We’ve got four of the best mid-range
devices on test this month, but which one should you consider buying next?
Mid-range phones can be an awkward
combination of dodgy software and even worse design flaws. But for those
without the cash to splash out on a high-end device, there are some real
alternatives out there that can rival many of the high-end phones currently on
the market. We’ve pulled together four of the best devices from different
manufacturers to try and find the ultimate mid-range phone that you should
consider buying.
We’ve
got four of the best mid-range devices on test this month, but which one should
you consider buying next?
They include the big Xperia T that offers
enough size and power to compete with many of its more expensive companions, as
well as the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini which looks to bring all the high-quality
features from its much larger sister device into a tiny package. We’ve taken a
look at HTC’s best mid-range offering in the One SV, which looks to make great
design a must-have, and finally we’ve scrutinized the Motorola RAZR i to see if
its software is up to scratch.
Sony Xperia T
Sony looks to push the boat out,
highlighted by both great features and a superb camera
Android 4.1
Although it’s fairly well hidden underneath
Sony’s skin, the Xperia T includes all the usual features found in Android 4.1.
You’ll soon get used to them
Sony
Xperia T
The Sony ecosystem
The range of pre-installed apps on the
Xperia T all point to Sony’s attempt to dominate your living room. You’ll find
apps that link your phone to your BRAVIA TV, Walkman audio player
Dedicated camera button
One of the Xperia T’s distinguishing
features is the dedicated camera button. It enables quick access to the phone’s
camera and means you’ll never miss a picture perfect moment again
The Xperia T is the biggest device in the
group test, but a bigger screen doesn’t necessarily correlate to better design.
The problem with the Xperia T is that it feels like a budget device; its
plastic cover and rubber backplate lack a premium finish. All the usual ports
can be found on the right side of the phone, including a clever flap that hides
micro SD and SIM card ports. You’ll also find a dedicated camera button,
something not included on the other phones, but one that highlights the Xperia
T’s best feature.
Turning on the phone reveals Android 4.1
and you’ll find all the quirks and features associated with it are included.
Sony’s own skin works well and although it still lacks behind the pure Android
experience it’s streaks ahead of TouchWiz and HTC Sense. When you buy a Sony
phone, you’re also buying into its brand and this is immediately noticeable
when you realise the amount of pre-installed software that comes with it.
You’ll find apps that will link to your Sony TV, PlayStation and Walkman, but
they are completely redundant and eat up a considerable amount of the 16GB of
internal storage if you don’t own any of the products. The saving grace for the
Xperia T has to be its camera though, as the 13-megapixel offering displays
some beautiful images that take full advantage of the 4.5-inch display, even if
colors can look a bit drab from time to time.
The
Sony Xperia T couldn’t be any more of a mixed bag if it tried.
The Sony Xperia T couldn’t be any more of a
mixed bag if it tried. You can’t fault Sony for packing in as many apps and
features as it does into the device, but many of them are pointless if you
don’t own the corresponding Sony products. Even though the phone is typically
mid-range, for your money you’d expect something more well-made than the
offering here.
If you’re on the look-out for a great
camera phone and you can overlook its many problems, the Xperia T is a decent
enough choice for those not wanting to part with too much money.
Sony Xperia T
Information
·
Price $510
Technical specs
·
Operating system: Android 4.1
·
Processor: Snapdragon 1.5GHz dual-core
·
Storage: 1GB RAM, 16GB storage (expandable to
32GB via micro SD)
·
Dimensions: 129.4 x 67.3 x 9.4mm
·
Weight: 139g
·
Display size: 4.55-inch
·
Display resolution: 720 x 1,280 pixels
·
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth
4.0, GPS, HSDPA 42.2 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76, micro USB (via MHL)
·
Camera: 13-MP rear, 1.3-MP front, 1080p full
HD video
Head-To-Head
·
Design and build: The 4.5-inch screen is a
nice addition, but is let down by the plastic casing and rubber backplate.
For a company that promotes strong aesthetics, this is a letdown.
·
Features: There’s plenty packed into the
Xperia T to keep you interested and you’ll find many decent pre-installed
apps available. The 13-megapixel camera is also a big plus.
·
Battery life: Although the 1850mAh unit
handles average tasks well, it soon drains with heavy usage. Being unable to
swap it for a second battery is therefore a problem.
·
Value for money: Without doubt, you’re getting
plenty of bang for your buck with the Xperia T. Big screen, plenty of
features and a great user experience make this phone attractive.
Verdict: 3/5
·
Plenty of pleasing features, but it lacks the
polish to compete with other handsets in the category
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