Sony mini smartphones. Full review of Sony Ericsson Xperia mini: miniaturization without sacrificing functionality. Memory cards are used in mobile devices to increase the storage capacity for storing data.

In the new edition, they have remained in the same place, but have become more flexible in customization. Now you yourself determine which icons can be placed on the edges of the display, and, in addition, it became possible to combine icons into a group of up to 4. This means that when you click on the "folder", an enlarged semi-circular window opens with four hot icons.

Performance and autonomy

Another change in the new generation of Xperia mini was the hardware stuffing. Instead of the budget Qualcomm MSM7227 processor with a clock frequency of 600 MHz, we got a Snapdragon chip - Qualcomm QSD8255 with a frequency of 1 GHz, in addition to which the Adreno 205 graphics accelerator is installed. The amount of RAM has increased four times at once: from 128 MB to 512 MB.

Of course, the use of more powerful hardware affected the performance of the smartphone. During testing, we never encountered lags, delays - both when using the standard interface and additionally installed programs. By the way, the use of a larger resolution HVGA display eliminated some of the difficulties in the work of programs that were noticed earlier on a QVGA matrix.

The smartphone has a complete set of wireless modules: Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth version 2.1, GPS. With mobile networks, the connection takes place according to the standards of the second (GSM / GPRS / EDGE) and third generations (HSDPA / HSUPA).

The capacity of the battery used is 1200 mAh. Again, this is noticeably more than the previous Xperia mini (950 mAh). The battery resource can be spent both in two days (in this case, the user will limit himself to data transfer, refuse to use 3rd generation networks, reduce the use of media capabilities), and within one day (subject to the maximum use of wireless modules, for example, when working in mobile hotspot mode). Thus, the autonomy of a smartphone primarily depends on the intensity of its use.

Competitors

HTC Wildfire S. The only thing the Wildfire S outperforms the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini is the user interface. However, if earlier it was possible to say with full confidence that there is nothing better than Sense, now there are many worthy alternatives. One of them is a shell from Sony Ericsson. It is possible that someone will find it more convenient than HTC Sense.

In the new edition, they have remained in the same place, but have become more flexible in customization. Now you yourself determine which icons can be placed on the edges of the display, and, in addition, it became possible to combine icons into a group of up to 4. This means that when you click on the "folder", an enlarged semi-circular window opens with four hot icons.

Performance and autonomy

Another change in the new generation of Xperia mini was the hardware stuffing. Instead of the budget Qualcomm MSM7227 processor with a clock frequency of 600 MHz, we got a Snapdragon chip - Qualcomm QSD8255 with a frequency of 1 GHz, in addition to which the Adreno 205 graphics accelerator is installed. The amount of RAM has increased four times at once: from 128 MB to 512 MB.

Of course, the use of more powerful hardware affected the performance of the smartphone. During testing, we never encountered lags, delays - both when using the standard interface and additionally installed programs. By the way, the use of a larger resolution HVGA display eliminated some of the difficulties in the work of programs that were noticed earlier on a QVGA matrix.

The smartphone has a complete set of wireless modules: Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth version 2.1, GPS. With mobile networks, the connection takes place according to the standards of the second (GSM / GPRS / EDGE) and third generations (HSDPA / HSUPA).

The capacity of the battery used is 1200 mAh. Again, this is noticeably more than the previous Xperia mini (950 mAh). The battery resource can be spent both in two days (in this case, the user will limit himself to data transfer, refuse to use 3rd generation networks, reduce the use of media capabilities), and within one day (subject to the maximum use of wireless modules, for example, when working in mobile hotspot mode). Thus, the autonomy of a smartphone primarily depends on the intensity of its use.

Competitors

HTC Wildfire S. The only thing the Wildfire S outperforms the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini is the user interface. However, if earlier it was possible to say with full confidence that there is nothing better than Sense, now there are many worthy alternatives. One of them is a shell from Sony Ericsson. It is possible that someone will find it more convenient than HTC Sense.

Information about the make, model, and alternative names of a particular device, if any.

