Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S smartphone

Photo: Imageuploader2614 via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S

September 2011 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S was a premium Android smartphone released in late 2011, known for its sleek, thin design and a vibrant 'Reality Display'. It offered an improved processor over its predecessor, the Xperia Arc, and a capable 8.1MP camera for its era.
Display4.2-inch LED-backlit LCD (480x854)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S2 (1.4 GHz)
Main Camera8.1 MP with LED flash, 720p video
Battery1500 mAh removable Li-Po
Starting from $38

💰 Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S Price

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S lowest price is $38, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeLED-backlit LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.2 inches, 480 x 854 pixels
Resolution480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~233 ppi density)
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass
FeaturesSony Mobile BRAVIA Engine

Platform

OSAndroid 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2
CPU1.4 GHz Scorpion
GPUAdreno 205

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32 GB (dedicated slot), 8GB card included
Internal1GB (320MB user available), 512MB RAM

Main Camera

Single8.1 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.2", AF
FeaturesLED flash, Geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, 3D sweep panorama
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery
Talk timeUp to 7 h 35 min (2G) / 7 h 25 min (3G)
Music playUp to 37 h

Body

Dimensions125 x 63 x 8.7 mm (4.92 x 2.48 x 0.34 in)
Weight117 g (4.13 oz)
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP, EDR
GPSYes, with A-GPS
NFCNo
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go
HDMImicroHDMI port

Launch

Announced2011, August
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Elegant and slim design
  • Good camera for its time, especially in low light
  • Vibrant display with BRAVIA Engine
  • Dedicated camera button
  • HDMI output for media sharing

Cons

  • Single-core processor (compared to dual-core rivals)
  • Limited internal storage and RAM
  • Outdated Android version with no further official updates
  • Poor front-facing camera (none)
  • Battery life was average even for its time
★ Our Verdict

While it was a stylish and capable phone in 2011, its hardware and software are significantly outdated for modern use, making it primarily a collector's item today.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S is a vintage smartphone, primarily suitable for collectors, enthusiasts of early Android devices, or those seeking a very basic feature phone replacement. Do not expect modern app compatibility, fast performance, or robust security updates. If purchasing, look for units in good cosmetic condition with a working battery, though battery degradation is common. It might serve as a nostalgic secondary device or a simple media player, but it is not recommended for daily use in today's smartphone landscape due to its limited capabilities and lack of support for current applications and web standards. Ensure any purchase is made with clear expectations of its historical context.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S handset
  • Battery
  • Charger
  • USB cable
  • Stereo headset
  • 8GB microSD card

Original warranty periods have long expired for this device.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S released?

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S was officially released in September 2011.

What operating system does the Xperia Arc S run?

It originally launched with Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) and was officially upgradable to Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

Does the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S have a good camera?

For its time, the 8.1MP camera with Sony's Exmor R sensor was considered quite good, especially in low-light conditions, and it could record 720p video.

Can I still use modern apps on the Xperia Arc S?

Due to its outdated Android version and hardware, most modern applications will not be compatible or will run very poorly on the Xperia Arc S.

What kind of display does the Xperia Arc S have?

It features a 4.2-inch LED-backlit LCD 'Reality Display' with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, enhanced by Sony's Mobile BRAVIA Engine.

Is the battery on the Xperia Arc S removable?

Yes, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S comes with a removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery.