Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra 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

The Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is a phablet-sized smartphone that offers a large display, powerful performance, and a reliable camera. It was released in May 2017 and has since become a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly device with impressive features. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design, performance, software, display, camera, battery life, connectivity options, and compare it to other devices in its category.

Design and Build Quality

The Xperia XA1 Ultra sports a sleek and modern design, with a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and a plastic back, which may not feel as premium as other flagship devices but is still sturdy and durable. It features a large 6.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The device measures 165 x 79 x 8.1 mm and weighs 188g, making it a bit bulky for one-handed use. However, the slim profile and narrow bezels contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. The placement of physical buttons, including the power button and dedicated camera button, is convenient and easy to reach. Overall, the design of the Xperia XA1 Ultra is functional and visually appealing, although it may not stand out in a crowd.

Display

The Xperia XA1 Ultra boasts a large 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 367 pixels per inch. While it may not match the sharpness of higher-end devices with QHD displays, the Full HD resolution still provides a crisp and detailed viewing experience. Colors are vibrant, and viewing angles are good, thanks to the use of IPS technology. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches. Overall, the Xperia XA1 Ultra's display is impressive, providing an immersive multimedia experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xperia XA1 Ultra is powered by a Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 chipset and an octa-core processor consisting of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for most day-to-day tasks. The device comes with 4GB of RAM, which further enhances its performance and allows for smooth app switching and multitasking. In terms of storage, the Xperia XA1 Ultra offers either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. This provides ample space for storing files, photos, and apps. In terms of gaming performance, the device is capable of handling most casual games with ease, although it may struggle with more graphically demanding games. Overall, the Xperia XA1 Ultra offers satisfactory performance for its price range.

Software and User Interface

The Xperia XA1 Ultra runs on Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, with an upgrade available to Android 8.0 Oreo. Sony's custom skin, known as Xperia UI, is layered on top of Android, adding some additional features and aesthetics. While the UI is relatively clean and easy to navigate, some users may find it a bit cluttered compared to stock Android. Sony also includes some pre-installed apps and bloatware, which can be a downside for those who prefer a minimalist experience. However, the software is stable, and regular updates from Sony ensure that the device remains secure and up to date with the latest features.

Camera

One of the standout features of the Xperia XA1 Ultra is its camera capabilities. The device is equipped with a 23-megapixel primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of capturing detailed and high-quality photos. It features phase detection autofocus, HDR, and LED flash, allowing for excellent low-light performance. The camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, with stereo sound and HDR capabilities. On the front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture and LED flash, ensuring sharp and vibrant selfies even in low-light conditions. The camera app provides various shooting modes and settings, including manual controls for advanced users. Overall, the camera performance of the Xperia XA1 Ultra is impressive, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Xperia XA1 Ultra is powered by a non-removable 2700mAh Li-Ion battery, which may seem relatively small considering the device's large display and power-hungry components. However, thanks to the efficient processor and software optimizations, the device manages to provide satisfactory battery life. With moderate usage, the battery can last a full day, but heavy users may need to recharge before the end of the day. The device supports fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. Overall, while the battery life may not be outstanding, it is sufficient for most users' needs.

Connectivity and Networking

In terms of connectivity, the Xperia XA1 Ultra offers a range of options. It supports 4G LTE for fast internet speeds, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n for wireless connectivity. The device also features Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX support for high-quality audio streaming. NFC is included for convenient contactless payments, and GPS and GLONASS provide accurate positioning. The device also includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, as well as OTG support for connecting external devices. Overall, the Xperia XA1 Ultra provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options for users.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Xperia XA1 Ultra with other devices in its category, it holds up well. Its large 6.0-inch display sets it apart from many competitors, providing a more immersive viewing experience. In terms of performance, the device performs similarly to other mid-range smartphones powered by the Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 chipset. However, the standout feature of the Xperia XA1 Ultra is its camera capabilities, with a 23-megapixel primary camera and a 16-megapixel front camera, which outperform many other devices in its price range. While the battery life may not be the best, it is comparable to other devices with similar specifications. Overall, the Xperia XA1 Ultra offers a compelling package of features and performance in its price range.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is a well-rounded phablet-sized smartphone that offers a range of impressive features at an affordable price. Its large 6.0-inch display, powerful performance, and reliable camera make it a compelling choice for multimedia enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike. While it may not have the most premium design or the highest screen resolution, it more than makes up for it with its overall performance and value for money. If you are in the market for a budget-friendly phablet with solid performance and camera capabilities, the Xperia XA1 Ultra is definitely worth considering.