Design

Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Used materials, suggested colors, certificates.

SIM card

The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.

Mobile networks

A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.

Mobile technologies and data rates

Communication between devices in mobile networks is carried out through technologies that provide different data transfer rates.

Operating system

The operating system is the system software that manages and coordinates the operation of the hardware components in the device.

SoC (System on a Chip)

System on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device in one chip.

Built-in memory

Each mobile device has a built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed amount.

Memory cards

Memory cards are used in mobile devices to increase the storage capacity for storing data.

Screen

The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.

Sensors

Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that are recognized by the mobile device.

Main camera

The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on the back of the case and is used for taking photos and videos.

Audio

Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.

Radio

The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.

Location determination

Information about navigation and location technologies supported by the device.

WiFi

Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for short distance data transmission between different devices.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between different types of devices over short distances.

USB

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to communicate.

Headphone jack

This is an audio connector, which is also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Connecting devices

Information about other important connection technologies supported by the device.

Browser

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Video file formats/codecs

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Battery

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Tiny communicator with a full-sized keyboard and unusual proportions

The competition between manufacturers of communicators has been going on for a long time: the results achieved are amazing and raise questions - is it possible to further increase the diagonal of the display, reduce the thickness of the case, add cores to the processor and increase the frequency? Will all this lead to the fact that communicators of the upper price range will turn into huge devices with a voracious filling, which only a spare battery can satisfy the needs of?

Time will tell what curve the evolution of mobile computers with a cellular module will make once again. Once it seemed that everything had been invented and implemented, and there was nowhere for something new to appear, and then there was the presentation of the iPhone and the subsequent boom in the production of communicators: the old champions left the stage, the newcomers joined in a fierce battle.

The hero of this review, however, was not the "very-very" communicator, but a unique mobile computer that occupies its own niche - Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro. A year ago, Sony Ericsson was one of the first to understand that many users cannot afford, literally and figuratively, large and expensive communicators. On the contrary, they need small and inexpensive models, but not significantly inferior to the flagships in their capabilities. This is how the Xperia X10 mini family of devices was born, consisting of two models: a candy bar and a horizontal slider with a full QWERTY keyboard.

Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro is the direct successor of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro, a slider equipped with a keyboard. In the new line of 2011 models, the company abandoned numerical indices, so you should be careful when buying - communicators are similar in appearance and name, but the novelty is much more powerful than its predecessor and is equipped with a more recent version of the operating system.

The "pro" suffix in the communicator's name indicates not only the presence of a QWERTY keyboard, but also the positioning of the device for business users who need to quickly respond to messages. However, a full-fledged (by mobile standards) keyboard will be useful to all other fans of online communication.

Delivery set and specifications

The packaging of the communicator is a small cardboard box with the name of the device, image and main characteristics printed on it. Inside it are: a communicator, a battery, a charger with a USB compatible connector, a microUSB cable, a wired stereo headset and documentation. As you can see, a set of additional accessories includes the essentials, but it also has a nice little thing - a protective film on the screen, which is proposed to stick on your own.

The characteristics of the Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro (SK17i) communicator are as follows.

• Scorpion 1 GHz processor, Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon chipset with Adreno 205 video core;
• Operating system Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread);
• TFT-display, diagonal 3 inches, 320 × 480 pixels, capacitive, with multitouch, Sony Mobile Bravia Engine;
• 512MB RAM, 400MB Flash (320MB available);
• Communication GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS/EDGE;
• Communication 3G UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps;
• Bluetooth v2.1;
• WiFi 802.11b/g/n, DLNA, WiFi Hotspot;
• GPS, AGPS;
• Slot for microSDHC-cards;
• FM radio;
• Position sensor in space;
• Light sensor;
• Magnetometer;
• 5 megapixel camera with auto focus, 720p video recording;
• QWERTY keyboard;
• Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1200 mAh;
• Dimensions 92×53×18 mm;
• Weight 136 grams.

So, a device with an average price of 10 thousand rubles from a well-known manufacturer in 2011 can already please customers with a 1 GHz processor, a QWERTY keyboard, and basic communication modules. There is more than enough RAM installed in the communicator - 512 MB, but there is frankly little flash memory - only 400 MB, and despite the fact that many applications require installation in the communicator's internal memory for their work.

Design and appearance

In comparison with monoblock communicators of the highest and middle price range, the hero of the review looks like a baby. The small screen is surrounded by a small strip of plastic around the perimeter, thickening only in the area of ​​the keys and speaker.

But the impression of miniature communicator disappears when it is in the hand. Xperia mini pro turned out to be "fat". At a time when manufacturers of mobile computers are racing for the thinnest body and have achieved very outstanding results, Sony Ericsson engineers have released a communicator whose thickness is almost twice that of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc , Samsung Galaxy S II and other mobile computers. On the other hand, they can be understood: they were faced with the task of accommodating all the hardware stuffing, a keyboard, a battery and a mechanism for shifting the halves of the communicator in a small case. The task is very difficult, and they coped with it as best they could.

If you hold a communicator with a large display in the palm of your hand, it can be compared to a heavy notepad (reaching diagonally with your thumb from one corner of the display to the other is an almost impossible task), while the hero of the review is more like a weighty pack of cigarettes (the finger covers the entire area of ​​the display without special problems). During the testing of numerous communicators, refined in the literal sense of the word, the hand has lost the habit of such a layout of a mobile computer, although earlier communicators were both thick and wide at the same time. I had to get used to the Xperia mini pro again, but it will be easier for newcomers to the world of communicators - they have nothing to compare with.

Various types of plastic served as the case material: black lacquered, metallic silver, black matte and soft touch plastic for the battery cover. In addition to the strict black range, there are variants of the communicator in white, turquoise and pink colors. The last two somehow do not fit in with the image of a business communicator.

There are no complaints about the design and materials of the communicator case. Despite the prefabricated layout, nothing creaks or staggers in the Xperia mini pro (except that it should stagger by default). Of all the gaps between the panels, the main dust collector will be the gap between the keyboard and the silver plastic bezel.

So, the hero of the review is a somewhat unusual representative of the genus of Android communicators, a subspecies of horizontal sliders. Due to the thickness of the body, Xperia mini pro is easy to hold in the palm of your hand. You can extend or remove the keyboard with one easy movement of your fingers - the closer takes over all the main work of moving the planes. But the easiest way to carry out this operation is left-handed.

The keyboard on the bottom half of the communicator is not big, like everything in this device. However, the keys themselves in size and the distance between them are more than acceptable for typing. Cyrillicization of the keyboard is made on the four: the point had to be removed for the absence of the letter "Ё" in the set. Yes, the importance and meaning of this letter in the Russian alphabet are the cause of controversy, but so far no one has ruled it out. Therefore, the choice of this letter when printing should be simple. However, what is more convenient: keep the key with the letter “E” pressed to make “Yo” appear, or perform a combination of a special button and one of the keys to dial letters such as “X”, “Ъ”, “Ж”, “Yu” - question is moot. In general, typing (especially in Latin) using the keyboard is very fast and convenient. All keys are illuminated from the inside, have a convex shape and a clear stroke.

The top half of the communicator is used to house the display, hardware keys, speaker and sensors. All this is located on the front side of the mobile computer. When developing the Xperia mini pro, Sony Ericsson engineers decided to change their tradition and leave only one, the central key "in plastic". The other two buttons are made touch. To further confuse the user (at least for those who have been using various Android devices for a long time), the menu and return to the previous window buttons have been swapped. With a “full hand”, this arrangement of keys only causes irritation, while beginners who have begun their acquaintance with the world of Android communicators with Xperia mini pro will not notice anything.

The back panel of the communicator consists entirely of the battery cover. Holes are provided for the camera lens, speaker and flash, otherwise, with the exception of the logo (protruding above the plane and worn out from time to time), it is smooth. The SIM card and memory card can be accessed by detaching the panel, the latter can be replaced without disconnecting the battery.

On the left side of the mobile computer case there is only a recess for detaching the battery cover. To the right of the review hero are the camera and volume control keys.

The top end of the communicator is equipped with several connectors: 3.5 mm for headphones, micro-USB for recharging and data transfer. For some reason, the latter is closed with a rubber plug, its presence only raises questions and interferes every time the cable is connected. In addition to the above, the Xperia mini pro has a power button and an additional microphone on top. The main microphone, as well as the opening for attaching the cord, is located on the lower end of the device.

Impressions from the appearance and ergonomics of the communicator remained mixed: on the one hand, everything is thought out and weighed in it, on the other hand, there are many points that raise questions, for example, swapping the touch keys. All these subjective impressions also turn out to be spoiled by the disproportion between the dimensions of the communicator in length with width and overall thickness, although all this can be explained by the established habit of working with extremely thin, but wide-screen mobile computers. There are no complaints about the operation of the keyboard, its format and size. Perhaps white or some other body color will suit Xperia mini pro more, and then this communicator will not look so unusual next to its brothers.

Software and Settings

Sony Ericsson installs an additional shell in all its Android communicators - UX, which is designed to provide better manageability and enhance the convenience of working with a mobile computer. Appeared in Sony Ericsson X10 It has undergone significant changes over the past few years. In fact, in "large" communicators, for example, in the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, its presence has ceased to be felt - it simply split into several separate widgets: Timescape and the Media Library (which replaced the Mediascape program). The owners of Xperia devices did not experience much grief about this, since the programs previously included in it did not work very quickly.

With small communicators, it was not so easy to do so, and the shell functions remained in place. Of course, the speed of all parts of the program is now acceptable and does not cause any complaints.

The reason the developers left the UX (or Timescape UI as it's now called) intact is simple - this app really makes it easy to work with devices that come with a small display.

If in the communicators of the upper segment of the UX line it added very little in comparison with the standard interface of the operating system, then in small devices, along with it, the developers brought several convenient tools. If you look at the main screen of the communicator, it immediately becomes clear what is at stake. In different corners of the display there are several icons of the most used programs: calls, messages, contacts and various players with a gallery. They can be shuffled as you like: removing some programs and adding others. Using these shortcuts makes it much easier to work with a mobile computer, since usually in Android all the icons are located at the bottom of the display or scattered across numerous tabs. In the case of a small screen diagonal, this would lead to a decrease in the size of the icons, their excessive accuracy and inconvenience when choosing. The developers even provided for automatic hiding of icons when there is not enough workspace, for example, if there is a large widget on the screen - in general, you can’t imagine better for a small display.

There are five tabs on the main screen of the communicator; as usual, you can place widgets and application shortcuts on them, which do not have enough space in the corner groups. The standard set of widgets includes: clock, Google search, tips, Wi-Fi and speaker switches, Moxier email client combined with McAfee antivirus, gallery, audio player and, most importantly, weather forecast.

Unfortunately, neither the unlock screen nor the message bar has received any additional features, such as those found on HTC and Samsung devices. But from the application menu, you can uninstall any program with two touches, just like in iOS.

At first glance at the launcher along with the communicator McAfee antivirus Only one thought comes to mind: is it really so bad with malicious applications on the Android platform? Yes, unlike most other modern operating systems, this system allows you to install programs from unverified sources at your own risk, in addition, Trojans sometimes come across in the Android Market. But including a default antivirus in the standard suite of software is too much: either things are rapidly moving towards a rampage of malware, similar to the Windows desktop platform, or antivirus software developers need to explore a new area of ​​​​potential earnings.

