In October 2017, another smartphone from Sony went on sale in Russia. The XA1 Plus model is a strong mid-ranger among mid-price phones. The release date of the model was announced earlier at the IFA conference in Berlin. It should be noted that at a not too high price, this phone features modern functionality: a fingerprint scanner and improved dust protection.
Device release date 2017
Specifications
| Display | Screen diagonal: 5 Display resolution: 1280×720 Matrix type: IPS |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Model | XPERIA XA1 |
| Announcement date | 2017 |
| Dimensions | 145 × 67 × 8mm Weight: 143 g |
| SIM card | One SIM card |
| operating system | Android 7 |
| Communication standard | UMTS GSM |
| Memory | OP: 3GB; VP: 32GB; Memory card support: up to 256GB |
| Camera | Main: 23MP Flash/Autofocus: Yes/Yes Front: 8MP Flash/Autofocus: No/No |
| CPU | Name: Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 Video core: Mali-T880MP2 Number of cores: 8 Frequency: 2.3 and 1.6 GHz |
| Wireless technologies | Wi-Fi b/g/n Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Battery | Battery capacity: 2300 mAh Fast charging: yes Removable battery: no |
| Connectors | Connector charger: micro-USB Headphone Jack: 3.5mm |
| Navigation | GPS: Yes Beidou: No GLONASS: Yes |
| Sensors | G-sensor Proximity sensor Light sensor Compass Fingerprints |
Options and packaging
The XA1 Plus model comes in Sony branded packaging - a white cardboard box with a film coating. The packaging is reliable; there is absolutely no risk that the smartphone will become defective during transportation. Inside is the phone itself. In addition to the device itself, The package includes: charging device, USB cable, instructions.
Will be useful
The device comes in four color options: black, blue, gold and pink.
Smartphone equipment
Video
Appearance and design
Design solutions have long been Sony's hallmark. Their smartphones are immediately recognizable due to their straight lines, giving the device a sober and elegant look. The XA1 Plus stands out from its peers with denser side edges. Also immediately noticeable is the built-in scanner for the user’s fingerprints. Due to its presence, the company has slightly narrowed the frames of the display, although this is almost noticeable when compared with previous models. The frame is made of metal, rear end has a traditional matte finish.
Smartphone color options
The dimensions of the model in question are much larger than those of other smartphones in this line. This was also reflected in the weight of the phone. The exact size is 145x67x8mm. The weight of the model is 143 grams. This makes the XA1 Plus look longer than its competitors, but these design decisions are justified by the functionality built into it. And in general, despite the length, the phone looks quite aesthetically pleasing.
On the front of the smartphone there is a five-inch screen with output to the front speakers. The clearer frame on the sides of the screen immediately catches your eye; the top and bottom parts remain unchanged. The Sony logo is located above the screen. Next to him ─ front-camera. Also What is noteworthy is the complete absence of buttons; all control of the phone is done through touch sensors.
Back panel made of plastic with a shimmering matte finish. At the top left is the main camera lens, in the middle of the panel is the Sony logo. On the top of the smartphone there is a 3.5 mm headset jack and a noise-canceling microphone. Login for USB cable located on the bottom of the phone. On the right side of the frame there are built-in buttons for volume control, as well as locking and camera control. On the left side is the entrance for SIM cards and memory cards.
Display
Telephone Sony Xperia The XA1 Plus is equipped with a resolution of 1280x720 and is exactly 5 inches long. The display clarity and picture quality are measured at 294 pixels per inch. The screen size itself takes up most of the smartphone; it is 62.1x10.7 mm. Edged with a frame on the sides and top. The screen supports white brightness up to 440 cd/m2, black brightness up to 0.3 cd/m2. The contrast parameters are 600:1.
Display size: 5 inches
note
This phone belongs to the middle price category, so you shouldn’t expect miracles from the contrast settings. If the light is too bright, for example, on a sunny street during the day, the image may seem dim; this is not the phone’s fault, but the manufacturer’s idea. In any other lighting there are no complaints about contrast. There is a system for automatically adjusting brightness using.
