Sony Xperia R1 (Plus) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

Welcome to my review of the Sony Xperia R1 Plus. Released in 2017, this mid-range smartphone is still available in the market today and is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable device without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus is a sleek and stylish phone that boasts a premium look and feel. The phone's physical appearance and aesthetics are impressive, with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. Its 146 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm dimensions and 154-gram weight provide a comfortable fit in the hand, making it easy to carry around all day long.

The Xperia R1 Plus also scores high in ergonomics and comfort, with a well-placed power button and volume rocker on the right-hand side of the device. The phone's design and build quality make it a solid contender in terms of durability and construction. However, the plastic back can be prone to scratches, so it’s important to use a protective cover.

Overall, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus boasts an impressive design and build quality that will not disappoint. It's a phone that is both stylish and functional, with a durable construction that will stand the test of time.

Display

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus boasts a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi. While not as sharp as some of its high-end rivals, the display still delivers reasonably crisp and clear visuals, making it ideal for streaming videos, browsing the web, or reading articles.

The display technology used in this device is not OLED or AMOLED, but rather IPS LCD, which is known for its accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. This makes it a great choice for those who frequently watch videos with friends and family.

One downside of the display is its brightness. While it performs well indoors, it may struggle to remain visible under direct sunlight, making it challenging to use in bright outdoor conditions.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the screen are top-notch, and it registers inputs accurately and without any noticeable lag. Overall, the display on the Sony Xperia R1 Plus is decent, and although it may not be the most impressive on the market, it still offers an enjoyable viewing experience.

Performance

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus is equipped with a Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset and an octa-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, which provides a smooth user experience. The phone comes with two RAM and storage options, 2GB RAM with 16GB internal storage and 3GB RAM with 32GB internal storage, which can be expanded using a dedicated microSDXC slot.

During our testing, the phone performed well with multitasking and app switching, and we didn't experience any lag or stutter while using the device. The Adreno 505 GPU provided sufficient graphics power to handle most games and apps, although some high-end games may struggle to run smoothly.

In terms of benchmark scores, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus achieved a score of 45,943 on AnTuTu, which is respectable for a mid-range phone. However, it falls behind some of its competitors such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro and the Nokia 6.1 Plus.

Overall, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus is a capable performer, and it should be able to handle most day-to-day tasks with ease. However, if you're a heavy user or a gamer, you may want to consider a more powerful device.

Software and User Interface

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus runs on Android 7.1 (Nougat) with Sony's custom skin on top. The UI is sleek and user-friendly, with a clean layout and simple navigation. The phone also comes with a variety of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to their liking.

One downside is that the phone comes with a fair amount of pre-installed apps and bloatware, which may take up unnecessary space and clutter the home screen. However, these apps can be easily uninstalled or disabled if not needed.

The phone's user interface is generally smooth and responsive, with no noticeable lag or stuttering during day-to-day use. Multitasking is also a breeze, thanks to the phone's Octa-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor and 2GB/3GB of RAM.

Sony has also included a number of useful features, such as the ability to split the screen between two apps and a one-handed mode for easier use on larger screens. The phone also supports gesture controls, allowing users to perform certain actions by simply swiping or tapping on the screen.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Sony Xperia R1 Plus offer a solid user experience with plenty of customization options and useful features. While the pre-installed apps may be a downside for some users, the phone's smooth performance and intuitive UI make up for it.

Camera

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus boasts a 13-megapixel rear camera with predictive phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and LED flash. The camera app offers a variety of features, including HDR, panorama, and manual mode. The manual mode allows users to adjust various settings such as ISO, exposure, and white balance. The rear camera performs admirably in well-lit environments, producing sharp and detailed images with accurate colors.

In low light conditions, however, the camera struggles to capture enough light and the resulting images can be noisy and lacking in detail. The LED flash helps to illuminate the scene, but it can be too harsh and create overexposed images.

The front-facing camera is an 8-megapixel sensor with predictive PDAF and 1/4” sensor size. It is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 frames per second. The front camera produces decent results in well-lit environments but struggles in low light conditions.