The list of additional software continues Facebook network client- not the most popular in Russia. Next after it in the list of programs installed by the manufacturer is the utility for synchronizing personal data with the Sony Ericsson server. TrackID- a well-known program for determining the name of the composition and its artist using the microphone of the communicator. The name of the program News and Weather speaks for itself. They are followed by: Adobe Reader- application for viewing PDF documents, Data Tracking- a traffic accounting utility, - a program for downloading and installing even more programs, UEFA.com- not the most convenient client for accessing the website of the organization of the same name (requires registration with a large amount of personal data). Next on the list: Xperia Hot Shots- "interesting" program for tennis fans, allows you to track the life and fate of six tennis players, PlayNow- a client for downloading and purchasing various media content and games. Connected- it is under such a mysterious name in Xperia mini pro that there is an application for accessing data, as well as broadcasting them using DLNA.

Next in the list of installed applications are: WaveSecure and VirusScan- two programs-parts of McAffee antivirus, Popcap Games- a program for fast downloading games from the respective developer, Search for extensions- search for extensions for Timescape, Opera Mini- a browser that needs no introduction, Wisepilot- paid satellite navigation system, NeoReader- QR and barcode reader, touch note- a program for sending photos as postcards, - an analogue of the application, but focused on games.

Complete the extensive list of additional applications: office suite- a program for viewing documents in Microsoft Office format, Moxier Pro- Microsoft Exchange mail server client (nothing stands out against the background of similar built-in Android functionality), Update Center- a utility for updating the firmware of the communicator, LiveWare Manager- a kind of application for controlling smart accessories.

The list of additional software in Xperia mini pro is not just large, but very large. You can get rid of the vast majority of built-in applications without much regret, since most of them (even antivirus) can be removed. On the other hand, the manufacturer's concern for inexperienced communicator users is understandable.

Display and sound subsystem

Despite the small diagonal size - 3 inches, the TFT LCD-matrix in Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro has a resolution of 320×480 pixels. The company has made a small step in increasing the resolution compared to the previous model of the communicator, where it was completely archaic - 240×320 pixels. Of course, both values ​​cannot be compared with the resolution of the iPod Touch: 960 × 640 pixels with a 3.5-inch matrix. But, to be honest, for such a small screen, the resolution is not so important. After all, in order to see individual pixels, you need to peer very closely, and this activity cannot be called useful. For everyday work and entertainment with a communicator, which has a three-inch display, the existing resolution is enough.

LEDs are used to illuminate the display, their brightness level is sufficient for most cases. The screen fades noticeably in strong ambient light. There are communicators with more powerful backlighting, contrast, sharpness, but all this is important when comparing top models of communicators, where not only different device manufacturers are fighting, but also display technologies - which of them is the winner is still not clear.

Several sensors on the communicator are responsible for controlling the display. The gravity sensor allows you to automatically change the screen orientation. The proximity sensor disables the touch capacitive display during a phone call. The ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness of the backlight depending on the power of external light sources. There was one problem with adjusting the backlight level of the display - a switch for this function was not found anywhere.

With the exception of the one mentioned, no other display problems have been noticed in the Xperia mini pro. Responses to single and multiple touches are adequate and fast. The presence of Mobile Bravia Engine technology undoubtedly pleases this communicator, although the meaning of its work is not clear. In general, the picture quality on the communicator's display is subjectively very good for such an inexpensive device.

In addition to the commitment to the symbiosis of a camera and a phone in one device, Sony Ericsson has always been famous for its player phones. The presence in the portfolio of one of the progenitors of the joint company of such a brand as Walkman obliged to maintain a high level of sounding music in all devices that carried this name, Walkman phones were no exception. In addition, the company has always tried to complete devices with high-quality headphones, which is often forgotten by manufacturers of more expensive and popular communicators.

The volume of both speakers of the communicator is good. It is regulated both programmatically and using two keys on the side panel of the device. Of the "improvers" of the sound of the speakers, it is worth noting the xLOUD technology, which is designed to increase their volume. Despite the incomprehensibility of the technology, it is better to leave it activated in the settings, as it is done by default.

In general, a good headset that comes with the communicator has only a few drawbacks: it is non-separable, that is, the headphones are not disconnected from the control module, the module itself is equipped only with a call answer button and a microphone - there is a lack of volume control and buttons for switching tracks (radio stations).

