HA, released in 2016, received mixed reactions. On the one hand, users liked the designer’s work, thanks to which an attractive and easy-to-use smartphone was created. However, the battery life was short and the model's performance was unstable.

In 2017, the XA smartphone was updated, introducing the familiar but improved Xperia XA1 Plus to consumers. Reviews note the even greater perfection of the magnificent body and the attractiveness of the new specifications, including an updated 23-megapixel camera and FullHD screen.

So, did the Xperia XA1 manage to become what everyone expected from the XA, and is the smartphone capable of competing with such popular models as the Moto G5S Plus and Lenovo P2?

Design

In the attractiveness rating mobile phones average Sony class Xperia XA1 Plus Dual, according to reviews, will easily take first place. The all-in-one design is unique largely due to the screen extending from one edge of the case to the other. On the left and right, the display frame is very thin, although wider than that of the XA1.

The result is, of course, not only aesthetically pleasing - it has a practical advantage. The XA1 Plus is easy to operate with one hand. This is great news for those who often write SMS messages when one hand is occupied.

According to reviews, owners Sony Xperia XA1 Plus smartphone They like it even more than the flagship Xperia XZ. It has the same flat top and bottom edges, plus a more durable plastic finish. After intensive use of the phone, a few light scratches appear on its surface, but this is only noticeable when the light hits it at a certain angle. Of course, there are some fingerprints on the back panel, but they can be easily removed.

Like most phones in this price range, it is not water resistant. However, the model is perfectly protected from splashes, so you can safely use it in the rain.

Screen

The phone is equipped with an LCD panel with FullHD resolution. 1080p and a 5.5-inch diagonal provide a pixel density of 401 dpi, which is practically the gold standard for mid-range models. Photos and movies are displayed on the IPS screen with decent clarity.

According to reviews, the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus also demonstrates amazing performance when activating Super Vivid Mode. rich colors. The contrast ratio (1572:1) also impresses with deep blacks (0.376 nits) and clear whites (591 nits). These are excellent figures for an LCD matrix, but not for an AMOLED. There are no problems with visibility outside the premises. With maximum settings, you can easily read text even on a bright sunny day.

The only thing that's not impressive is the color accuracy. White tends towards blue with DeltaE=10. Although the average DeltaE=5.7 is normal, white inaccuracy is noticeable. Red colors are quite muted, especially compared to AMOLED displays.

Connectivity

The smartphone is produced in versions with one and two SIM cards. Cat.6 LTE is supported by the Helio P20 modem with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

Supported Wi-Fi standard b/g/n for 2.4 GHz and a/n for 5 GHz. You can stream videos via wireless network via Miracast.

Bluetooth - v4.2 LE comes with audio-centric aptX protocol. NFC and FM radio are also available.

Geopositioning is performed in GPS and GLONASS systems, but not BDS or Galileo.

Peripheral devices can be connected via USB-C port, but USB 2.0 limits the transfer speed to 480 Mbps. The 3.5 mm headset jack has also been preserved.

Media

Unfortunately, according to reviews, the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus smartphone does not support high-definition audio, like some more expensive models from the Japanese manufacturer. The phone also can't enhance the quality of low-bitrate tracks, although there is a Dynamic Normaliser feature for adjusting the volume difference between music tracks and videos. The Track ID service for identifying works is no longer supported as of September 15th.

To store your media files, applications and everything else, the buyer gets 32 GB. Of this, about 10 GB is already used by the OS and pre-installed software. However, you can quickly and easily expand this capacity by 256 GB by installing a micro-SD memory card, allowing you to carry a huge number of albums and movies with you at all times.

Software

Xperia XA1 runs Android 7.0 OS. The platform should be familiar to owners of other droids, since the general appearance The operating system and user interface have not changed much recently.

There are some features like split screen mode that allows you to run two apps side by side. The general navigation and menus have also been partially updated, and work has been done to improve the efficiency of the operating system. But it's basically the same Android that everyone knows and loves.

Of course, Sony has redesigned the XA1's interface to give it that unique Xperia feel. The Unified Design theme matches the color of the phone, be it black, white, gold or pink, giving a consistent look to the model.

