The Sony Xperia go is a handset that delivers fast performance from its 1GHz dual-core processor. However, its low-resolution screen isn't impressive, and the handset is pricey compared with its competition.
Unveiled at a Sony regional press event at CommunicAsia 2012, the Sony Xperia go sports a 3.5-inch HVGA (480 x 320 pixels) display and looks very much like the other Xperia handsets. The Sony smartphone isn't very large, but don't let its size deceive you, as this dust- and waterproof handset packs a dual-core 1GHz processor inside its chassis.
Where the waterproof Xperia acro S is meant for the mid to high-end market, the Xperia go caters toward those with a lower budget. AtS$488 , it may not be as cheap compared with its competitors (such as the Motorola Defy XT) but it's still affordable especially if you can get it with an operator contract.
Design
If you like Sony's current Xperia aesthetics, you'll like the Xperia go. Our review set came in black, though we played with a bright yellow version at the launch. The front 3.5-inch display uses a scratch-resistant mineral glass, and has three touch-sensitive buttons under it.
One thing we disliked about the HVGA resolution was the lack of space when using apps. On the usual Twitter client, we had barely enough space to see what we were typing as the keyboard took half the screen, leaving almost no real estate for the Tweet window.
The handset runs Gingerbread (Android 2.3). However, while the smartphone will get Ice Cream Sandwich, no date has yet been announced. There's no word on any Jelly Bean update, either.
Compared with other handsets, the Xperia go's sandpaper-textured rear gives a very good grip. Each of the ports are covered with a rubber cover, and underneath the rear cover you'll find that the smartphone has no open ports and no removable battery either. You can also access the SIM card tray as well as the microSD card slot.
Features
Like the Xperia active but with better hardware specs, the go comes with an IP67 rating which basically means that the handset is dust-tight and is capable of surviving underwater for 30 minutes at up to 1m depths. It also has wet finger tracking--while you won't be able to use the Xperia go underwater, you'll be able to interact with the touchscreen even if the screen (or your finger) is wet. The higher-end Sony acro S is one step below--rated at IP57, the handset is simply dust-resistant.
We put this to the test, by leaving the Xperia go in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes. The phone was working fine when we took it out.
Sony has also customized the UI, and it does resemble the customized Ice Cream Sandwich of the Xperia acro S. You get the ability to create folders like in ICS, but it lacks the app-switcher found on ICS smartphones. There are bundled apps such as WalkMate as well as FigureRunning to help you track your path to fitness glory.
Connectivity-wise, the Xperia comes with the usual HSPA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and A-GPS. Under its hood, the smartphone has 512MB RAM and 8GB of storage.
The 5-megapixel camera focuses quickly and has a fast electronic shutter, too. The images captured turned out pretty good, with plenty of detail and minimal noise. Next to the textured rear, the camera is the best feature. There is no front-facing camera though.
Performance
Powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor running on the NovaThor U8500 chipset, we found using the Xperia go to be relatively lag-free. We didn't have any issues with the handset, unlike the sluggish Defy XT.
Battery life was also pretty good. On our standard battery test of having two Gmail accounts, Twitter and Facebook on push, the phone lasted us a day and a half of light-to-moderate use.
When making voice calls, we found the audio clarity to be fine. Speaker volume was neither too loud nor soft, though you may want to occasionally check your phone in a noisy place if you're afraid of missing alerts.
Conclusion
Sony's Xperia go is a fine handset that offers a lot more value compared with Motorola's Defy XT. If you need something for your active outdoor lifestyle and don't want something as big as the Xperia acro S, the Xperia go would be our choice. It retails for S$488 in Singapore without an operator contract.
The Xperia go costs quite a bit more than the Motorola Defy XT, as well as the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2. As one of the few waterproof handsets around, we do think it's worth it, but the Ace 2 may offer better value for bargain hunters. Lastly, the Sony smartphone will also be available in Malaysia as well as Indonesia in Asia. Check with your country's retailers for local pricing.
