Sony Xperia S smartphone

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia S

February 2012 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia S was a flagship Android smartphone released in early 2012, marking Sony's first smartphone under its own brand after acquiring Ericsson's stake. It featured a 4.3-inch HD display, a dual-core processor, and a 12-megapixel camera.
Display4.3-inch HD (720p) Reality Display
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S3 (Dual-core 1.5 GHz)
Main Camera12 MP with LED flash, 1080p video
Battery1750 mAh non-removable
Starting from $75

💰 Sony Xperia S Price

The Sony Xperia S lowest price is $75, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeLED-backlit LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.3 inches, 52.0 cm2 (~61.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~342 ppi density)
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine

Platform

OSAndroid 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3
CPUDual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion
GPUAdreno 220

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal32GB (25.8 GB user available), 1GB RAM

Main Camera

Single12 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0", AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single1.3 MP
Video720p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 1750 mAh, non-removable
Stand-byUp to 450 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 7 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 8 h 30 min (3G)

Body

Dimensions128 x 64 x 10.6 mm (5.04 x 2.52 x 0.42 in)
Weight144 g (5.08 oz)
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP, EDR
PositioningGPS, A-GPS
NFCYes
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 2012
StatusAvailable. Released February 2012

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Sharp HD display for its time
  • Capable 12MP camera
  • Solid build quality
  • HDMI output for TV connectivity
  • NFC support was advanced for its era

Cons

  • Non-removable battery
  • No expandable storage (microSD slot)
  • Launched with an older Android version
  • Battery life could be improved
  • Thick bezels by modern standards
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia S was a strong contender in its time, offering a great display and camera, but its non-removable battery and lack of expandable storage were notable drawbacks, and it quickly became outdated with rapid Android advancements.

The Sony Xperia S is a vintage smartphone from 2012, making it unsuitable for daily use in 2026 due to outdated software, limited app compatibility, and poor performance compared to modern devices. It lacks essential security updates and will struggle with contemporary apps and web browsing. Consider it only as a collector's item or for nostalgic purposes, not as a functional smartphone. If you need a working smartphone, even on a budget, look for much newer entry-level or mid-range models from the last few years for a significantly better experience. Avoid purchasing this phone for practical use.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia S Handset
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Headphones
  • Documentation

Typically, new Sony smartphones come with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia S released?

The Sony Xperia S was announced in January 2012 and officially released in February 2012.

What operating system did the Sony Xperia S run?

It originally launched with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and was upgradable to Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).

Does the Sony Xperia S have expandable storage?

No, the Sony Xperia S does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It comes with 32GB of internal storage.

What is the camera quality of the Sony Xperia S?

The Sony Xperia S features a 12-megapixel main camera capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for 720p video.

Is the Sony Xperia S still a good phone to buy in 2026?

No, the Sony Xperia S is an outdated smartphone from 2012 and is not recommended for practical use in 2026 due to its old software, lack of security updates, and inability to run modern applications effectively. It is primarily a collector's item.

Does the Sony Xperia S have an HDMI port?

Yes, the Sony Xperia S includes an HDMI port, allowing users to connect the phone directly to a TV or monitor.