Software
As mentioned above, Sony Xperia XA1 Plus runs on . Its release occurred in 2016, for the first time the 7.0 Nougat system was used on the LG V20 model phone. She supports features, OpenJDK for Java, improved user interface. In addition, it automatically puts the phone into lock mode when not in use. It also integrates the ability to switch tasks in the background.
Will be useful
The Nougat system allows you to easily operate multiple applications, and new emoji characters have been added for chat lovers. The ability to combine notifications from one application has been integrated. Also uses API graphics rendering system, this has improved the phone's performance in terms of 3D image quality.
Programs preinstalled on the smartphone:
Sony Xperia XA1 Plus runs on Android 7.0
- TrackID;
- Google Play;
- Smart Connect;
- Play Store;
- Movie Creator.
This is not a complete list standard programs for Android system, more detailed description can be found on the company’s website, but in terms of basic programs, the XA1 Plus is no different from its predecessors.
Sound
At the beginning of the review, we mentioned the use of SmartAmp sound profile systems. Speaking in more detail about the parameters of the Xperia XA1 Plus speakers, it can be noted that the sound quality is standard. It is unlikely that you will be able to miss a call in a closed room, but outdoors the volume may not be enough. The conversational speakers operate at a modern level and transmit sound clearly. There is support for radio, as well as MP3, 3GPP, MP4, WAV, OTA, OGG Vorbis formats. For users with bluetooth headset Support for A2DP and aptX codecs, which improve sound quality, will be a plus.
The sound volume in the smartphone is at the optimal level
Performance
At the beginning of the review it was already said that the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus is a mid-range smartphone. Yes, Sony have done their best to bring it up to date without inflating the price. However, according to technical specifications it is inferior to expensive models in the top. The smartphone operates on a MediaTek Helio 20 processor, Mali T880 MP2 chipset. Processor with 8 cores, 4 at 2.3 GHz, 4 at 1.6 GHz. This is acceptable power, which is enough to complete everyday tasks.
It is important to know
The smartphone will also run many modern games, although not at ultra settings. Thus, World of Tanks Blits, Injustice 2 and Lara Croft: Relic Run launched without any difficulties on medium settings.
Compared to its similarly specced competitor, the Snapdragon 625 processor, the Helio 20 performed better in multi-core tasks. According to AnTuTu testing, the Helio P20 processor scored 66 thousand points versus 62 thousand for Snapdragon. These are excellent results, which means the presented model is faster.
Sony developers cannot rest on their laurels, striving to continue to occupy leading positions in the global market. With his Sony Xperia XA1 Plus, to which some features from the Xperia Z5 and Xperia XA1 were transferred. Enlarging the display, upgrading the camera and much more - everything that may be of interest to potential consumers.
Case and screen design
The minimal dimensions of the side frames around the display have become one of the recognizable advantages of the latest Sony models. For Sony Xperia XA1 Plus inherent:
- rectangular monoblock case;
- 5.5-inch touch screen;
- glass material - Full HD display is designed to cover the entire sRGB color spectrum;
- there is a sensor for identifying the owner’s fingerprints;
- matte back cover material – plastic;
- Available device colors: gold, black and blue, in some countries – pink.
What's under the lid?
On the seventh version of Android operating system The new smartphone features a modern MediaTek chipset - Helio P20, designed to operate at frequencies up to 2.3 GHz. The Mali accelerator, which has proven itself in previous models, is responsible for the graphics part. To maintain speed indicators, the device has a built-in memory of 32 GB (expandable up to 256 GB from a separate microSD card, there is a slot) and three gigabytes of RAM. This facilitates the launch of LTE networks (Cat. 6 or Cat. 4), NFC, the usual Bluetooth (4.2) and Wi-Fi. Feasible with apt X support wireless transmission sound without significant loss.
Those who like to use their smartphone as an audio player will be pleased - there is USB connector Type-C. In addition, Xperia XA1 Plus includes Smart apps Amp and Clear Audio+.
