The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is big, black and not-at-all bad. But does its design make it feel even more cumbersome than its 4-inch screen suggests? Find out in our Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: design and build.
Read the rest of our Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review:
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: overall verdict
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: media and screen
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: user interface
With that beast of a screen, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 was always going to have some heft to it. It’s even bigger than the 3.7-inch monster on the HTC Desire. However, thanks to its relatively skinny 11mm thickness, it’ll fit into a normal-sized pocket without seeming that much bigger than any other big-screened smartphone.
The Xperia X10 opts for simple ergonomics to make the phone feel like it belongs in your hand. The front of the phone is completely flat – not a rounded edge to be seen – but the back is a different story. A flattened oval, the back is as smooth as a newborn’s posterior, the soft touch finish making it feel that bit more comfortable within your grip.
Unlike some less style conscious Android phones like the T-Mobile Pulse, the Xperia X10 takes a minimalist approach to its sides. The only buttons that feature are camera and volume controls. The rest – the USB socket, headphone jack and power button – sit on the top of the X10, but don’t spoil its simple look.
The Xperia X10′s sleek lines are given a helping hand by the full-back battery cover, which means the only join lines are around the silver strip that runs around the phone’s sides. Unlike some other designer battery covers, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10′s cover is dead simple to remove – there’s a discreet gap at the bottom to get your fingernail under.
Immaculately designed, but does it affect the usability factor? Compared to the HTC Desire, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10′s face buttons can feel a little low down for comfort. It’s all in favour of the stark look Sony Ericsson has gone for, but we think that’s one of the X10′s most “acquired taste” features.
For all its emphasis on the lighter side of life, with its focus on social networking and multimedia, the Xperia X10 borrows a design seed ow two from the Xperia X1 and Xperia X2. These feel like slightly serious, stuffy phones to use as inspiration now that everyone and his daughter is cottoning on to quite how good Android phones can be.
Still, while the Xperia X10 doesn’t look quite as friendly as the HTC Desire or Legend, it’s still slick and well-designed. And since when hasn’t a glossy black and silver combo been sexy?
Read the rest of our Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review:
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: overall verdict
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: media and screen
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 review: user interface
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10: Robot and Android phone snuggle up