According to reviews, the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus dual smartphone has received a number of unique functions that its competitors do not have. For example, via home network With WiFi you can stream Playstation games to your phone so you can play anywhere in your apartment.

Newbies will benefit from Sony Assistant, which offers plenty of tips for getting the most out of your phone, and apps like Smart Cleaner, which removes unnecessary files from memory, as well as a battery saving mode.

Performance

One of the biggest mistakes of the previous model was the lack of processor power, which made the user interface awkward and frustrating. Sony has improved the model's performance, although it is likely only a small step forward.

The phone is still powered by the budget Mediatek chipset, this time it's the P20. Fortunately, the number random access memory increased from 2 to 3 (or 4) GB, which also affects daily work. Thus, although user tests showed only a slight improvement (average AnTuTu smartphone Sony Xperia XA1 Plus, according to reviews, is equal to 55 thousand points, while for the XA it was 47 thousand), the phone functions much more stable.

The model proves that Mediatek can produce decent mid-range processors. The Snapdragon 625 is slightly more powerful in multi-core use, but the P20 beats it in single-core applications and has a slight edge in graphics.

According to reviews, the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus Dual smartphone sometimes loads applications with a short pause, but they usually work stably. Users were surprised by how well this phone copes with two running programs in split screen mode. For example, you can watch videos on YouTube and visit websites on the Internet at the same time.

Battery life

Battery life has increased significantly. If the previous model's energy reserve was only enough for a day, and sometimes it did not last until the evening, then the non-removable battery with a capacity of 3430 mAh provides significantly longer work. A full charge of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus G3412 battery, according to reviews, provides 23 hours of phone calls or 15.5 hours of web surfing via a wireless Wi-Fi connection, or a 12.5-hour movie show. The resulting rating is 102 hours - more than four days of work, provided that 1 hour a day is allocated for talking, watching videos and using the Internet. This is an outstanding achievement.

Sony Xperia XA1 Plus reviews praised for its support for fast charging and Qnovo's adaptive charging technology, which is used in best phones Japanese manufacturer. It ensures that the battery does not overcharge, which could damage it or affect its longevity.

Cameras

One of the biggest Sony updates Xperia XA1 Plus dual reviews they call the new 23-megapixel camera. Compared to the old 13-megapixel sensor, this is a really serious improvement.

True, you won’t be able to record video, but HD videos shot with SteadyShot image stabilization look quite beautiful. Excellent auto mode The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus Dual 32GB camera, according to reviews, is perfect for everyday photography, coping well with the required lighting conditions. Full manual control is available to users who want to change the settings themselves to achieve the perfect shot.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus smartphone has been praised by reviews for being a significant improvement over previous models, making it a strong contender for competitors such as the Moto G5S Plus and Lenovo P2. The stunning design has been enhanced to make the phone even more attractive and convenient, with improved performance and longer battery life. battery life provided a more pleasant use of the device. Only the lack of Full HD and a fingerprint sensor spoils the overall impression of the model.

Sony today expanded its Xperia lineup with three new smartphones. The flagship Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact took center stage, but for those looking for more affordable options, the company has introduced a new mid-range model from the XA series.

The Xperia XA1 Plus can be considered a hybrid of the XA1 and XA1 Ultra, as its design is identical to the two devices announced earlier this year. At first glance, its characteristics are also not very impressive, but new smartphone has several improvements that some may like.

The main characteristics are as follows:

The Xperia XA1 Plus looks like a typical representative of its line: the design is based on the principles of OmniBalance. Although Sony claims that the bezels are quite small, they are still a long way from bezel-less style. Nevertheless, there is little progress in this direction.

The screen size is right in the middle between the 5-inch XA1 and the 6-inch XA1 Ultra. So the device may be suitable for those for whom 5 inches is not enough, and 6 is too much. In addition, the 5.5-inch display in the new device has a higher resolution of 1080p. Unfortunately, it uses an LCD panel, but it should be good quality and with large viewing angles.

The color range of the XA1 Plus is slightly smaller than that of other flagships presented today; this is the standard set for today in the form of blue, black and gold.

