Sony Xperia XA2 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 XA2 is a mid-range smartphone that was released in February 2018. This phone boasts a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, 23-megapixel rear camera, and an octa-core Snapdragon 630 processor.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia XA2 is a sleek and stylish phone that boasts a unique and modern design. Its smooth glass front and aluminum frame give it a premium look and feel, while the plastic back provides a comfortable grip. The phone is available in four different colors - silver, black, blue, and pink - allowing users to choose a style that suits their personality.

Measuring 142 x 70 x 9.7 mm and weighing 171 g, the Xperia XA2 is a relatively compact phone that feels comfortable in the hand. Its ergonomic design ensures that it is easy to hold and use, even for extended periods.

In terms of build quality, the Xperia XA2 is a solidly constructed phone that is built to last. The Gorilla Glass 4 front and scratch-resistant plastic back provide excellent protection against drops and scratches, while the aluminum frame adds extra durability and strength.

One downside of the phone's design is that it is not water-resistant, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. However, given its other impressive features, this is a relatively minor issue.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XA2 is an attractive and well-built phone that is sure to impress users looking for a stylish and durable device.

Display

When it comes to the display, the Sony Xperia XA2 is a solid performer. With a screen size of 5.2 inches and a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, users can expect a clear and crisp viewing experience. The IPS LCD technology used in the display ensures accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles.

In terms of brightness, the Xperia XA2 performs well in most lighting conditions, making it easy to use outdoors. The display also features Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for added durability and protection against scratches and cracks.

Users will appreciate the responsiveness and accuracy of the touch screen, making navigation and typing a breeze. The display also offers good contrast, with a nominal ratio of 1327:1 and a sunlight ratio of 2.938.

Overall, the display on the Sony Xperia XA2 is a strong point, offering a clear and vibrant viewing experience with good touch sensitivity and durability.

Performance

The Sony Xperia XA2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset with an octa-core CPU running at 2.2 GHz and an Adreno 508 GPU. It also comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card.

In terms of performance, the Xperia XA2 is snappy and responsive. Apps open and close quickly, and multitasking is handled with ease. The phone can handle most games without any lag or stuttering, although high-end games may struggle a bit.

Benchmark scores for the Xperia XA2 are solid, with the phone scoring 4215 on Geekbench 4.4 and 6fps on GFXBench ES 3.1 onscreen. These scores are comparable to other mid-range devices in its class.

Real-world usage is also impressive, with the phone handling day-to-day tasks with ease. The XA2’s performance is further enhanced by its clean and lightweight Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, which provides a smooth and seamless user experience.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XA2 delivers solid performance for a mid-range device, with enough power to handle most everyday tasks with ease. While it may struggle with high-end gaming and heavy multitasking, it’s still a capable device that should meet the needs of most users.

Software and User Interface

The Sony Xperia XA2 runs on Android 8.0 Oreo and features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The phone offers a variety of customization options, allowing users to personalize their experience with different themes and wallpapers.

Pre-installed apps include the standard Google suite, as well as Sony's own apps such as Music and Xperia Lounge. While some users may find these pre-installed apps to be bloatware, they can be uninstalled if desired.

The Xperia XA2 also offers useful software features such as split-screen multitasking and a one-handed mode for easier use on larger screens. The phone is expected to receive software updates from Sony, ensuring that it stays up-to-date with the latest security patches and features.

Overall, the Xperia XA2's software and user interface provide a pleasant user experience with a good balance of customization and simplicity. While some may prefer a more stock Android experience, Sony's additions provide useful features without being too overwhelming.

Camera

The Sony Xperia XA2 boasts a single 23-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and 24mm wide-angle lens. The camera features phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR and panorama modes. It can also record 4K videos at 30 frames per second, and 1080p videos at 30 frames per second with stereo sound recording and HDR capability.

In daylight conditions, the Xperia XA2's camera captures sharp and detailed photos with accurate colors. The HDR mode enhances the contrast and dynamic range, resulting in more vivid and realistic images. The wide-angle lens allows for capturing more scenery in a single frame, making it convenient for landscape shots and group photos.

In low-light conditions, the camera still performs well, thanks to the PDAF and LED flash. However, the images might look a bit grainy and lose some details. The night mode further improves the photo quality by reducing the noise and enhancing the brightness.

The front-facing camera is an 8-megapixel sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and 1/4" sensor size. It can record 1080p videos at 30 frames per second. The selfies captured by the camera are decent, with good color reproduction and detail. However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, and the images tend to have more noise.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XA2's camera is one of its best features. It captures high-quality photos and videos in most lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Sony Xperia XA2 offers a wide range of connectivity and networking options, making it a versatile device for daily use. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring that the phone can be used in almost any location. The device also has dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for fast and reliable internet connections. Bluetooth 5.0 is available, providing excellent connectivity for wireless headphones and speakers. Additionally, the phone has NFC support, allowing for quick and secure mobile payments.

The phone's GPS and GLONASS features provide accurate location tracking, making it easy to navigate through unfamiliar areas. The phone's sensors include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and a compass, all of which help to enhance the user experience.

The Sony Xperia XA2 also features a USB Type-C port, which supports USB On-The-Go. This allows the device to connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives or cameras. The phone also has a built-in FM radio, providing access to local radio stations without the need for an internet connection.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XA2 offers a range of connectivity and networking features that are essential for modern smartphone users. Its support for multiple networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB connectivity, as well as its accurate location tracking and sensors, make it a reliable and convenient device for daily use.

Additional Features

The Sony Xperia XA2 comes with a host of additional features that make it stand out from other smartphones in its class. For instance, the phone has water and dust resistance, which means that it can withstand splashes and spills without getting damaged. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who are always on the go and need a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

Another great feature of the Xperia XA2 is its expandable storage options. With a microSDXC card slot that can accommodate up to 256GB of additional storage, users can store more photos, videos, music, and other files without worrying about running out of space. This is especially helpful for people who use their phones as their primary camera and media player.

The phone's audio quality and headphone jack are also noteworthy. With 24-bit/192kHz audio and a 3.5mm jack, users can enjoy high-quality sound without needing to invest in expensive Bluetooth headphones. The Xperia XA2 also has a loudspeaker that delivers clear sound and decent volume.

In terms of other unique features, the Xperia XA2 has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security and convenience. It also has a USB Type-C port with OTG support, which means that users can connect USB drives and other peripherals to their phone.

Overall, the additional features of the Sony Xperia XA2 make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded smartphone that can handle various tasks and situations. Its water and dust resistance, expandable storage, and audio quality are particularly appealing, while its fingerprint sensor and USB Type-C port add to its convenience and versatility.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Sony Xperia XA2 to other related phones on the market, a few stand out as direct competitors. One such phone is the Motorola Moto G6. Both phones have similar screen sizes and resolutions, as well as comparable processor and RAM specifications. However, the Sony Xperia XA2 has a better rear camera, with a higher megapixel count and better low-light performance. The Moto G6, on the other hand, has a slightly larger battery and a lower price point.

Another phone that can be compared to the Xperia XA2 is the Nokia 6.1. Both phones have similar screen sizes and resolutions, but the Nokia 6.1 has a slightly better processor and more RAM. However, the Xperia XA2 has a better rear camera with higher megapixel count and better low-light performance. The Nokia 6.1 also has a lower price point, making it a good choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is another phone that can be compared to the Xperia XA2. Both phones have similar screen sizes and resolutions, but the Samsung Galaxy A5 has a better processor and more RAM. However, the Xperia XA2 has a better rear camera with higher megapixel count and better low-light performance. The Samsung Galaxy A5 also has a slightly larger battery and a higher price point.

Overall, when compared to these related phones, the Sony Xperia XA2 stands out with its strong camera performance, solid build quality and design, and competitive pricing.

Pros and Cons

XI. Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia XA2 is a well-designed and solidly built smartphone that offers great value for its price. Its 5.2-inch Full HD display is vibrant and sharp, while the Snapdragon 630 chipset and 3GB of RAM provide smooth and responsive performance. The 23-megapixel rear camera is impressive, delivering sharp and detailed images in a variety of lighting conditions. The 3300mAh battery is also a standout feature, offering impressive longevity and fast charging capabilities.

However, the Xperia XA2 is not without its drawbacks. The plastic back panel may not be as premium as some would like, and the lack of wireless charging is a notable omission. Additionally, while the phone's software is clean and user-friendly, it may not have as many customization options as some users would prefer.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XA2 is a great option for those looking for a mid-range smartphone that offers solid performance and impressive battery life. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive devices, but it delivers where it counts and is a great value for the price.