Overall, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus camera is average and would suffice for casual photography needs. However, it may not be suitable for users who prioritize camera quality in their smartphone purchasing decisions.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus offers a range of connectivity and networking options that make it a versatile device for both work and play. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, making it compatible with most carriers. It also features dual SIM support, allowing users to use two different phone numbers on the same device.

The Xperia R1 Plus also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, which provides stable and fast internet connectivity. Bluetooth 4.2 is also available, allowing users to connect to other devices such as wireless headphones or speakers.

One downside, however, is that the device does not support NFC. This means that users will not be able to use the device for wireless payments or other NFC-enabled functions.

The device features GPS and GLONASS for accurate and reliable navigation. However, it lacks a compass, which may be a downside for those who frequently use navigation apps.

The Xperia R1 Plus also features a USB Type-C port, which supports fast charging and data transfer. This is a great addition as it saves time and makes charging and transferring files more convenient.

Lastly, the device features an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which are important for gaming and other functions. However, it lacks a fingerprint scanner or face unlock, which may be a downside for those who prioritize security and ease of unlocking their device.

Overall, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus offers a good range of connectivity and networking options, with a few minor downsides.

Additional Features

The Sony Xperia R1 Plus comes with some additional features that make it stand out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. One of the unique features of this phone is its predictive autofocus (PDAF) technology that is available on both the front and rear cameras. This technology helps the camera to lock onto subjects quickly, making it easy to capture sharp and clear images.

Another notable feature of the Xperia R1 Plus is its expandable storage option. With a dedicated microSD card slot, users can expand the phone's internal storage up to 256GB, providing ample space for storing photos, videos, and other files. This is particularly useful for users who need to store large media files or use their phone for work-related purposes.

The phone also features a USB Type-C port, offering faster data transfer speeds and quicker charging times. Additionally, it comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones, making it easier for users to connect their wired headphones.

The Xperia R1 Plus does not have any official IP rating for water or dust resistance, but it does have a scratch-resistant glass front that offers some level of protection. It also has a fingerprint sensor located on the back of the phone, providing an extra layer of security for users.

Overall, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus offers a range of additional features that make it an attractive option for users seeking a mid-range smartphone that offers great value for money.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When it comes to comparing the Sony Xperia R1 Plus with other related phones, there are a few notable devices that come to mind. One such device is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, which was released around the same time as the Xperia R1 Plus and offers similar specifications. Both devices feature 5.5-inch displays, octa-core processors, and 13-megapixel rear cameras. However, the Redmi Note 4 has a larger battery and more RAM, making it a better choice for heavy users.

Another device that can be compared to the Xperia R1 Plus is the Moto G5 Plus. Like the Xperia R1 Plus, the Moto G5 Plus features a 5.2-inch display and runs on Android 7.0 Nougat. However, the Moto G5 Plus offers better camera performance and a more premium build quality, thanks to its metal body. Additionally, the Moto G5 Plus features a fingerprint sensor and NFC support, which are both absent on the Xperia R1 Plus.

Finally, the Nokia 6 can also be considered a competitor to the Xperia R1 Plus. While the Nokia 6 features a larger 5.5-inch display, it offers a similar Snapdragon 430 processor and 3GB of RAM. Additionally, the Nokia 6 features a more premium metal design and comes with Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box. However, the Xperia R1 Plus offers a slightly better front-facing camera and a more compact form factor, making it a better choice for those who prioritize portability.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent performance and features. Its sleek design and sturdy build quality make it a suitable device for everyday use. The phone's 5.2-inch IPS LCD display delivers good color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for media consumption and gaming. The performance of the phone is decent, thanks to the Snapdragon 430 chipset and 3GB of RAM, which provide smooth multitasking and app usage.

The camera is also a standout feature of the phone, with the 13MP rear camera delivering good image quality in various lighting conditions. The 8MP front-facing camera also does a good job of capturing decent selfies.

As for battery life, the 2620mAh battery may not be the biggest, but it provides enough power to last a full day with moderate usage. The phone also supports fast charging, which is a plus.

Overall, the Sony Xperia R1 Plus is a decent smartphone for its price range, offering a good balance of performance, features, and design. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, it provides good value for money and is an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers.