Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 review

More and more manufacturers are specifying high-resolution screens in their top-end smartphones. The much-anticipated Xperia X1 is one of four in this Labs to do it, matching the HTC Touch HD for sheer resolution at 480 x 800.

But we're not as impressed with the X1 because the screen, at just 3in from corner to corner, isn't big enough to take advantage. At this size, a high resolution can be more of a disadvantage than a boon, especially as it's Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional that underlies this phone's fancy-looking finger-driven interface.

And that interface isn't much help. We liked the fact you can choose between different types of home screen layouts and download new ones for free, but once you go beyond basic program selection, contacts and media management, you're stuck with Windows Mobile. To make matters worse, the touch-sensitive five-way control below the screen doesn't make it any easier than the touchscreen to navigate around. And those user interface enhancements aren't particularly snappy, either. Taps to the panels often result ina second or two delay, which is frustrating, although pressing the pick-up call button does at least bring up the dial screen instantly.

It's a shame, since there's plenty to like elsewhere. The build is solid with a metal back and brushed aluminium-effect keyboard surround. And the keyboard itself is pretty good: the keys are well separated, have a good click to them, and the layout is sensible.

The list of hardware on offer is as impressive as most of the other high-end phones here, with HSDPA, assisted GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an FM radio tuner. There's a good-quality wired headset thrown in - the best here - as well as a 3.5mm headphone socket, and battery life is respectable at 70hrs 42 mins.

But the usability issue just won't go away and, coupled with a high price, is enough to push this phone well down the list of contenders this month.

Author: Jonathan Bray