UPDATE: Sony Ericsson has recently updated its X-range of Android phones to Android 2.1, so we've revisited our X10 Mini review now we have the new (ish) Android 2.1 on it.
It seems a little odd to be reviewing Android 2.1 as if it's a new release when we expect Android phones to arrive with 2.2 or higher these days, but it's still a welcome update for Sony Ericsson's tiny little telephone. Obviously the hardware is still the same – click through to the later pages to read about the software enhancements now on offer in the 2.1 update.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini should be nothing more than a shrunken version of the Xperia X10 – but in reality it's a whole new phone that gives Android a complete makeover.
Oh yes, it's small. Sony Ericsson isn't joking when it says the Xperia X10 Mini is the same size as a credit card. Obviously it's a lot thicker, but the overall size and weight of the super-small Android phone is about equivalent to a packet of Swan matches. It is tiny.
The exterior is smooth with only three buttons on the face of the phone – Menu, Home and Back – and there's no D-pad or joystick whatsoever here.
The combination screen lock and power button is on the top edge, with a volume up/down toggle and dedicated camera button on the right-hand side.
On the bottom edge sits a 3.5mm headphone jack and the micro-USB connector, which requires a sharp, unbitten fingernail to pull open the little rubber stopper that stops pocket fluff build up. It's a simple, straightforward layout.
People who are afraid of buttons won't find the X10 Mini an intimidating experience.
Inside the box of this unlocked version direct from Sony Ericsson sat the phone, a 2GB microSD card, a micro-USB connector, headphones with inline pause button and five alternate-colour snap-on back panels.
Supplied colours will vary depending on who you buy yours from, as the company's fixed up a few exclusive deals for bundling different colour cases with the networks.
But there's no battery in the box – that's permanently fixed inside the phone. You're not able to replace it yourself, as it's locked within the core of the handset beneath a few layers of circuit boards, behind those funny star-shaped screws.
It's very light and could possibly do with feeling a little heavier, if only so it doesn't blow out of your hand in a breeze. But for a phone so affordable – currently going for around £140 on PAYG deals – the X10 Mini has a remarkably high-class feel about it.
However, with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Ace and Samsung Galaxy Mini rocking up to the low-cost Android scene, it might not be enough in today's enlightened Android age.
Your comments (18) Click to add a new comment
qc64
September 13th 2011
18. HATED IT HATED IT HATED IT!!...BUT WAIT WHATS ALL THIS???
When i got this phone (02Sept 2011) i hated it! i wanted to throw it out of the window! i didnt receive a manual i couldn't find one online? Sony was as much use as a Ashtray on a motorbike with their support! at first i gave it 2/10..!! i read the reviews and it got slated!.....
Almost two weeks on i LOVE IT! its quick its fantastic at multitasking its SUPER small it doesnt have a keyboard BUT thats no issue there is a touchscreen on built in and you can download apps that have VERY large keys if you have sight issues!
Ive had the 3GS iPhone=Rubbish! ive had the ICT Desire= its great but bad on reception! and there is a few things i wasnt happy about! BUT this phone the X10 is just perfect for me! its my best friend..anyone reading the Tsunami of negative comments dont forget people cant have everything yes it dont have a Zoom on the camera but the pics are AMAZING!
Yes there is a couple more things BUT come on its so tiny and to have such a quick processor in such a tiny little device is just Nano-amazing!
at a glance now i would give it 9.5/10 the iPhone 3GS would get a 6/10 and the HTC Desire would get a 8.5/10 if you want a phone that has everything baring a couple of things this is the one!!
Alert a moderator
jak
March 2nd 2011
17. This is absolutely ****. Slow, non-responsive, surfing terrible, battery life sometimes not enough to last all night from fully charged!
The worst of all is that you are hardly able to call... Yes, low quality voice, droooping off connection, dropping during dialling... This is worst phone I ever had! Avoid.
Alert a moderator
jsmyth2112
December 14th 2010
16. Very disappointed with this phone,
Battery life is terrible.
Texting is terrible.
Most of my apps dont download from Market! They get to 100% and then stop and stay in the downloading page.
The onscreen keyboard is atrocious.
Slow and unresponsive.
As for the battery life, SE whouldn't pack wifi, 3g, bluetooth and gps into a phone if the battery can't stand the usage!
-My advice, don't buy this phone!
I'm taking the phone back for a replacement, DIFFEReNT PHONE.
Alert a moderator
monasim
November 11th 2010
15. My friend has the minipro recently. He has returned it and told me it is the worst for internet surfing and hangs on you-tubes. I saw it too. I do not recommend this phone to anybody unless you desperately need a phone to go inside a trousers pocket nicely. my friend had to restart the damn thing and eventually stop you-tubing. Another thing, the screen resolution is pathetic! You've been warned.