Camera

The smartphone comes with a 23 MP camera on the back, which seems like a pretty impressive resolution. Let me remind you that the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact only have a 19 MP camera, but the XA1 Plus does not have slow-motion shooting at a huge frame rate, so this advantage does not seem too desirable.

The camera is also equipped with autofocus, which operates within 0.6 seconds. In addition, there is 5x digital zoom. There is an 8 MP camera on the front for selfies.

Hardware filling

Inside the smartphone there is a MediaTek Helio P20 and 4 GB of RAM. There is only 32 GB of permanent memory, but an additional slot for memory cards saves the day.

I note that the device has a fairly large (for Sony) 3430 mAh battery. The same XA1 Ultra with a much larger display has a battery of only 2700 mAh. Like other smartphones from the Japanese manufacturer, the Stamina energy-saving mode is installed. Fast charging is supported using Pump Express+ 2.0 technology.

Sony Xperia XA1 Plus smartphone – new model average price segment, which fits organically into the XA1-series lineup and occupies a middle position there. The company's new trend is aimed at giving the mid-range the appearance of the same concept as the current flagships, as well as some hardware and software features from the top-end devices of the previous generation. Therefore, the Xperia XA1 Plus is a strong competitor in its niche, offering good technical features and will be especially interesting to those who like larger smartphones.

Appearance, screen, some features

In terms of design, the XA1 Plus is practically no different from its brothers in the line - Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra. A concept completely familiar to us. Therefore, when choosing an average device from Sony, the user will focus on the dimensions of the device. By the way, for the new product they are 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm.


The only noticeable difference is a slight thickening of the side edges. Ixperia XA1 Plus was the first mid-segment smartphone with a fingerprint scanner, and its integration required a little more space. Despite this, there are practically no side frames around the 5.5-inch Full HD screen, as with previous models in the series. Although the previous frameless effect is a little blurred. The case frame is metal, and the matte back cover is plastic. There are three color options to choose from: black, gold and blue. A pink version has also been released, but will not be available in all markets.

The display is covered with 2.5D Gorilla Glass with a lyophobic coating. The matrix itself is traditionally of high quality with excellent color rendition, high brightness and contrast.

I would like to note that behind the plug on the left edge there is a tray with compartments for two SIM cards and a separate slot for a microSD memory card. This means you don't have to choose between expanding memory or using another operator. Everything is available at once. The layout of buttons, connectors and microphones is standard. There is a connector at the end USB Type-C and a mono speaker that produces a fairly loud sound.

Camera and technical parameters

The main camera is a 23-megapixel module with fast hybrid autofocus and quick start, which was previously installed in the Xperia Z5 series. With its help you can take great pictures, but the camera algorithms are not an unimportant factor. After the device goes on sale, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the quality of photos and videos and draw some conclusions. 8 Megapixel front camera with wide-angle lens and stabilization as in Xperia XA1.

For the middle segment of its models Sony smartphones We chose chipsets from MediaTek and this model has a Helio P20 chipset with 8 cores and Mali-T880MP2 video. The memory capacity is 4 GB of RAM and a 32 GB storage drive, which, as already mentioned, can be easily expanded using a memory card up to 256 GB. The new product is also impressive in that it has a 3430 mAh battery - the largest capacity among.

More detailed technical specifications:

  • Dimensions: 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm, 190 g
  • Screen parameters: 5.5 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 401 ppi, IPS, Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, 2.5D glass, Gorilla Glass
  • Main camera: 23 MP, 1/2.3” Exmor RS, f/2.0, led flash, hybrid autofocus, Steady Shot stabilization, 5x Clear Image Zoom
  • Front camera: 8 MP, 1/4” Exmor RS sensor, f/2.0, autofocus
  • Chipset: MediaTek MT6757 Helio P20, 8 cores, 64 bit, frequency up to 2.3 GHz.
  • Graphics chip: Mali T880MP2
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 32 GB, memory card up to 256 GB
  • Wired and wireless connections: GPS and GLONASS, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C 2.0, NFC
  • Audio: SmartAmp, Clear Audio+
  • Battery: 3430 mAh, fast charging MediaTek Pump Express Plus 2.0, Smart Stamina 3.0, Qnovo, Battery Care
  • System version (out of the box): Android 7.0 Nougat
  • Network: GSM GPRS/EDGE (2G), UMTS HSPA+ (3G), LTE

Sony Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra smartphones (introduced in early 2017) received an update to the second generation at CES 2018. These devices belong to the entry and top level of the Japanese brand's frameless line, and the middle place model range occupied by Sony Xperia XA1 Plus - a smartphone that was announced in September 2017 and does not lose relevance in the new year.


