Sony Xperia L smartphone

Photo: Rico-U via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia L

May 2013 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia L is a budget-oriented Android smartphone released in May 2013, known for its focus on camera capabilities with an 8MP Exmor RS sensor. It features a 4.3-inch display and is powered by a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus processor. The device originally ran Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and was upgradable to 4.2.2.
Display4.3-inch TFT, 480x854 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8230
Main Camera8 MP with Exmor RS sensor
Battery1750 mAh removable
Starting from $4,999

💰 Sony Xperia L Price

The Sony Xperia L lowest price is $4,999, based on current retailer listings.

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.3 inches, 52.1 cm2 (~60.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~228 ppi density)
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass
FeaturesMobile BRAVIA Engine 2

Platform

OSAndroid 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8230
CPUDual-core 1.0 GHz Krait
GPUAdreno 305

Memory

Internal8GB (5.8 GB user available)
Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32 GB
RAM1GB LPDDR2

Main Camera

Specs8 MP, f/2.4, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, Exmor RS sensor, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilizer, Video stabilizer
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SpecsVGA (0.3 MP)
VideoNo

Battery

TypeLi-Ion
Capacity1750 mAh
RemovableYes
Talk timeUp to 8 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G)
Music playUp to 43 h 12 min

Body

Dimensions128.7 x 65 x 9.7 mm (5.07 x 2.56 x 0.38 in)
Weight137 g (4.83 oz)
SIMMini-SIM
BuildPlastic body, Arc design with aluminum power button

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP
PositioningGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes (One-touch functions)
RadioFM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedMarch 2013
StatusReleased May 2013

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Good camera for its class with Exmor RS sensor and HDR
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • NFC for easy pairing and data transfer
  • Removable battery for easy replacement
  • STAMINA mode for extended battery life

Cons

  • Low screen resolution for its size
  • Limited internal storage (8GB, with less available to user)
  • VGA front camera is very basic
  • Older Android version (upgradable but still dated)
  • Dual-core processor may struggle with modern apps
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia L was a respectable mid-range device for its time, offering a decent camera and useful features like NFC and a removable battery, though its display resolution and processor were modest even for 2013.

The Sony Xperia L, released in 2013, is now an outdated smartphone and is not recommended for daily use in 2026. Its operating system (Android 4.2.2 maximum) is no longer supported, meaning it lacks modern security updates and compatibility with most current applications. The hardware, including the dual-core processor and 1GB RAM, will struggle significantly with contemporary tasks and browsing. While it offered a decent camera for its era and features like NFC, these are far surpassed by even entry-level smartphones today. Consider this phone only as a collector's item or for very basic, offline functions, but not as a primary communication device. For a functional smartphone, look for models released within the last 2-3 years for better performance, security, and app compatibility.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia L Handset
  • 1750 mAh Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Headphones
  • User Manual

Warranty information typically varies by region and retailer; for unlocked phones, an international warranty may apply, with DOA exchanges often handled by the seller.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia L released?

The Sony Xperia L was announced in March 2013 and officially released in May 2013.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia L run?

It originally launched with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and was upgradable to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

Does the Sony Xperia L have a good camera?

For its time, the Sony Xperia L featured a respectable 8 MP main camera with Sony's Exmor RS sensor and HDR capabilities, which was a highlight for a budget-oriented device.

Is the battery of the Sony Xperia L removable?

Yes, the Sony Xperia L comes with a removable 1750 mAh Li-Ion battery.

Can the storage on the Sony Xperia L be expanded?

Yes, the Sony Xperia L has 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSDHC card.

Is the Sony Xperia L suitable for use today?

No, the Sony Xperia L is not suitable for modern daily use due to its outdated operating system, lack of security updates, and hardware limitations that cannot handle current applications and internet browsing effectively. It is primarily a collector's item.