My Experience with the Sony Xperia Play 4G
Sony Xperia Play showcased at the Sony Ericsson booth
Recently, I was given the exciting opportunity to attend MLG Providence 2011 wielding a Sony Xperia 4G and all courtesy of AT&T. I had such an amazing time at the event. It was nice to finally experience the tournament scene of FPSs. It was also a pleasure to bump into familiar faces like Robskii and make new acquaintances like Bravo, Halo coach from New Jersey. During my stay in R.I., I recorded those moments using the Xperia Play 4G. Duh! Most fitting!
Halo Reach competition at MLG Providence 2011
On the way to R.I., on my way back to NYC, whenever I had any spare time, I found myself wanting to dig deeper into Xperia’s features and see for myself, what it had to offer it’s consumer. After discovering that it runs on the Android OS, my whole view of it changed. This is not some windows ME palm pilot. It’s a smart phone! NO WAY! With Android’s sleek interface, Sony’s sense of style and AT&T’s features, the Xperia Play proves to be a worthy competitor in the mobile industry.
Here’s Phonescope’s full list of specifications:
Specs |
|
| Modes | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 WCDMA 850 / 1900 / 2100 some versions have WCDMA 900 / 2100 instead |
| Weight | 6.17 oz (175 g) |
| Dimensions | 4.68″ x 2.44″ x 0.63″ (119 x 62 x 16 mm) |
| Battery | Talk: 6.4 hours max. (385 minutes) Standby: 425 hours max. (17.7 days) 1500 mAh LiPolymer |
| Display | Type: LCD (Color TFT/TFD) Resolution: 480 x 854 pixels 4″ diagonal Colors: 16.7 million (24-bit) |
| Platform / OS | Android version 2.3 |
| Processor | 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM8255 |
| Memory | 400 MB internal storage, available to user |
| FCC ID | PY7A3880088 » (Approved Mar 1, 2011) PY7A3880087 » (Approved Mar 11, 2011) |
Features |
|
| GPS / Location | Type: A-GPS |
| ACCESSIBILITY | |
| Hearing Aid Compatible | Rating: M3, T3 (mostly tele-coil compatible) |
| Multiple Languages | Yes |
| ALERTS | |
| Polyphonic Ringtones | Yes |
| Vibrate | Yes |
| CONNECTIVITY | |
| Bluetooth | Supported Profiles: HSP 1.1, HFP 1.5, OPP, PBA, A2DP1.2, AVRC version 2.1+EDR |
| Mobile Hotspot | carrier-dependent |
| PC Sync | Yes |
| USB | Version: 2.0 micro-USB connector / supports mass storage mode |
| Wi-Fi | Version(s): 802.11 b,g,n |
| CONTACTS | |
| Multiple Numbers per Name | Yes |
| Picture ID | Yes |
| Ringer ID | Yes |
| Voice Dialing | Type: Speaker-independent (automatic) |
| CUSTOMIZATION | |
| Custom Graphics | Yes |
| Custom Ringtones | Yes |
| Real-Music Ringers | Supported Formats: MP3, AAC |
| DATA & NETWORK | |
| Data Tethering | carrier-dependent |
| Flight Mode | Yes |
| High-Speed Data | Technology: HSPA 7.2 |
| WAP / Web Browser | Browser Software: Android browser (WebKit-based) with Adobe Flash 10.1 |
| INPUT | |
| Predictive Text Entry | Yes |
| Side Keys | Yes |
| Touch Screen | Type: Capacitive |
| MEMORY | |
| Memory Card Slot | Card Type: microSD (TransFlash) supports up to 32 GB |
| MESSAGING | |
| Email Client | Protocols Supported: POP, IMAP, GMail, Exchange |
| Instant Messaging | Networks Supported: Google Talk |
| MMS | Yes |
| Text Messaging (SMS) | View Style: Threaded |
| MUSIC | |
| Headphone Jack (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Music Player | Yes |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes |
| PHOTO & VIDEO | |
| Camera | Resolution: 5+ megapixel auto-focus, geo-tagging, LED flash |
| DLNA | Yes |
| Front-Facing Camera | Resolution: VGA |
| Streaming Video | Protocol: RTSP (3GPP), HTTP |
| Video Capture | Resolution: WVGA / 480p |
| PRODUCTIVITY | |
| Alarm | Yes |
| Calculator | Yes |
| Calendar | Yes |
| Voice Memo | Yes |
| SOFTWARE | |
| Games | Yes |
| VOICE | |
| Speaker Phone | Yes |
Not bad right? I mean yah. An 8 megapixel camera would have been nice but it’s no surprise, the focus wasn’t on photography. While supporting up to 32GB SD, including an 8GB SD, and showcasing over 200 Xperia Play certified mobile video game titles, it’s clear that Gaming was the main focus. There’s no doubt that the Xperia Play 4G certainly delivers in that area. Playing Crash Bandicoot with a full D-Pad, L + R triggers, all four shape buttons, Select and Start button, is like going Back to the Future but in real time.
Bravo and Dmaq playing with the Xperia Play. Taken with...you guessed it!
Packaged with Playstation Pocket, fans of the original Playstation can play a port of the first installment in the Crash Bandicoot series. More titles are scheduled to be released for the platform. For now, you’ll just have to whole heartedly enjoy Sony’s old mascot. Battery life was heavenly. The phone managed to stay on for almost an entire day even after several hours of gameplay. The camera was a breeze to use although you’ll definitely notice the lack of zoom. The touch querty keyboard was cleverly designed and especially comfortable to use when turning the device sideways. Using social networks was made easier due to the integrated Facebook application. With it, all phone contacts are automatically updated with a profile picture and phone number if available.
Playing with the Xperia Play 4G
The Xperia Play 4G is everything you want in a smart phone (at least minimally) fused with an authentic Sony Playstation experience. If you’re a big fan of the Playstation, a big fan of the Android OS, This is the baby you’ll never give birth to. At just $49.99 as a new AT&T subscriber, this should be any gamer’s mobile weapon of choice. Recently, Sony Ericsson has launched an official Xperia Play video game blog which potential buyers should visit for a good idea of the titles developed and so far supported. It’s also the main news source for the Xperia Play. Owners of the device should keep it bookmarked for the latest news on development, read up on reviews and discover new mobile games certified only for the Xperia Play.
*FYI, The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are of my own and none other.