Considering the battery is designed for a capacity of 3430 mAh, manufacturers new smartphone We installed fairly powerful video cameras with advanced capabilities. The main camera is 23 MP with 1/2.3” Exmor RS. Focal power is f/2.0. The LED flash supports hybrid autofocus, and Steady Shot stabilization and 5x zoom (Clear Image Zoom) provide personal quality photos and videos.
The more modest performance of the front camera - 8 megapixels - does not mean worse quality, because the presence of an Exmor RS sensor and a 23 mm lens compensate for everything else.
Manufacturers have provided another advantage for the gadget - the ability to quickly recharge: adaptive QNOVO and patented proprietary technology.
conclusions
Solid design, balanced hardware and battery software solutions place the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus at one of the leading positions in the global ranking of relevant products.
Sony Xperia XA1 Plus smartphone – new model mid-price segment, which organically fits into the XA1-series model range and occupies a middle position there. The company's new trend is aimed at giving the mid-range the appearance of the same concept as the current flagships, as well as some hardware and software features from the top-end devices of the previous generation. Therefore, the Xperia XA1 Plus is a strong competitor in its niche, offering good technical features and will be especially interesting to those who like larger smartphones.
Appearance, screen, some features
In terms of design, the XA1 Plus is practically no different from its brothers in the line - Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra. A concept completely familiar to us. Therefore, when choosing an average device from Sony, the user will focus on the dimensions of the device. By the way, for the new product they are 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm.
The only noticeable difference is a slight thickening of the side edges. Ixperia XA1 Plus was the first mid-segment smartphone with a fingerprint scanner, and its integration required a little more space. Despite this, there are practically no side frames around the 5.5-inch Full HD screen, as with previous models in the series. Although the previous frameless effect is a little blurred. The case frame is metal, and the matte back cover is plastic. There are three color options to choose from: black, gold and blue. A pink version has also been released, but will not be available in all markets.
The display is covered with 2.5D Gorilla Glass with a lyophobic coating. The matrix itself is traditionally High Quality with excellent color rendition, high brightness and contrast.
I would like to note that behind the plug on the left edge there is a tray with compartments for two SIM cards and a separate slot for a microSD memory card. This means you don't have to choose between expanding memory or using another operator. Everything is available at once. The layout of buttons, connectors and microphones is standard. At the end there is a USB Type-C connector and a mono speaker that produces a fairly loud sound.
Camera and technical parameters
The main camera is a 23-megapixel module with fast hybrid autofocus and quick launch, which was previously installed in the Xperia Z5 series. With its help you can take great pictures, but the camera algorithms are not an unimportant factor. After the device goes on sale, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the quality of photos and videos and draw some conclusions. 8 Megapixel front camera with wide-angle lens and stabilization as in Xperia XA1.
For the middle segment of its models Sony smartphones We chose chipsets from MediaTek and this model has a Helio P20 chipset with 8 cores and Mali-T880MP2 video. The memory capacity is 4 GB of RAM and a 32 GB storage drive, which, as already mentioned, can be easily expanded using a memory card up to 256 GB. The new product is also impressive in that it has a 3430 mAh battery - the largest capacity among.
More detailed technical specifications:
- Dimensions: 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm, 190 g
- Screen parameters: 5.5 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 401 ppi, IPS, Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, 2.5D glass, Gorilla Glass
- Main camera: 23 MP, 1/2.3” Exmor RS, f/2.0, LED flash, hybrid autofocus, Steady Shot stabilization, 5x Clear Image Zoom
- Front camera: 8 MP, 1/4” Exmor RS sensor, f/2.0, autofocus
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6757 Helio P20, 8 cores, 64 bit, frequency up to 2.3 GHz.
- Graphics chip: Mali T880MP2
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 32 GB, memory card up to 256 GB
- Wired and wireless connections: GPS and GLONASS, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C 2.0, NFC
- Audio: SmartAmp, Clear Audio+
- Battery: 3430 mAh, fast charging MediaTek Pump Express Plus 2.0, Smart Stamina 3.0, Qnovo, Battery Care
- System version (out of the box): Android 7.0 Nougat
- Network: GSM GPRS/EDGE (2G), UMTS HSPA+ (3G), LTE
"Plus" version popular smartphone Sony Xperia XA1 is a shining example of a balanced mid-class device with decent hardware and an ornate appearance.
