The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 is sequel to the popular, albeit mind-bendingly expensive, Xperia X1, which was released by Sony Ericsson in 2008. The X2 is much cheaper than it’s predecessor, and because the X1 was considered “state-of-the-art” at the time, little has changed this time around.

Before we get started in earnest, a quick note. There are two versions of this device: The standard X2, generally known as the X2i, and the North American version, called the X2a. I received the X2i, since the X2a isn’t widely available yet. The difference is the 850 MHz band, a common distinction between North American and European/Asian market devices. However, there’s an extra little difference here. Unlike the other model where the European version lacks the 850 band altogether, the standard X2 does feature support for 850 MHz, but not 850 MHz 3G. It’s a subtle, but critical distinction. In my area, almost all coverage is 850, including 3G. This means the X2 doesn’t get 3G coverage in areas I’m used to having it.

The X2a will feature 850 MHz 3G, fully suited for AT&T, Rogers, and most other North American carriers. However, you’ll also pay a few hundred bucks more for the privilege. Since this is the only difference between the X2i? and the X2a, I’ll be addressing them collectively as the X2 for the duration.

On to the meat of the review.

DESIGN & BUILD

The basic design and even most of the internal hardware specs are the same between the X2 and the older X1. Both are sliders, with horizontally-oriented sliding keyboards.

Side-sliders are never ideal for dialing, and that’s definitely this model’s biggest weakness. Touchscreens aren’t ideal for hurried dialing. Still, it’s no more uncomfortable than the iPhone, which doesn’t seem to be lacking fans. And for those of us who use our devices more for Web browsing, e-mail, and data use than for voice, the X2′s design provides a lot of screen space and a fine keyboard.

Generally speaking, the X2 is very well-designed. The slider mechanism feels robust and the keyboard’s keys have a good click. The sort of double-beveling on them provides a good feel under the fingertips, even though the keys themselves are all pressed together.

The stylus is basic and kind of small, but it doesn’t slide or collapse, which is good. For most things I simply preferred to use my fingertips, but with such a high resolution screen that’s not always possible to do
accurately, so you’ll definitely need to pull out the stylus from time to time.

Despite packing in a nice 800 x 480 pixel screen, the X2 is still small enough, and ergonomic enough, that you don’t feel awkward putting it to your head.

Buttons and Trackpad
Although the X2 and X1 have much in common, there are some minor differences. For instance, the six angled buttons and standard directional pad on the front of X1 are gone, replaced by four membrane-type buttons and an optical-scanner trackpad.

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