Sony Xperia XA review: Where did the bezels go?
At the launch of the Sony Xperia XA earlier this year, there was confusion among the attending journalists. Which was the premium handset? This one, or the Xperia X it launched alongside?
The reason for the confusion was not the phone’s specifications, but the design, which is exceptional. It’s the bezels, or rather the lack of them, that really catch the eye here. To the left and right of the screen, instead of the usual two to three millimetres, it appears there’s no gap at all. At least that’s what Sony wants you to think. Switch on the Sony Xperia XA and it’s evident there’s still a narrow black border surrounding the display, but it’s only 1mm thick.
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In fact, to my eyes, the Sony Xperia XA is a more attractive phone than the company’s premium Xperia X. Even the plastic back feels nice under the finger, and a pearlescent finish gives it an unusually exotic appearance. The white version I’m testing here has a subtle, coloured sheen that glimmers pink when it catches the light. The phone is also available in Lime Gold, Rose Gold and Graphite Black.
And, given that it’s plastic, another bonus is that you’ll be decidedly less concerned about it shattering into a million sharp pieces if you happen to drop it. All in all, the Sony Xperia XA is a finely honed smartphone, which is impressive given the reasonable price tag.
At the launch of the Sony Xperia XA earlier this year, there was confusion among the attending journalists. Which was the premium handset? This one, or the Xperia X it launched alongside?
The reason for the confusion was not the phone’s specifications, but the design, which is exceptional. It’s the bezels, or rather the lack of them, that really catch the eye here. To the left and right of the screen, instead of the usual two to three millimetres, it appears there’s no gap at all. At least that’s what Sony wants you to think. Switch on the Sony Xperia XA and it’s evident there’s still a narrow black border surrounding the display, but it’s only 1mm thick.
READ NEXT: The best smartphones of 2016 – these are the best handsets on the market today
In fact, to my eyes, the Sony Xperia XA is a more attractive phone than the company’s premium Xperia X. Even the plastic back feels nice under the finger, and a pearlescent finish gives it an unusually exotic appearance. The white version I’m testing here has a subtle, coloured sheen that glimmers pink when it catches the light. The phone is also available in Lime Gold, Rose Gold and Graphite Black.
And, given that it’s plastic, another bonus is that you’ll be decidedly less concerned about it shattering into a million sharp pieces if you happen to drop it. All in all, the Sony Xperia XA is a finely honed smartphone, which is impressive given the reasonable price tag.
