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It Must be the Panels... (4/4)
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
BENCHMARKS
Spb Benchmark from has been used for the
following benchmark comparisons with the XPERIA X1.
The performance of the X1 is the best I've ever seen on any Windows Mobile device. There is little to no hesitation when launching programs and flipping through various screens. This makes using the X1 very pleasing. The only area that needs work is the Panel interface - there's a slight lag between pressing the Panel hardware button and when the Panels come up on the screen. Also, rotating the Panel screen from portrait to landscape gets a bit choppy.
BATTERY
The battery on the XPERIA X1 is 1500mAh, which is larger than the Touch Pro (which packs 1350mAh). The battery life on the XPERIA X1, to my utmost surprise, was fantastic. I'd get to the end of the day and still have around 50% battery left after a ton of use. With other similar devices, I'm lucky if there is 20% remaining. So, with heavy use of data, GPS, and many calls, the X1 will get through 1.5-2 days. With moderate use, you will get through around 2.5 days, and with light use, expect 4 days. Sony Ericsson did a great job on battery optimization.
BUGS AND WISHES
Because Sony Ericsson spend many months with the X1 in testing, the device is very well optimized. All of the software worked well, and I didn't have to soft reset but once, and that was required because of a cellular data issue.
With a high end device, I expect to be outfitted with accessories. Missing from the box was a case and screen protector.
The trend for screens on smartphones has been towards the flush design, and the X1 goes back to the recessed screen configuration like the TyTN II. The good thing about this is that it allows for higher screen sensitivity, but it also creates a groove for dust and dirt to get trapped.
If you're big on one-handed usability, this isn't your device. There is no dedicated Start menu button on the front and there's no on-screen keyboard that you can easily use with your thumb (though this could be remedied by getting TouchPal), so you often have to open the keyboard to type. That said, the optical cursor does help a bit for navigating the device without moving your thumb from the bottom Panel.
Sony Ericsson is working towards getting developer support for the Panels - they've released an SDK, and are doing a contest with prizes to engender more excitement around Panel development. At the time of this review, there were just four extra Panels to choose from, two of which are of little use. I'd like to see a messaging Panel that gives Outlook-like previews of the message in my inbox. How about a finance Panel that tracks my stock portfolio during the day? Or, an instant messaging Panel that hooks up with multiple IM services? There are a lot of great possibilities and I hope that we see a lot of interesting Panels.
PURCHASING
You can grab the unlocked XPERIA X1i in black or silver from a variety of online retailers like Clove or eXpansys. Prices range from $800-900.
PROS
- Panel interface is interesting and holds potential
Amazing performance
- Outstanding battery life
- Crisp and bright WVGA screen with high touch sensitivity
- Near instant screen rotation
- Has a 3.5mm headphone jack
- Includes optical D-Pad plus standard D-Pad
- Flick-scrolling throughout
- Auto-configures for major carriers (AT&T & T-Mobile in the US included)
- Innovative four-way LED notification system
- Great build quality with use of real metal
- Top-notch camera
- aGPS/WiFi/HSDPA/FM Radio
CONS
- Poor one-handed usability
- Choice of Panels is currently scarce
- Recessed screen traps debris
- No case/screen protector included
- No voice recognition software
- microSD slot is under battery cover
- Lacks an accelerometer
| Value |  |
| Ease of Use |  |
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Overall |
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
This is the best Windows Mobile device that has ever passed my desk. Period. Sony Ericsson was right by declaring it a "game changer" - this has raised the bar, and if the Panel interface takes off and we see a lot of neat Panels, the X1 could become a benchmark mobile device.
Not only is the X1 refined from top to bottom, but it brings a new interface paradigm that challenges our idea of what a Windows Mobile Today screen should be. I was super impressed by its high performance and excellent battery life, and was refreshed by the sensitivity and clarity of the high-resolution touchscreen. If you're big on one-handed use, this device is not for you. But for everyone else that desires a powerhouse of a device, this is definitely it.