The appearance of the smartphone continues the development of the proprietary concept of symmetry of the Loop Surface body and frameless screen of the Xperia XA line. The protective glass of the display on its wide sides literally rests against the metal perimeter frame, and massive inserts remain in the upper and lower parts of the body, which have become a recognizable feature of Sony smartphones. Back panel made of high-quality and practical matte plastic. Interestingly, visually and tactilely it is difficult to distinguish it from the metal of the side frame, which makes the appearance of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus monolithic.

On the front side of the panel above the screen there is a notification indicator, front camera, Sony logo, light sensor and earpiece. Below the screen is a microphone cutout similar to the speaker. On the top edge there is a mini-jack for connecting headphones and an auxiliary microphone for the noise reduction system, and on the bottom there is a connector for USB charging Type-C and main speaker. The back panel is standard: the camera lens is flush with the body, the flash is below, and the NFC icon and the Xperia inscription are located closer to the center.

On the left side there is only a slot for SIM cards and a memory card. It is not hybrid, that is, the user does not need to choose between installing a memory card and a second SIM card. The dual nano-SIM tray slides out along with the lid, and microSD cards are inserted directly into the housing. On the right side there is a volume key, power button and camera launch button. Despite the frameless design, Sony engineers still managed to integrate a fingerprint scanner into the power key. This was partly helped by the variable thickness of the slightly rounded metal frame. The bending of the metal also has a positive effect on the ergonomics of the device. If you take the smartphone with one hand and place your little finger at the bottom for a better grip, the edges of the case do not dig into the skin and allow you to comfortably hold the device even for a long time.

Screen


The Sony Xperia XA1 Plus has an IPS matrix with a diagonal of 5.5 inches and a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels. On top is a reliable protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass with smoothly rounded edges, the so-called 2.5D effect. There is a high-quality oleophobic coating, which makes the screen less dirty and prints easier to wash. Viewing angles are close to maximum, and even with a significant deviation of the device from the line of sight, the picture remains clearly readable without color distortion. The color reproduction of the screen is accurate, with a slight predominance of cool shades. However, the white balance can be adjusted at your discretion, for example, if you like the pronounced warmth of color. Contrast and Brightness Sony screen Xperia XA1 Plus are also at a good level, there will be no problems using the device in direct sunlight - images and texts will remain legible.

Main and front cameras


Main camera Sony Xperia XA1 Plus - Exmor RS module from flagship smartphone late 2015 Sony of the Year Xperia Z5. The sensor size is 1/2.3 inches, resolution is 23 megapixels. The optics used are a fast, 24mm wide-angle lens with an f/2.0 aperture. The camera has a proprietary SteadyShot digital image stabilization system and hybrid autofocus, which ensures fast focusing even in difficult conditions shooting. Due to the high resolution of the sensor, the smartphone supports the Clear Image Zoom function - five times digital zoom without loss of quality. Separately, it is worth noting the presence of a dedicated button for launching the camera on the side of the case. This is a rarity in the smartphone market lately. It only takes 0.6 seconds from pressing a key to being able to touch the shutter button, which reduces the risk of missing interesting shots while waiting for the camera to launch.

The front camera is based on a proprietary 1/4-inch Sony Exmor R sensor with a resolution of 8 megapixels and high-aperture optics with an f/2.0 aperture. There is also a SteadyShot stabilization system for getting clear shots and a wide-angle lens so that in the selfie, in addition to the portrait itself, landmarks in the background or friends of the owner of the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus can be seen.

