Sony·Flagship · Released Mar 2012

Xperia S

The 2012 debut of the Sony Mobile brand after the Ericsson split.

18/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$560
Color · Black
Display
4.3" HD LCD
Chipset
Snapdragon S3
Memory
1 GB · 32 GB
Main cam
12 MP · f/2.4
Battery
1,750 mAh
Weight
144 g
Quick answer

The Xperia S is a flagship Sony smartphone released Mar 2012, with a launch price of $560. It pairs the Snapdragon S3 with a 4.3" HD LCD display, a 12 MP · f/2.4 main camera and a 1,750 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 18/100 — The first phone of the Sony Mobile era. Standout strengths: first phone of the sony mobile era after the ericsson buy-out. and sharp 720p hd display for 2012. Main trade-off: dual-core s3 was already mid-pack at launch.

AI Snapshot

The first phone of the Sony Mobile era.

The Xperia S launched Sony Mobile after the Ericsson split, with a sharp HD screen and a 12 MP camera. A historically notable transition device.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display44
Camera32
Performance12
Battery32
Build50
Value30
  • First phone of the Sony Mobile era after the Ericsson buy-out.
  • Sharp 720p HD display for 2012.
  • 12 MP Exmor R camera with fast capture.
  • Distinctive transparent design strip.

Full specifications

Type
TFT LCD (Mobile BRAVIA)
Size
4.3 inches
Resolution
1,280 × 720 px (342 ppi)
Protection
Scratch-resistant glass
Main
12 MP, f/2.4, Exmor R
Selfie
1.3 MP
Video
1080p @ 30 fps

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -99.4%
This
9,000
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -98.6%
This
42
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -99.0%
This
80
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -99.7%
This
0.2 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps

How the Xperia S compares

Xperia SGalaxy NoteXperia Z
SpecEagle score181830
ChipsetSnapdragon S3Exynos 4210Snapdragon S4 Pro
Display4.3" HD LCD5.3" HD AMOLED5.0" FHD LCD
Main camera12 MP · f/2.48 MP · f/2.6513.1 MP · f/2.4
Battery1,750 mAh2,500 mAh2,330 mAh
Launch price$560$749$650

Frequently asked questions

When was the Xperia S released?

The Xperia S was released in Mar 2012.

How much does the Xperia S cost?

The Xperia S launched at $560 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the Xperia S screen size and type?

The Xperia S has a 4.3" HD LCD display.

What chipset does the Xperia S use?

The Xperia S is powered by the Snapdragon S3 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the Xperia S have?

The Xperia S ships with 1 GB · 32 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the Xperia S battery capacity?

The Xperia S has a 1,750 mAh battery.

How fast does the Xperia S charge?

The Xperia S supports ~5 W wired charging.

Does the Xperia S have wireless charging?

The Xperia S does not support wireless charging.

What is the Xperia S main camera?

The Xperia S has a 12 MP · f/2.4 main camera.

How much does the Xperia S weigh?

The Xperia S weighs 144 g.

What colours does the Xperia S come in?

The Xperia S is available in 2 colours: Black, White.

Is the Xperia S worth buying?

The Xperia S launched Sony Mobile after the Ericsson split, with a sharp HD screen and a 12 MP camera. A historically notable transition device. SpecEagle gives the Xperia S an editorial score of 18/100.

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