Sony Xperia XA1 smartphone

Photo: Bmw210 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia XA1

April 2017 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia XA1 is a mid-range smartphone released in April 2017, notable for its camera-centric features. It sports a 5-inch HD display and is powered by a MediaTek Helio P20 processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM. The device boasts a 23MP main camera and an 8MP front camera, aiming to deliver a strong imaging experience for its class.
Display5.0" HD IPS LCD (720x1280)
ChipsetMediaTek Helio P20
Main Camera23 MP with PDAF
Battery2300 mAh
Starting from $60

💰 Sony Xperia XA1 Price

The Sony Xperia XA1 lowest price is $60, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.0 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, HD
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass

Platform

OSAndroid 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
ChipsetMediaTek Helio P20 (MT6757)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPUMali-T880MP2

Memory

RAM3GB
Internal Storage32GB
Card SlotmicroSDXC, up to 256GB (dedicated slot)

Main Camera

Modules23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.3", PDAF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama, Hybrid Autofocus, SteadyShot, 5x Clear Image Zoom
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Modules8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4"
FeaturesSteadyShot
Video1080p

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable
Charging10W wired, Pump Express+ 2.0

Body

Dimensions145 x 67 x 8 mm (5.71 x 2.64 x 0.31 in)
Weight143 g (5.04 oz)
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 2017
ReleasedApril 2017

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent 23MP main camera for its price segment.
  • Compact and ergonomic design.
  • Expandable storage via microSD card.
  • Good value for money at its launch price.
  • USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.

Cons

  • 720p display resolution is lower than some competitors.
  • Relatively small 2300 mAh battery capacity.
  • Noticeable bezels on the top and bottom of the display.
  • MediaTek processor may not offer the same performance as Snapdragon alternatives.
  • Lacks a fingerprint sensor.
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia XA1 offered a strong camera and compact design for its price, but was held back by a lower-resolution display and a modest battery capacity compared to some rivals.

The Sony Xperia XA1, while an older model from 2017, could still be a consideration for those seeking a very affordable, compact smartphone primarily for photography and basic tasks. Its 23MP camera was a highlight in its class, offering good image quality for the price. However, be aware of its 720p display and 2300 mAh battery, which might not meet modern expectations for screen clarity or all-day power. If you prioritize a decent camera in a small form factor and can find it at a significantly reduced price, it might serve as a secondary device or a budget-friendly option for light usage. For more demanding tasks or longer battery life, newer alternatives would be more suitable.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

Typically, new Sony smartphones come with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia XA1 released?

The Sony Xperia XA1 was officially released in April 2017, following its announcement in February of the same year.

What are the main camera specifications of the Sony Xperia XA1?

The Sony Xperia XA1 features a 23-megapixel main camera with an f/2.0 aperture, a 1/2.3-inch sensor, and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), along with features like Hybrid Autofocus and SteadyShot.

Does the Sony Xperia XA1 have expandable storage?

Yes, the Sony Xperia XA1 comes with 32GB of internal storage and supports expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for up to 256GB additional storage.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia XA1 run?

The Sony Xperia XA1 initially launched with Android 7.0 Nougat and was upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo.

Is the Sony Xperia XA1 a good phone for photography?

For its price point and release era, the Sony Xperia XA1 was considered to have a strong camera, particularly its 23MP main sensor, making it a good option for users prioritizing photography on a budget.

What is the battery capacity of the Sony Xperia XA1?

The Sony Xperia XA1 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2300 mAh battery, which also supports fast charging with Pump Express+ 2.0 technology.