Performance


Sony Xperia XA1 Plus is built on a 64-bit octa-core processor MediaTek helio P20. Four fast cores operate at a frequency of 2.3 GHz, energy-efficient - 1.6 GHz. The chip is manufactured using the 16 nm process technology. The amount of RAM is 4 GB. For those who prefer to evaluate the performance of devices in hard numbers, according to the AnTuTu 6 synthetic benchmark, the smartphone scores more than 55,000 points. In practice, the operation of the device corresponds to the best representatives of the middle class - smooth and fast work operating system, instant launch of applications and switching between them, the ability to run most games with maximum graphics settings. Reducing the quality of visual effects to average values ​​will only be necessary in the most demanding games. At the same time, the power of the device and optimal choice components are not forced to compromise on operating time without recharging.

Autonomy


Sony Xperia XA1 Plus uses non-removable battery with a capacity of 3430 mAh, this is one of the highest in the line. Connection to the network occurs via a symmetrical USB Type-C connector, and there is also support for MediaTek Pump Express technology, which provides accelerated charging. Traditionally, Sony uses proprietary power saving and battery life extension modes. STAMINA allows you to reduce power consumption on the days of the most active use of the smartphone and with a significant decrease in charge, Ultra STAMINA extends operation in critical situations when the minimum functionality of the device is sufficient. In addition, there is a “Battery Care” mode that provides gentle charging of the smartphone according to user scenarios. If you charge the Sony Xperia XA1 Plus for a long time (for example, overnight), the battery charge will be maintained at 90%, and the missing 10% will be added before the alarm is set. As for the battery capacity itself and autonomy, it all depends on the owner’s scenarios, but in general the smartphone has a very good battery life on a single charge and can last up to a day and a half without significant restrictions on use.

Technical specifications Sony Xperia XA1 Plus

operating system: Android Nougat (Xperia UI)
Screen: IPS, 5.5 inches, Full HD (1080p)
Protective glass: 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass
Processor: 64-bit octa-core MediaTek helio P20
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 32 GB
Memory card support: separate microSD slot up to 256 GB
Main camera: Exmor RS 23 MP, hybrid autofocus, f/2.0 wide-angle lens
Front camera: Exmor R 8 MP, f/2.0 wide-angle lens
Audio: 3.5 mm jack, Bluetooth 4.2, aptX/A2DP
Mobile communications: two nano-SIM, 2G/3G/4G (cat.6)
Wireless connections: A-GNSS, Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
Connector: USB Type-C
Battery: 3430 mAh, MediaTek Pump Express fast charging
Fingerprint scanner: in the side power button
Case colors: black, blue, gold
Dimensions: 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm
Weight: 190 g.

One of three smartphones presented at IFA 2017. A mid-segment model with seemingly ordinary characteristics, but with a number of small but pleasant features and features.

Characteristics

Specifications
Dimensions 155 x 75 x 8.7 mm
Weight 189 grams
Housing materials Plastic cover, aluminum edges
Screen diagonal 5.5 inches
Screen resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Matrix type IPS
Protective covering Gorilla glass Glass 4
Oleophobic coating Eat
Net 2G: 850/900/1800/1900
3G: 850/900/1700/1900/2100
4G: b3/b7/b20/b38
LTE cat.6
Dual SIM cards, non-hybrid slot
Platform MediaTek MT6757 Helio P20
CPU Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex A53)
Video accelerator Mali-T880MP2
Inner memory 32 GB
RAM 4 GB
Memory card slot Yes, separate
WiFi Yes, b/g/n, dual-band
Bluetooth Yes, 4.2, A2DP, aptX, LE
NFC Eat
Main camera 23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm, phase detection autofocus, LED flash
Front-camera 8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm, autofocus
Navigation GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
Sensors Fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, proximity sensor, light sensor, compass
Battery 3430 mAh
Price 20,000 rubles

Equipment

  • Smartphone
  • Charger
  • PC cable (also part of the charger)

Appearance and materials

From a design point of view, we have the typical Sony Style: sharp corners, strict appearance, large frames at the top and bottom. The smartphone is sold in four colors: pink, gold, blue and black. It was the last one that was on my test.

Back cover made of matte practical plastic. In the black version, stains and fingerprints are noticeable at a certain angle; let me assume that on lighter cases all this is not visible.


