November 4, 2009 12:44 PM PST

Xperia X10 drawing new lines in Android battle

by Scott Webster
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Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

(Credit: Sony Ericsson)

Editor's note: As of this writing, Sony Ericsson has not announced North American availability for the X10.

Sony Ericsson's announcement yesterday gave Google Android fans a preview of what we can expect from new handsets in 2010. And as we gear up for the inevitable battle, the lines are being drawn with devices like the new Xperia X10.

On the hardware front, the Xperia X10 boasts specifications not found in today's Android handsets. For starters, the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is considerably faster than the 528MHz chip that we've seen so far. It's also faster than the iPhone 3GS' 600Mhz processor. What's more, the scratch-resistant 4-inch screen even tops the recently announced Motorola Droid , which currently holds court with a 3.7-inch screen.

The 8.1 mega-pixel camera offers the same features and functionality found in many consumer-grade digital cameras. Aside from the 16X digital zoom, the X10 comes with auto-focus, image stabilization, smile detection, and touch focus. Intelligent software can recognize up to five faces in any photo and automatically match them with contacts in the phonebook.

The Xperia X10's user experience is called "UX," but on paper, it might sound similar to HTC Sense or MotoBlur. For example, the Timescape application manages communication with contacts by integrating all conversations in one place using the "infinite button." Text messages, MMS, and e-mails are found in the same location as updates from Facebook, Twitter, and more. Mediascape, another Sony Ericsson app exclusive, handles music, videos, and photos in comparable fashion. Content is accessed and organized from a number of sources including the phone's memory, YouTube, and PlayNow.

Even though the handset is based around Android 1.6, it shows just how flexible the platform can be. So far, nearly every Android handset manufacturer has added its own signature software experience. Sony Ericsson is doing that as well. And with plenty of time left between now and the first-quarter 2010 launch, we're hoping Sony Ericsson is able to find a way to integrate Android 2.0 into the Xperia X10.

Scott Webster has spent the better part of his adult life playing with cell phones and gadgets. When not looking for the latest Android news and rumors, he relaxes with his wife and son. Scott also is the senior editor for AndroidGuys. Scott is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. E-mail Scott.
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by Slick1of2 November 4, 2009 1:18 PM PST
By the gods! That sounds awesome and looks nice. Now, if I only had the money... you think Bill Gates would want to adopt a 21 year old college student? Hmmm, maybe Angelina Jolie? I'll try her first.
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by Super2online November 4, 2009 1:21 PM PST
Ths is the first phone outside of my current that I feel like I'm really interested in.
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by mdub311 November 4, 2009 1:52 PM PST
I love SE phones. The questions is, who will carry it and how much will it cost? It's got sex appeal for sure and tons of functionality.
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by AndyH_STi November 4, 2009 2:09 PM PST
It has been rumored to be T-Mobile or possibly AT&T.
by gpmoo7 November 4, 2009 2:24 PM PST
The iPhone 3GS has an 800MHz processor downclock to 600MHz ...
Like the HTC Dream, HTC Magic and HTC Hero have an 528 MHz processor downclock to 384 MHz
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by ertem0 November 4, 2009 6:24 PM PST
Has it been ten years yet? After the rootkit debacle I promised myself I would not buy any Sony products for ten years. This phone looks real nice though...
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by stevicus November 5, 2009 5:21 PM PST
Since SE is only 50% owned by Sony, you only have to wait five years.
by Benz NYC November 4, 2009 8:33 PM PST
Wow this phone looks really sexy and seems to be a step ahead of the other android phones. I really hoping it hits the USA shores and gets on T-Mobile. I have three phones i'm really digging at his point the Noka N900 the HYC HD2 and of course this!
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by ice5nake November 5, 2009 10:14 AM PST
This is the phone I've been holding out for. I was hoping for a pre-Christmas release. The hardware specs look top-of-the-line. I really hope it is released in the U.S; I have a hard time understanding why they would not release it in the U.S. If it comes here I am hoping for AT&T myself. I might even consider getting an unlocked version if it goes to T-Mobile depending on the price tag. Did I mention I am currently using an iPhone?
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by Vetauciont November 7, 2009 12:13 AM PST
This looks very nice. I wonder how it compares to the Droid. The Xperia will probably be more expensive, considering the 8.1 megapixel camera and the larger screen. Both products have got my interest. I'm one of those, "Anything but Iphone/Ipod" people
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by JayMonster November 10, 2009 5:51 AM PST
The "concept" video was neat (if not a bit over the top), but the actual demo at the announcement looked downright painful. Bad battery life and such lag when it went "off script" (granted it was still in prototype stage), it will be interesting to see if they can actually pull this off at all, or how much compromise will have to go it to get it to function as desired.
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by davecme November 12, 2009 11:50 AM PST
It is already featured on their N. American site, so I imagine it is coming to a carrier, but yet to be determined. Personally I would want to see it on T-Mobile or Verizon...I will not switch to AT&T for a free phone like this...I want a better network and a good phone. I was about to make the switch to Verizon for the DROID, but I think this is the phone I want, so I am going to wait...this is a really great looking phone with very solid hardware/software specs.

Check out their site: http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/overview/xperiax10a?lc=en&cc=us

And here is a demo (tho in Spanish): http://vimeo.com/7422001

I really think this is slick!
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by Benz NYC November 19, 2009 10:22 PM PST
Wow updated news on this phone. One is it dosn't have andriod 2.0 but rather 1.6. I also here its going to cost $800.00 dollars. I will have to cross this off my list. :(
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by shreejidwar November 24, 2009 9:11 AM PST
X10 has many shortcomings compared to Droid
1)No Flash
2)Android 1.6 vs Droid has Android 2.0
3)No Ambient Light sensor( Display brightness automatically adjusts as per the outside light - dark vs bright )
4)No Voice activated google maps navigation
5)Video capture for X10 is at lower resolution then Droid
6)Biggest of all: No physical keypad
7)Price for X10 is more then two times of Droid
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by jaskake December 1, 2009 1:45 AM PST
1) yes it has
2) will be updated
3) yes it has
4) yes it has
5) no it is not
6) thats a positive thing
7) also not true

Well done. ;D
1 person likes this comment
by sharjeel_aslam December 18, 2009 5:40 AM PST
This is certainly an iPhone Killer device
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