Recognizable design
Thanks to its characteristic squared shapes, the model is recognizable among thousands of peers of the same type. The only thing that slightly spoils the picture in appearance is the large upper and lower overhangs, which does not look the best in the frameless era. Sandwiched between the “forehead” and “chin” on the front panel of the gadget is a FullHD screen with classic 16:9 proportions and a 5.5-inch diagonal. Traditionally for Sony, the image on it is slightly “cold” by default. However, the color temperature of the display can be easily changed in the settings.
Hardware base
At the heart of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus hardware platform is an 8-core MediaTek Helio P20 chip. “Typing” over 62 thousand “parrots” in the synthetic AnTuTu test, the trio consisting of central processor, 3/4 GB of RAM and ARM graphics Mali-T880 MP2 demonstrates an acceptable speed of the device’s response to user actions, if they are not aimed at running applications of a serious level of “heaviness”. By the way, only the version of the device with 4 GB of RAM has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. In the low-end configuration of the model with 3 GB of RAM, its place is taken by the most ordinary unlock key.
Pros to karma
A separate plus in the karma of the smartphone is for the strong main camera, which uses an image sensor with physical dimensions of 1/2.3" and has a resolution of 23 MP. In contrast, on the front panel you can find an 8 MP selfie camera. The model is also praised for the presence of an NFC chip And USB port C. Through this interface connector, the gadget’s battery is charged, the capacity of which is 3430 mAh. Taking into account the effective energy-saving algorithms of Sony smartphones, the device stays afloat for up to 2 days in a row without recharging.
Sony Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra smartphones (introduced in early 2017) received an update to the second generation at CES 2018. These devices belong to the entry and top level of the Japanese brand's frameless line, and the middle place model range occupied by Sony Xperia XA1 Plus - a smartphone that was announced in September 2017 and does not lose relevance in the new year. 
The appearance of the smartphone continues the development of the proprietary concept of symmetry of the Loop Surface body and frameless screen of the Xperia XA line. The protective glass of the display on its wide sides literally rests against the metal perimeter frame, and massive inserts remain in the upper and lower parts of the body, which have become a recognizable feature of Sony smartphones. The back panel is made of high-quality and practical matte plastic. Interestingly, visually and tactilely it is difficult to distinguish it from the metal of the side frame, which makes appearance Sony Xperia XA1 Plus monolithic.
On the front side of the panel above the screen there is a notification indicator, front camera, Sony logo, light sensor and earpiece. Below the screen is a microphone cutout similar to the speaker. On the top edge there is a mini-jack for connecting headphones and an auxiliary microphone for the noise reduction system, and on the bottom there is a connector for USB charging Type-C and main speaker. The back panel is standard: the camera lens is flush with the body, the flash is below, and the NFC icon and the Xperia inscription are located closer to the center.
On the left side there is only a slot for SIM cards and a memory card. It is not hybrid, that is, the user does not need to choose between installing a memory card and a second SIM card. The dual nano-SIM tray slides out along with the lid, and microSD cards are inserted directly into the housing. On the right side there is a volume key, power button and camera launch button. Despite the frameless design, Sony engineers still managed to integrate a fingerprint scanner into the power key. This was partly helped by the variable thickness of the slightly rounded metal frame. The bending of the metal also has a positive effect on the ergonomics of the device. If you take the smartphone with one hand and place your little finger at the bottom for a better grip, the edges of the case do not dig into the skin and allow you to comfortably hold the device even for a long time.
Screen
The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus has an IPS matrix with a diagonal of 5.5 inches and a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels. On top - reliable protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass with smoothly rounded edges, the so-called 2.5D effect. There is a high-quality oleophobic coating, which makes the screen less dirty and prints easier to wash. Viewing angles are close to maximum, and even with a significant deviation of the device from the line of sight, the picture remains clearly readable without color distortion. The color reproduction of the screen is accurate, with a slight predominance of cool shades. However, the white balance can be adjusted at your discretion, for example, if you like the pronounced warmth of color. Contrast and Brightness Sony screen Xperia XA1 Plus are also on good level, there will be no problems using the device in direct sunlight - images and texts will remain legible.
