Sony Xperia U smartphone

Photo: Ollieinc via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Sony

Sony Xperia U

May 2012 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia U was a compact Android smartphone released in 2012, notable for being one of the first Sony-only branded phones after the company acquired Ericsson's stake. It featured a 3.5-inch display, a dual-core processor, and an interchangeable bottom cap design.
Display3.5-inch TFT with Mobile BRAVIA Engine
ChipsetST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash and 720p video
Battery1320 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $7,204

💰 Sony Xperia U Price

The Sony Xperia U lowest price is $7,204, based on current retailer listings.

  • eBay (ubest-mobile-phone) Lowest Price $7,204 Visit →

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT, 16M colors
Size3.5 inches, 34.0 cm2 (~52.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density)
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass
FeaturesSony Mobile BRAVIA Engine

Platform

OSAndroid 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
ChipsetST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500
CPUDual-core 1.0 GHz
GPUMali-400MP1

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal8GB (4GB user available), 512MB RAM

Main Camera

Single5 MP, AF
FeaturesLED flash, Geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, 3D sweep panorama
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleVGA (0.3 MP)

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery
Stand-byUp to 260 h (2G) / Up to 260 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 6 h 36 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 36 min (3G)

Body

Dimensions112 x 54 x 12 mm (4.41 x 2.13 x 0.47 in)
Weight110 g (3.88 oz)
SIMMini-SIM
BuildPlastic body, interchangeable bottom cap

Comms

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

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 2012
StatusDiscontinued
Release DateMay 2012

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and easy to handle
  • Customizable with interchangeable caps
  • Decent camera for its era
  • Affordable price point at launch
  • Good sound quality

Cons

  • Limited internal storage (4GB user accessible) with no microSD slot
  • Small screen size by modern standards
  • Older Android version (though upgradable)
  • Modest battery life
  • VGA front camera
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia U was a solid mid-range offering for its time, balancing compact design with decent performance and features, though limited storage and a small screen were drawbacks.

The Sony Xperia U is now a vintage smartphone, primarily of interest to collectors or enthusiasts of early Android devices. It is not suitable for daily modern use due to its outdated operating system, limited app compatibility, small screen, and slow performance compared to current phones. If considering a purchase, ensure the device is in good working order and understand that it will serve more as a historical artifact than a functional communication tool. Look for units with original accessories and packaging for collector value. Expect to pay a nominal price, as its practical utility is minimal today.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia U Handset
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Stereo Headset
  • Interchangeable bottom caps

Standard manufacturer warranty was typically 12-24 months at the time of its release.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia U released?

The Sony Xperia U was officially released in May 2012.

What operating system did the Sony Xperia U run?

It originally launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread and was upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Does the Sony Xperia U have expandable storage?

No, the Sony Xperia U does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It comes with 8GB of internal storage, with about 4GB accessible to the user.

What was a unique feature of the Sony Xperia U?

A notable feature was its interchangeable bottom cap, allowing users to customize the phone's appearance with different colored caps.

Is the Sony Xperia U suitable for modern use?

No, due to its outdated hardware and software, the Sony Xperia U is not suitable for modern daily use. It lacks compatibility with many current apps and services.

What is the screen size of the Sony Xperia U?

The Sony Xperia U features a compact 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels.