Sony Xperia go smartphone

Photo: Blakegripling ph via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia go

July 2012 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia go was a mid-range smartphone released in July 2012, notable for its rugged design with IP67 dust and water resistance. It featured a 3.5-inch display, a 5MP camera, and ran on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, upgradable to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.
Display3.5-inch LCD (320x480 pixels)
ChipsetNovaThor U8500 Dual-core 1.0 GHz
Main Camera5 MP with 720p video recording
Battery1305 mAh Li-Ion (non-removable)
Starting from $498

💰 Sony Xperia go Price

The Sony Xperia go lowest price is $498, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeLED-backlit LCD
Size3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density)
FeaturesMobile BRAVIA Engine

Platform

ChipsetST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500
CPUDual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9
GPUMali-400

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), up to 32GB
Internal8GB (4GB user available), 512MB RAM

Main Camera

Single5 MP, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Ion 1305 mAh battery
Stand-byUp to 520 h (2G) / Up to 460 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 6 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 30 min (3G)
Music playUp to 45 h

Body

Dimensions111 x 60.3 x 9.8 mm (4.37 x 2.37 x 0.39 in)
Weight110 g (3.88 oz)
SIMMini-SIM
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, IP67 dust and water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)
ColorsBlack, White, Yellow

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth3.0, A2DP, EDR
PositioningGPS, A-GPS
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTG

Launch

AnnouncedMay 2012
StatusDiscontinued
OS at launchAndroid 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent durability with IP67 water and dust resistance
  • Compact and easy to handle form factor
  • Scratch-resistant display for added protection
  • Mobile BRAVIA Engine improves screen visuals
  • Expandable storage is a plus for media

Cons

  • Low display resolution (320x480 pixels) for its time
  • Limited 512MB RAM can lead to performance issues
  • Small 1305 mAh battery offers modest endurance
  • No front-facing camera for video calls or selfies
  • Runs on an outdated Android version, limiting app compatibility and security
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia go was a decent rugged phone for its era, offering good protection against elements. However, its modest display resolution, limited RAM, and small battery capacity held it back from being a top performer even in 2012.

The Sony Xperia go is an extremely old and discontinued smartphone, making it unsuitable for daily use in today's digital landscape. Its outdated operating system (Android 4.1.2 maximum) means it won't support most modern apps, lacks crucial security updates, and will have poor web browsing performance. Battery life on any surviving unit would be severely degraded. We strongly advise against purchasing this phone for practical use. It might only appeal to collectors or enthusiasts interested in vintage mobile technology. For anyone seeking a functional smartphone, even on a tight budget, modern entry-level devices offer vastly superior performance, features, and security.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia go smartphone
  • Charger
  • USB cable
  • Headset
  • User manual
  • Warranty card

Typically, Sony smartphones at the time came with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia go released?

The Sony Xperia go was officially released in July 2012.

Is the Sony Xperia go waterproof?

Yes, the Sony Xperia go is IP67 certified, meaning it is dust and water resistant, capable of being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia go run?

The Sony Xperia go originally launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread and was officially upgradable to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Does the Sony Xperia go have a front camera?

No, the Sony Xperia go does not feature a front-facing camera. It only has a 5MP main camera on the rear.

Can I still buy a new Sony Xperia go today?

No, the Sony Xperia go is a very old and discontinued model. It is highly unlikely to find a new unit, and any available would be used or refurbished. Modern smartphones offer significantly better performance and security.

Where can I find images of the Sony Xperia go?

You can find product images and official photos of the Sony Xperia go on websites like GSMArena.com and MobileDokan.com.