Main and front cameras
The main camera of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus is the Exmor RS module from the late 2015 flagship smartphone Sony Xperia Z5. The sensor size is 1/2.3 inches, resolution is 23 megapixels. The optics used are a fast, 24mm wide-angle lens with an f/2.0 aperture. The camera has a proprietary SteadyShot digital image stabilization system and hybrid autofocus, which ensures fast focusing even in difficult shooting conditions. Due to high resolution sensor, the smartphone supports the Clear Image Zoom function - five times digital zoom without loss of quality. Separately, it is worth noting the presence of a dedicated button for launching the camera on the side of the case. This is a rarity in the smartphone market lately. It only takes 0.6 seconds from pressing a key to being able to touch the shutter button, which reduces the risk of missing interesting shots while waiting for the camera to launch.
The front camera is based on a proprietary 1/4-inch Sony Exmor R sensor with a resolution of 8 megapixels and high-aperture optics with an f/2.0 aperture. There is also a SteadyShot stabilization system for getting clear shots and a wide-angle lens so that in the selfie, in addition to the portrait itself, landmarks in the background or friends of the owner of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus can be seen.
Performance
Sony Xperia XA1 Plus is built on a 64-bit eight-core MediaTek helio P20 processor. Four fast cores operate at a frequency of 2.3 GHz, energy-efficient - 1.6 GHz. The chip is manufactured using the 16 nm process technology. Volume random access memory is 4 GB. For those who prefer to evaluate the performance of devices in hard numbers, according to the AnTuTu 6 synthetic benchmark, the smartphone scores more than 55,000 points. In practice, the operation of the device corresponds to the best representatives of the middle class - smooth and fast operation of the operating system, instant launch of applications and switching between them, the ability to run most games with maximum settings graphics. Reduce quality visual effects it will only be necessary to reach average values in the most demanding games. At the same time, the power of the device and the optimal choice of components do not force you to compromise on operating time without recharging.
Autonomy
The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus uses a non-removable battery with a capacity of 3430 mAh, which is one of the highest in the line. Connection to the network occurs via a symmetrical USB Type-C connector, and there is also support for MediaTek Pump Express technology, which provides accelerated charging. Traditionally, Sony uses proprietary power saving and battery life extension modes. STAMINA allows you to reduce power consumption on the days of the most active use of the smartphone and with a significant decrease in charge, Ultra STAMINA extends operation in critical situations when the minimum functionality of the device is sufficient. In addition, there is a “Battery Care” mode that provides gentle charging of the smartphone according to user scenarios. If you charge the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus for a long time (for example, overnight), the battery charge will be maintained at 90%, and the missing 10% will be added before the alarm is set. As for the battery capacity itself and autonomy, it all depends on the owner’s scenarios, but in general the smartphone has a very good battery life on a single charge and can last up to a day and a half without significant restrictions on use.
Technical specifications Sony Xperia XA1 Plus
Operating system: Android Nougat (Xperia UI)
Screen: IPS, 5.5 inches, Full HD (1080p)
Protective glass: 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass
Processor: 64-bit octa-core MediaTek helio P20
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 32 GB
Memory card support: separate microSD slot up to 256 GB
Main camera: Exmor RS 23 MP, hybrid autofocus, f/2.0 wide-angle lens
Front camera: Exmor R 8 MP, f/2.0 wide-angle lens
Audio: 3.5 mm jack, Bluetooth 4.2, aptX/A2DP
Mobile communications: two nano-SIM, 2G/3G/4G (cat.6)
Wireless connections: A-GNSS, Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
Connector: USB Type-C
Battery: 3430 mAh, MediaTek Pump Express fast charging
Fingerprint scanner: in the side power button
Case colors: black, blue, gold
Dimensions: 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm
Weight: 190 g.