Sony Xperia 10 V Review: Why shouldn’t you buy it?

The Sony Xperia 10 V, officially unveiled on May 11, 2023, and subsequently made available to the public on June 21, 2023, stands as a testament to Sony’s commitment to delivering smartphones that strike a balance between affordability and advanced features. This mid-range device offers consumers an opportunity to experience the essence of Xperia quality, known for its elegant design, premium build, and enhanced multimedia capabilities.

Network

In the realm of network connectivity, the Xperia 10 V ensures that users can stay connected wherever they go. With support for a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and the latest 5G, this smartphone provides seamless voice and data services. The inclusion of 5G technology opens doors to faster download and upload speeds, low-latency gaming, and the ability to stream high-definition content without interruption.

Design and Build Quality

A striking feature of the Xperia 10 V is its robust build quality. Crafted with a blend of materials that include Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and a plastic frame, the phone radiates a sense of durability and elegance. It boasts an impressively slim profile with dimensions measuring 155 x 68 x 8.3 mm and a manageable weight of 159 grams, making it comfortable to hold and carry.

Ruggedness and Durability

One of the standout features is the Xperia 10 V’s IP65/IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust and water ingress. Users can confidently take their phones near the pool, to the beach, or in the rain without worrying about water damage. The phone can be submerged in water at a depth of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes without suffering any harm. This protection extends its lifespan and enhances its suitability for outdoor activities.

Display and Multimedia Experience

The 6.1-inch OLED display enriches the Xperia 10 V’s visual prowess. It delivers brilliant and true-to-life colors, accentuated by HDR support. With a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels and a tall 21:9 aspect ratio, the display not only provides clarity but also an immersive viewing experience, making it an ideal companion for enjoying multimedia content, browsing the web, or engaging in gaming sessions.

Performance and Processing Power

On the performance the Xperia 10 V houses the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. This is a significant leap forward in terms of processing power, offering smooth performance for daily tasks and the ability to handle intensive applications with ease. The octa-core CPU configuration, which includes Kryo 660 Gold and Kryo 660 Silver cores, strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency. The Adreno 619 GPU ensures that gaming and graphics-intensive applications run without hiccups.

Memory and storage options are available in two variants. Users can select from models with 128GB of internal storage coupled with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The Xperia 10 V utilizes UFS storage, contributing to faster data access and a more responsive user experience. Users can store an ample amount of apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

For photography enthusiasts, the Xperia 10 V presents a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear. The primary camera is a 48 MP wide-angle lens with a bright f/1.8 aperture, equipped with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This combination ensures sharp and clear photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, there’s an 8 MP telephoto camera with a 2x optical zoom capability and another 8 MP ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view. These cameras make it possible to capture breathtaking landscape shots and detailed close-ups.

Furthermore, a user-friendly and intuitive camera app makes it easy for even novice photographers to take advantage of advanced shooting modes and creative features. Users can capture beautiful HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos, and the panoramic mode provides a wide perspective that’s perfect for sweeping landscapes or group photos. When it comes to recording videos, the Xperia 10 V supports 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps), ensuring that users can document life’s moments in stunning detail.

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP wide-angle lens, capable of taking high-quality selfies and supporting video recording at 1080p. This makes it easy for users to capture self-portraits and engage in video calls with friends and family.

Connectivity and User-Friendly Features

On the connectivity front, the Xperia 10 V offers a comprehensive set of options. Users can connect to Wi-Fi networks on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensuring fast internet access whether at home or on the go. Bluetooth 5.1 support enhances wireless connections, allowing for seamless pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones, speakers, and smartwatches.

The inclusion of multiple satellite positioning systems, including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS, means that users can depend on accurate location services, whether they are navigating the streets of a city or hiking in a remote wilderness.

Battery Life and Charging

In terms of battery life, the Xperia 10 V offers a powerful 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, driving the device and providing an extended battery life that easily lasts a full day of use. To ensure that users can enjoy their device longer, the smartphone supports wired charging and complies with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) standards.

Moreover, the Xperia 10 V is designed with the environment in mind. The reduction of e-waste is addressed by the use of a non-removable battery, and it ensures that the phone is used efficiently for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Color Variants and Availability

The Sony Xperia 10 V is available in multiple colors, including Black, White, Sage Green, and Lavender, allowing users to choose a model that fits their style and preferences.

Pros

  • Quality Design: The Xperia 10 V features a sleek and stylish design that’s synonymous with Sony’s Xperia brand, appealing to users who appreciate premium aesthetics.
  • Durable Build: Its IP65/IP68 rating ensures resistance to dust and water, making it suitable for outdoor and rugged use.
  • 5G Connectivity: With 5G support, users can experience faster internet speeds and low-latency gaming, enabling seamless streaming and fast downloads.
  • Immersive OLED Display: The 6.1-inch OLED display provides brilliant colors and HDR support, delivering an immersive viewing experience.
  • Solid Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and ample RAM provide smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking, making it a versatile device.
  • Versatile Camera System: The triple-camera setup, including a 48 MP primary camera, offers versatile photography options, including zoom and ultrawide shots.
  • Generous Battery: The 5000 mAh battery provides long-lasting usage, allowing users to go through the day without frequent recharges.
  • Ample Storage: Two storage configurations, 128GB with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, offer sufficient space for apps, photos, and media.
  • Environmental Consideration: The non-removable battery design helps reduce electronic waste and prolongs device life.
  • Multisystem Positioning: Multiple satellite positioning systems enhance location accuracy, useful for navigation and outdoor activities.

Cons

  • Mid-Range Chipset: While it provides solid performance, the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is mid-range, so it might not handle extremely demanding tasks as well as flagship chipsets.
  • Full HD Resolution: While the display quality is good, some may have expected a higher resolution for a device in this price range.
  • Limited Video Recording: Video recording capabilities are capped at 1080p@30fps, which may disappoint users who want 4K video recording.
  • Non-Removable Battery: While it helps reduce e-waste, a non-removable battery means you can’t easily replace it yourself.
  • No Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is not supported, which may disappoint users looking for this convenience.
  • Potential for Fragility: While the design is premium, the extensive use of glass might make it more prone to damage from drops.
  • Pricing: While the Xperia 10 V offers good features, some users might find its price at the upper end of the mid-range category.
  • Limited Color Options: The color choices are somewhat limited, which may not cater to users who prefer more variety.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia 10 V is a smartphone that impresses with its blend of mid-range affordability and high-quality features. It’s designed for individuals who seek a reliable and stylish device with advanced camera capabilities, durable build quality, and a long-lasting battery. The inclusion of 5G connectivity and the Xperia brand’s commitment to multimedia excellence make it a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market.

Priced reasonably and equipped with a feature set that meets the needs of various users, the Xperia 10 V is a valuable addition to Sony’s Xperia lineup and stands as an enticing choice for those who appreciate the Xperia experience. It perfectly embodies the company’s vision of delivering the best of Sony in a sleek and stylish package.

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