Launch report · Sony

Sony Xperia SP: A mid-ranger with an aluminium frame and a transparent light-bar.

SpecEagle Editorial·Apr 2013·$450·Score 42/100

The Xperia SP stood out with a transparent strip at its base that lit up for notifications and music — a distinctive Sony design flourish. Wrapped in an aluminium frame with a capable camera, it was a stylish mid-ranger of the early Xperia era.

Key specs at launch

Display
4.6" LCD
Chipset
Snapdragon S4 Pro
Memory
1 GB · 8 GB
Main cam
8 MP Exmor RS
Battery
2,370 mAh
Weight
155 g
What stands out
  • Distinctive transparent light-bar that glowed with notifications.
  • Aluminium frame felt premium for a mid-ranger.
  • Decent Exmor RS camera.
  • microSD + jack.
What to watch
  • Only 1 GB RAM and 8 GB storage.
  • HD (not full-HD) display.
  • Mono speaker.
  • Heavy 155 g for the size.
The phone it has to beat
Apple iPad Air 2
$499 · score 64/100