Sony Xperia E1 smartphone

Photo: Zhael329 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia E1

March 2014 5/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia E1 is an entry-level Android smartphone released in March 2014, primarily marketed as a music-centric device. It features a dedicated Walkman key and a loud speaker, aiming to deliver an enhanced audio experience for budget-conscious users. Despite its focus on music, it offers basic smartphone functionalities with a compact design.
Display4.0-inch TFT display with 480x800 pixel resolution.
ChipsetPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 dual-core processor.
Main CameraFeatures a 3.15 MP rear camera.
BatteryEquipped with a 1750 mAh removable Li-Ion battery.
Starting from $2,922

💰 Sony Xperia E1 Price

The Sony Xperia E1 lowest price is $2,922, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen
Size4.0 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels
ProtectionNot specified
Pixel Density233 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8210 Snapdragon 200
CPUDual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 302

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32 GB (dedicated slot)
Internal4GB, 512MB RAM
User available storageApproximately 2 GB

Main Camera

Single3.15 MP
FeaturesHDR, smile detection, 4x smooth zoom, geo-tagging, image stabilization, panorama (fixed focus, no flash)
VideoNot specified (does not shoot 720p videos)

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeLi-Ion
Capacity1750 mAh
RemovableYes
Talk timeUp to 9 h (2G) / 8 h 13 min (3G)
Stand-byUp to 498 h (2G) / 454 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions118 x 62.4 x 12 mm (4.65 x 2.46 x 0.47 in)
Weight120 g (4.23 oz)
SIMMini-SIM
BuildPlastic body

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 2014
StatusReleased March 2014

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Dedicated Walkman button for music control.
  • Loud speaker output.
  • Expandable storage via microSD.
  • Compact and lightweight design.
  • Affordable price point.
  • Decent build quality for its price.

Cons

  • Low screen resolution and quality.
  • Limited internal storage (4GB, with only ~2GB user-accessible).
  • Only 512MB RAM, leading to potential performance issues.
  • Poor camera quality with no front-facing camera and no flash.
  • Plastic, somewhat cheap-feeling build materials.
  • Older Android version (4.3, upgradable to 4.4.2).
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia E1 offers a music-focused experience at an affordable price, but its significant compromises in display quality, camera performance, and limited RAM hinder its overall user experience.

The Sony Xperia E1 is best suited for individuals seeking a very affordable, compact smartphone primarily for music playback and basic communication. Its dedicated Walkman button and loud speaker are its standout features, making it a good option for those who prioritize audio on a tight budget. However, be aware of its limitations, including a low-resolution screen, a basic camera without a front-facing lens or flash, and minimal RAM and internal storage, which can impact overall performance and app usage. Consider this phone if your needs are minimal and music is paramount, but look elsewhere if display quality, photography, or extensive app usage are important to you. It could also serve as a good first smartphone for a child due to its robust build and low cost.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia E1 handset
  • MicroUSB to USB data cable
  • USB Wall Charger
  • Earphones/Headset (sometimes with mic)
  • Information booklets/User manual
  • Screen protector and cleaning cloth (in some regions/retailers)

Sony products typically come with a standard limited warranty, often 90 days to 1 year, covering defects in material or workmanship, with details found in the product's warranty card or manual.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the Sony Xperia E1 known for?

The Sony Xperia E1 is primarily known for its music-centric features, including a dedicated Walkman key and a loud 100dB speaker, making it appealing to budget-conscious music lovers.

When was the Sony Xperia E1 released?

The Sony Xperia E1 was announced in January 2014 and officially released in March 2014.

Does the Sony Xperia E1 have a good camera?

No, the Sony Xperia E1 has a basic 3.15 MP rear camera with fixed focus and no flash, and it lacks a front-facing camera, so it is not considered to have a good camera for photography.

Can the storage on the Sony Xperia E1 be expanded?

Yes, the Sony Xperia E1 supports expandable storage via a microSDHC card slot, allowing for up to 32 GB of additional storage.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia E1 run?

The Sony Xperia E1 launched with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) and was upgradable to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat).

Is the Sony Xperia E1 suitable for heavy app usage?

Due to its limited 512MB of RAM and older processor, the Sony Xperia E1 is not ideal for heavy app usage or demanding multitasking, performing best with basic applications.