Alert a moderator
barneycr
November 10th 2010
14. Cracking phone with some shortfalls that are forgivable......BUT the battery life....awful. 22 hours between charges. Will have to get rid of it for this reason!
Alert a moderator
hofoods
October 19th 2010
13. Too tiny and very tiring to use for any surfing. You tubes looks faded because of it's poor screen resolution. I think people are drawn to this model based on it's cuteness and smallish appeal and brand. Sooner or later, I believed they will wake themselves up to reliable and superior phones like the Samsung Galaxy and HTC.
Alert a moderator
muslimahsouljah
September 11th 2010
12. @ Kendo
looool the x10 mini IS a sony ericsson
Alert a moderator
salorion
August 27th 2010
11. I loved this phone when I bought it and still do. HOwever, i'm finding the battery life has deteriorated over the past few months. From about charging every 2 days it's now every day that I have to charge it. Seems a bit strange and I don't know if it's a charger issue or software. Anyway, service for SE in India sucks so nothing much I can do.
Alert a moderator
tramline
August 8th 2010
10. Note for gab4wigan:
1: The lack of Bluetooth OBEX is standard on all earlier versions of Android. A free app can fix this for you.
2: Backing up your contacts is common sense. What if you lost your phone??? If you sync with a Gmail account this will be taken care of.
3: An overnight charge??? Glad to see as well as burning out your battery you dont mind wasting money on you electricity bill and contributing to the global mobile carbon footprint! LiIon batteries work best after a full charge of around 3 - 5 hours! And remember, its a smartphone!!!! Not a nokia 6210!!
4: Meh!
5: As mentioned, Gmail and microsoft exchange not only sync but provide push for contacts, calender and mail!!!
6: Are you that concerened about digizoom?? Surely it isnt that much effort to take the picture and then zoom in on that? After all, its exactly the same thing!!!
Personally, For the size,Price and spec I say its a great phone only hampered by the reviews of people who are ill informed!
Good day!
Alert a moderator
boyd
August 4th 2010
9. does all pictures messages send through the internet ? x
Alert a moderator
kendo
August 4th 2010
8. First Android for me, howver have only ever had sony ericssons.
Saving photos from txt messages is not possible with the standard phone set up (as confirmed by sony ericsson) however try app 'handcent'. Downloaded it and it works like a dream.
I also had a problem with the battery discharging very quickly. However this happened only one time and has not re-occurred since a hard reset on the phone.
Alert a moderator
lofty84
July 29th 2010
7. just had one of these phones on my upgrade . great little phone first touch screen i have had only let down it not being able to send things via bluetooth ...
Alert a moderator
lily94
July 13th 2010
6. hey, yeah i just got this phone and cant work out how 2 send a picture message, it just says it will send when the aplication is available but i dont know what that actually means. can anyone help??? would be soo grateful :) x
Alert a moderator
steph41183
July 12th 2010
5. Seems like a great phone, but just need to know how to save a photo from a text that has been sent to me. Anyone help?
Alert a moderator
mik9dt
July 7th 2010
4. Gmail and Google services sync brilliantly.
Android 1.6 is very useful. Things can only get better. Fantastic small form factor, battery life just about OK. I bought a car charger, have not had to do that for my last few dumb phones. I like this phone very much, it is a proper piece of kit.
Alert a moderator
gab4wigan
July 2nd 2010
3. Before you buy this phone, here is what I found out and experienced and why I'm returning it:
1.) You cannot send ringtones or anything else via bluetooth because the onl function of the bluetooth on this phone is to use a headset.
2.) Beware of not backing up your contacts! I imported my contacts but to my horror found the option to back up my contacts to my sim card was missing. a menu download did not work and now I have to write down my contacts before I send this back.
3. Battery life: I charged my phone overnight and managed to get 5.5 hours out of it before it powered off the next day after only making a few calls!
4.) Nero reader didn't work
5.) Sync function didn't work
6.) No zoom for camera
It looks good but is it worth it? Might just be my phone bu good luck!
I hope this helps!
Alert a moderator
wend
June 21st 2010
2. i love this little phone! i cant seem to find out how to save photo's i've had sent to me via text.. can anybody help?
apart from that everything else is brill.. i recommend this phone!!
Alert a moderator
bradavon
June 17th 2010
1. This looks really nice, not everyone wants a big screen smartphone. The HTC Wildfire beats it though, which is Android 2.1 (shame on you Sony!) and still small.
Alert a moderator
Tell us what you think
You need to Log in or register to post comments