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Verdict
The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra is a smartphone with niche appeal, but the niche audience it’s targeting will be pleased with what it's offering.
A huge screen, great battery life and a price tag that's around half that of flagship phones makes the Xperia XA2 Ultra a top buy.
Sony hasn't done anything out of the ordinary here, but what it has done is deliver a phone that hits a number of marks to make it a compelling option.
The camera feels like it should be better than it is, the Sony design isn't the most attractive or modern, and the Android overlay won’t be to everyone’s taste, but these are compromises we can live with.
Who's it for?
Anyone who's looking for a big-screened smartphone without a flagship price tag should definitely check out the Xperia XA2 Ultra.
Its large screen and decent battery life make it great for video streaming and gaming – perfect for a Netflix binge during the commute.
Those with small hands may want to steer clear, as it's big and and heavy, while those focused on getting the best camera phone for their money may want to take a look at the Honor 9 or OnePlus 5T.
Should I buy it?
The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra is a solid smartphone that won't let you down if you want a big screen at a reasonable price.
There are a lot of good phones around this price point, so it's worth shopping around, but few offer the large display and generous battery life of the XA2 Ultra.
Talking of shopping around, here’s a selection of the Xperia XA2 Ultra’s rivals
Moto X4
The Motorola Moto X4 is cheaper than the Xperia XA2 Ultra, and boasts the same power, a similar camera and similar battery performance, but there is one key difference: screen size.
You get a 5.2-inch Full HD screen, which means a smaller frame that sits better in the hand – but it’s not as good for watching movies on.
If you’re looking for a phone in this price range that’s a little more pocket-friendly and will save you a few bucks, the Moto X4 is worth considering.
- Read our in-depth Moto X4 review
Honor 9
Priced almost the same as the XA2 Ultra, the Honor 9 bills itself as a flagship phone on a budget, in a similar way to OnePlus.
- Read our in-depth Honor 9 review
OnePlus 5T
If your budget can stretch a little more, the OnePlus 5T is a better all-round phone.
Its dual rear cameras perform better more consistently than the XA2 Ultra, while its full-metal unibody looks and feels more premium.
There's a sizable 5.7-inch display on the front, with a QHD resolution to boot, to ensure videos and games look great and there's more power under the hood.
- Read our in-depth OnePlus 5T review
First reviewed: February 2018
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