The FM radio in the Xperia mini pro has a good level of station signal recognition, but it did not support reading RDS information. The receiver control program looks both stylish and concise. She can automatically scan the radio band in search of available stations. The most interesting of them can be transferred to the category of favorites and quickly switch through the list. The speaker of the communicator can be used to listen to the radio signal, but you will have to connect a headset or headphones - they are still used as an antenna.

Wireless interfaces

As it should be for a business communicator (and indeed a communicator in 2011), the hero of the review is equipped with all communication modules from those that are widely used in everyday life.

The cellular communication module ensures the operation of the communicator in networks of the second and third generations with the possibility of data transmission using EDGE/HSPA technologies. At the same time, the maximum possible information exchange rate is 7.2 megabits per second. There is a noticeable lack of support for both HDPA + and any fourth generation network. However, it is premature to expect support for these technologies in the device of the middle price segment.

IEEE 802.11 wireless communication, otherwise Wi-Fi, is carried out in accordance with the b/g/n specifications. Thus, Xperia mini pro supports the fastest Wi-Fi standard. The communicator can act as an access point and share internet traffic with multiple connected devices. In addition, the mobile computer supports DLNA technology to access various media resources.

The Bluetooth module is not presented in its most recent version, only version 2.1. Various work profiles are supported, including the connection of wireless stereo headphones.

While support for the GLONASS network in various mobile devices is gaining momentum, and its appearance in the new iPhone after the visit of the President of Russia to Apple headquarters is not surprising, the hero of the review is equipped only with a receiver of the American competitor of the domestic network - GPS. However, its capabilities are enough for a qualitative determination of the coordinates of the communicator. If satellite signal is not available, the approximate location of the device and its user can be determined using A-GPS technology, which is also supported by Xperia mini pro.

Cameras

Sony Ericsson mobile devices have always been distinguished by a high level of photo and video recording. The company was one of the first to start selling "camera phones" - ordinary phones with advanced video recording and snapshot capabilities. Over time, the camera has become a familiar element of almost any mobile phone and communicator, although in many models (if not most) it is listed “for show” and cannot please at least some quality of the resulting photo and video materials.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro has a 5-megapixel sensor, which allows you to take pictures with a size of 2592×1944 pixels. Video recording is carried out with a maximum resolution of 720p. The camera is equipped with autofocus, stabilization, face recognition systems and is complemented by an LED flash. You can attach coordinates obtained using a GPS receiver to photos.

Shooting can be controlled both in a special program and using a separate key. After pressing the button, the camera is activated in a few seconds. The response time of autofocus is average, but acceptable, taking a picture is almost instantaneous. In one of the modes of operation of the autofocus system, the focus area can be indicated by touching your finger on the communicator screen.

The settings and camera controls are arranged on the screen in a somewhat unusual way. On the right side of the display are thumbnails of the photos you have just taken. By pulling this panel, you can open a window with a full gallery of images. On the other side of the screen, there are icons for the most used settings: image capture mode (for example, smile detection), image resolution, switching between the main and secondary cameras, shooting conditions (landscape, portrait, night photography, sports, and so on), flash mode. Similarly, by pulling the panel, you can open a window with the rest of the camera settings. Among them are: white balance, timer, focus mode, exposure compensation, image stabilization, touch shooting and others.

The sample photos taken show that the Xperia mini pro's shots are of average quality. Of course, in any case, you need to make allowances for the non-core of this work for a mobile computer, as well as the small physical dimensions of both the matrix and the lens. It is also worth noting that the Xperia mini pro has a second camera on the front panel, which is designed for video calls, but can also be used to take photos and videos. Its matrix resolution is VGA (640×480 pixels). Sample video in MP4 format also available for download and viewing.

Battery life and performance

When testing the communicator in various modes of operation in order to check the battery charge consumption, unexpected difficulties arose. The display of the communicator did not want to switch to a permanent mode of operation, turning off every half an hour (the maximum interval that can be set in the settings). Even the inclusion of forced work in the FBReader program did not help, which usually happens with other communicators. In addition, there is no automatic brightness control switch anywhere in the communicator settings. There is a backlight power control itself, it can be moved, the backlight changes, but it is not known whether the backlight level changes completely or only the maximum one.

