and smooth and the D-Pad has been transformed into an optical pad. The size of the phone display has grown 0.2 inches and now measures the healthy 3.2”. It utilizes resistive technology again and its native resolution and supported colors remain the same, 480x800 pixels and 65k colors respectively.



You can compare the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Opening the QWERTY keyboard of the XPERIA X2 produces an arch just like with the X1. The buttons are arranged in four rows, but feature a new overall design. They are packed closer to each other and there is less room in between. You will see several new navigational buttons as well. We decided to give the keyboard a go and typed away for a while. We must say we are thrilled and definitely pleased at the QWERTY keyboard of the XPERIA X2. We just hope the manufacturer doesn’t make any changes that would have a negative impact with this regard.



There are new things to see on both sides of the phone as well. The miniUSB on the left hand side has been replaced with microUSB port and the button that locks the back panel is next to it. The volume rocker and camera shutter are on the opposite side where they are on the X1 as well, while power on button, along with the 3.5mm jack, is on the top. There are cool LED indicators on the top and bottom sides of the phone that flash in different colors depending on the missed event (calls, messages or meeting) and battery status. The loudspeakers have been moved to the back, next to the 8-megapixel camera that now comes with Photo flash. There are some design changes here as well – the back side has curvy ends, while the panel itself is recessed and we did wonder why (aside from looking pretty cool). When we got down to typing on the QWERTY, we finally found the answer, the phone feels extremely handy. Now, let´s get to the interface.

Interface:

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is the second handset of the manufacturer running Microsoft’s operating system. Similarly to the Xperia X1, the phone comes with a panel interface, but the personalization pack permeates the OS menus way deeper. Alongside of the Samsung OmniaPRO B7610, we had to confront the face of WM more frequently, but still, this is a preview of a prototype unit, so we would rather reserve judgment until we´ve had the chance to see a final, retail version. Let´s just keep browsing.

The menu that´s called up when you press the key below the send button sports different panels and personalized submenus dedicated to multimedia, calendar, messaging and call register. The title of the track you´re listening to gets displayed at the bottom of the screen and pressing the info tab brings the music controls on your display. We do like that.



We came across several really interesting panels while browsing the ones that came preloaded on the XPERIA X2. Tilewave is made by Sony Ericsson and is a pile of 3D cubes and rectangles - some of them are shortcuts to functions and applications, others just lend color to the interface. We couldn’t find a way to personalize them though, but pressing any plays a really cool lighting effect.




The Pixel City panel is visualized as a city and its different buildings are shortcuts to phone functions, but once again, they cannot be personalized. The most useful panel we found was SPB Mobile Shell that delivers the full functionality of SPB Mobile Shell 3.0. The home screen is quite similar to the one found on Android OS when the Shell is in “Lifestyle” mode - you have a single wallpaper spanning over three pages that host widgets and application shortcuts. There is “Professional” mode that takes just two screen presses to run, or alternatively, you can slide your finger up or downwards. It has only one home screen and looks better suited for business users, because it displays information relating to business. Of course, the panel that visualizes the standard Windows Mobile 6.5 interface is also available – MS Today.



The other panels are much simpler in terms of functionality – you have Facebook, CNN, YouTube and Google, so we are not going to discuss them in the current preview.

There are new things in the phonebook as well. Its standard WM 6.5 interface has been changed completely and we must say the personalized version looks much better. Your contacts list supports kinetic scrolling, you´ve got a handy search pane at the top and letter band on the right, so searching is quite fast indeed. It´s a cool thing there are icons that call up your favorite contacts and call history on screen.



The only browser available on out prototype is Internet Explorer 6. We would rather hold back our comments until we´ve managed to get our hands on a retail unit, but in any case, we would definitely like to see at least one preloaded alternative when the final version of the XPERIA X2 arrives.



Camera and Multimedia:
   
At the time of this preview, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is the only Windows-based handset featuring 8-megapixel camera. Alongside of the X1, the handset comes with a revamped camera interface and larger icons that go with the overall style of the X2 much better. You´ve got quite a few options at your fingertips, but the touch focus is certainly the most noticeable. Despite using just a prototype, we took several stills so as to get an idea of to expect. Still, we would recommend that you don´t jump the gun.







The music player has got itself an entirely new, simplified interface. It sports a stylish overall look and we do like it. On the flip side, it offers content filtering and basic music control options only, meaning without any extra features like equalizers or sound effects. The video player interface has also been improved and looks simplified as compared to the Xperia X1.

Expectations:

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 does have what it takes to make it to the top and give the other high-end Windows-powered handsets a good run for their money. All interface improvements and the 8-megapixel camera that it comes equipped with will probably be its major weapons in the upcoming battle for supremacy. Still, let´s wait and see; only time will tell. The manufacturer has still not announced an official release date. Some rumors go the phone is rolling out in Q4 this year, others have it sales are kicking off as soon as October. The latest information comes from the Expansys blog and says the X2 is coming out January 2010. Whatever the case, there´s not much time until we see it hit the shelves and we can´t wait to get our hands on a retail unit.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Video Preview: