Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S review

A minor phone processor update or an essential Android refresh?

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S
Android 2.3.4 and a faster processor feature on the new smartphone

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The original Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc was a good performer on the web, with its glorious screen and Flash support making internet browsing perfectly enjoyable.

Sony ericsson xperia arc s

And, despite the processor upgrade, there's no obvious difference in performance on the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S. The screen's still amazing, text is still incredibly sharp and readable, while the phone manages to load and draw sites pretty quickly.

It's still not quite as staggeringly fast online as the amazing Galaxy S2, but it's also never annoyingly slow or too crunchy to use.

Sony ericsson xperia arc s

The browser here is an untouched version of the standard Android tool. Bookmarks are accessed through the tab to the right of the URL bar, with sharing functions, lists of open windows, settings and more hidden behind the menu button.

There's no support for RSS feeds in the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, though - it doesn't even manage to link to the Google Reader site. Hitting an RSS link simply opens the raw XML file and leaves you a bit confused about what's just happened.

Sony ericsson xperia arc s

Still, you do get full Flash Player support, and very good it is too. The BBC's mobile iPlayer website, which requires Flash, works well, so if TV streaming is a big part of your mobile life then the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S has you covered.

We complained that the original Xperia Arc had a little trouble accessing sites loaded down with Flash content and, despite the processor update, that's still the case with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S. But it's still a very usable phone for the vast majority of your online business.