Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus launch – price, release date, specs, hands-on and more at MWC 2019
Here's our verdict...
SONY has released two new smartphones that really raise the bar for what you can cram into a budget handset.
The Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus, out today, will play second fiddle to the flagship Xperia 1 – but that doesn't mean they aren't worth your consideration.
But are they the ultimate budget blowers, and could they take on the iPhone XR? We've spent a bit of time with them, so read on for our snap verdict.
Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus review – hands-on and first impressions
Like their bigger (and more expensive) brother, the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus pack an extra-tall screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio.
The huge 6.5" display takes some getting used to, but the "CinemaWide" Full HD+ screen is absolutely gorgeous to look at.
It enables two apps to be comfortably viewed simultaneously, which is handy if you're a fan of multi-tasking.
For example, you can watch a YouTube video while texting, without having to switch back and forth between two apps.
But it's the widescreen viewing experience that will spark most people's interest.
Watching Netflix shows or YouTube in 21:9 – just like you would in a movie theatre – is a dream, though I'm not sure that alone will be enough to tempt most consumers.
However, as with the Xperia 1, the screen can get in the way a bit, as it doesn't fair well in smaller pockets.
A big portion sticks out of the top of anything but deep pockets, which may cause problems for some.
The cameras on each phone are serviceable, but nothing to write home about.
The 10 has a 13MP+5MP dual rear camera while the 10 Plus opts for a 12MP+8MP snapper.
They do the job, but don't stand up to the photography might of the iPhone XR, or triple lens Samsung Galaxy S10.
What is impressive is the speed of the handsets.
Backed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chip, they run smooth as you like, even during heavy tasks like multi-tasking.
It certainly doesn't feel like you're using a cheaper handset, which is high praise indeed considering their price.
All in all, I think the phones are a solid option for someone looking for a truly budget blower. They won't challenge the iPhone XR or Samsung S10e on specs, but they undercut them by some distance – and that could make all the difference.
Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus release date
Sony announced the Xperia 1 on February 25, 2019.
They were unveiled at a press event at MWC 2019 in Barcelona.
Both phones are available to order from today.
Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus specs and features
Sony have packed a lot of great tech into the phones at a cut-rate price.
Here are the specs for the Xperia 10:
- Xperia 10 display – 6.0-inch (21:9)Wide Full HD+ display
- Xperia 10 processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor
- Xperia 10 rear camera – Dual camera (13MP+5MP)
- Xperia 10 battery and charging – 2870mAh battery
- Xperia 10 sensors and security – Accelerometer / Barometer / Gyro Sensor / Compass / HR sensor
- Xperia 10 colours – Navy, Black, Silver and Gold
And the 10 Plus:
- Xperia 10 Plus display – 6.5-inch (21:9) Wide Full HD+ display
- Xperia 10 Plus processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor
- Xperia 10 Plus rear camera – Dual camera (12MP+8MP)
- Xperia 10 Plus battery and charging – 3,000mAh battery
- Xperia 10 Plus sensors and security – Accelerometer / Barometer / Gyro Sensor / Compass / HR sensor
- Xperia 10 Plus colours – Navy, Black, Silver and Gold
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Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus price – how much will they cost?
They've got decent specs, but it's the price that will draw most people to the blowers.
SIM-free, the Xperia 10 is priced at £299 and the Xperia 10 Plus at £349.
They're also available from all major UK operators and retailers, including EE, Vodafone, O2, Carphone Warehouse, Virgin, Sky Mobile, and Tesco.
Prices start from as little as £19 per month for the Xperia 10, and £29 per month for the Xperia 10 Plus, with several networks offering UK exclusive deals.
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