For the above reasons, the two tests on the battery life of the communicator have only an approximate result. The first of them - reading an e-book, discharged the battery in 7 hours. The result is unimportant in comparison with other communicators, but again, you need to make allowances for a not entirely clean experiment. With another test - for the maximum load and, consequently, the minimum battery life, everything turned out exactly the opposite: the communicator showed an excellent result, having worked for almost 7 hours with activated communication modules, running a video and "maximum" backlight brightness. Was this backlight the most powerful? Hardly, given the missing display setting and the very long time of the communicator - other devices show results for 3-4 hours.

By the way, the capacity of the standard battery in the Xperia mini pro is 1200 mAh. The value is below average, many communicators are equipped with batteries of 1500-1700 mAh, but with the hero of the review, you need to make allowances for its small dimensions.

Finally, the Xperia mini pro's last test of battery life is music playback with the display turned off. There were no problems with it, the communicator worked for 18 hours - more than a worthy result. Charging the battery takes up to four hours.

As a result, it turns out that Xperia mini pro in one test out of three, which can be trusted, showed excellent results, in the second it was also wonderful, but you can’t trust them, and in the third it became an outsider, but this test is not trustworthy. It is impossible to make unambiguous conclusions on all three tests, but subjectively the communicator deserves a high rating for autonomy, because in normal use: several calls, Internet, messages, it was in touch for more than two days in a row.

The communicator performance test results are shown in the following table. The scores obtained by other mobile computers are also presented there.

The high marks of the communicator's graphics subsystem are striking. The main merit in obtaining them is not at all from the graphics accelerator (although it is quite powerful in itself), but from the display: the matrix resolution of the Xperia mini pro is much lower than that of other presented communicators. And since the dimensions of the processed image are smaller, the speed of operations is also higher - mobile computers with matrices of 800 × 480 pixels and more lose in this indicator to the hero of the review, whose display has a resolution of 320 × 480 pixels.

In terms of other indicators, the Xperia mini pro took places corresponding to the capabilities of the hardware. The identical hardware stuffing of the Xperia mini pro and Xperia Arc led to the coincidence of their scores in terms of processor performance. Both communicators lag behind models with powerful dual-core processors, but are ahead LG Optimus Black, which has a Texas Instruments OMAP 3630 processor installed.

In general, the hardware capabilities are more than enough to comfortably work with the Xperia mini pro. This processor and memory successfully handled tasks on the Xperia Arc with a display of 854 × 480 pixels, and for the hero of the review, their parameters are even redundant. Subjectively, no delays in the work of programs or the operating system, as well as during video playback, were not noticed. It is also worth noting that in the Quadrant Standard test, the Xperia mini pro communicator received a score of 1535 points.

conclusions

Evaluating a novelty and drawing conclusions is very simple. Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro is a communicator for those users who need a small handy mobile computer with the ability to quickly type large amounts of text. Despite the "business" orientation of the novelty, it, especially in colors other than black, may appeal to anyone who does not want to overpay for large displays and wants to get a hardware keyboard in the communicator. With all this, the buyer of Xperia mini pro will not have to make any sacrifices in terms of hardware or software limitations.

The hero of the review has few subjective shortcomings: increased thickness of the case, swapped touch keys, low screen resolution. For the most part, they are a continuation of its own advantages: compactness and the presence of a QWERY keyboard. The cost of the communicator is very attractive, considering its filling and brand. It is difficult to list who it can compete with - there are not many sliders on the market with a full-fledged keyboard of this size. Perhaps only the predecessor comes to mind - the Xperia X10 mini pro, which is significantly inferior to the new product.

As a result, Xperia mini pro fits perfectly into its niche in the market: the area of ​​inexpensive compact functional QWERTY sliders. How big it is and how popular devices of this type are probably known in Sony Ericsson. If they weren't needed, it's unlikely that the company would update a whole range of communicators.