The top and bottom ends are also plastic, but the side edges are made of aluminum.

Control elements, assembly

Above the display you can see the front camera eye, light and proximity sensors, a speaker grille, and an indicator light.

On the right side there is a power button, a volume rocker and a camera key. The button contains a fingerprint scanner, so it is slightly recessed into the body. Placing the scanner on the side allows you to save space under the screen and simplifies the unlocking process, because your finger immediately rests on the scanner, but if you need to view information from the lock screen, this will be problematic, because when touched, the display will immediately unlock.


On the left there is a tray for two nanoSIM cards and a slot for a memory card. Important: the slot and tray are not combined, this is rarely seen these days.



At the bottom there is a Type C port and an external speaker, and at the top there is a mini-jack and a second microphone.



Over the course of a month of use, I did not have any problems with the assembly, the device does not creak, does not play, and there are no gaps.

Dimensions

I always like to call the design of Sony smartphones strict and light. From the renderings and photographs, one gets the feeling that the devices are thin and light. Unfortunately, these descriptions have nothing to do with the XA1 Plus. The smartphone is thick and heavy, but it is completely unclear what this is connected with; pay attention to the competitors in the table, each of them is thinner and lighter, while the XA1 Plus has the smallest battery capacity. After the same XZ1, the XA1 Plus feels completely different. I know that there are people who like to feel the heaviness of a smartphone in their hands, but I’m not one of them, so I’ll attribute the dimensions to the disadvantages of the model.



Compared to Apple iPhone 7Plus

Screen

The smartphone uses a high-quality display: it has good viewing angles, there is no air gap, color rendition is close to natural, and the brightness range is above average. I liked the good oleophobic coating and a high resolution screen. Automatic brightness works too aggressively, you have to manually adjust it.

Separately, I would like to note the small side frames around the display; it feels as if the glass is bending a little at the edges, literally just a little, but the perception of the frames is completely different because of this.

But the top and bottom frames, traditionally for Sony, are large. Some people may not like it, but I didn’t feel any particular discomfort during use.

Despite the large diagonal, the smartphone has a rather large interface. I would attribute this to the disadvantages of the model, but, fortunately, you can change the scaling and size of elements in the settings.

Sony traditionally delights with the opportunity fine tuning display. You can change the white balance yourself and choose one of three color presets.

operating system

The smartphone works under Android control 7.0 and the proprietary Xperia UI shell. Sony has plans to update it to 8.0, but for now the current firmware works on the “seven”.

Xperia UI very carefully changes the interface of stock Android, while not significantly modifying its appearance. I like this approach. Just recently we released detailed review Xperia UI, be sure to read it if you want to learn more about the smartphone.

Performance

The performance of the device, in my opinion, is the second weak point of the smartphone (after dimensions). I tested a number of models with FHD resolution running on Helio P20, and, in theory, this chipset should support FHD perfectly, but on the XA1 Plus there is a slight stutter when scrolling the interface. This applies to both desktops and the browser with third party applications. Let me suggest that the issue is more likely to be a lack of optimization than a lack of power on the Helio P20. By the way, at your request, I am now running an additional test for RAM speed. His results are below.

Autonomous operation

As I wrote above, the battery capacity with such a thickness and weight of the smartphone is surprising. However, let's not judge a book by its cover and look at the test results. And they, in general, are not bad: 10 hours in video mode, and 2% background discharge per night. Let's add to this that with everyday use you can count on 4-5 hours of the display being on, and we have a pretty good picture.

By the way, the smartphone supports fast charging Using MediaTek Pump Express+ 2.0 technology, the smartphone is fully charged in about 80-85 minutes.

Camera

Daytime photos on a smartphone turn out quite good, but artificial lighting and night shooting is much more difficult for him. Keep in mind that shots in this light will be either blurry or noisy. At night, the picture also turns out to be overexposed; you have to manually reduce the brightness.

Video shooting is typical for this price segment, but the selfie camera was pleased with the presence of autofocus. Examples of pictures are below.

Wireless interfaces

But in terms of wireless interfaces, Sony can only be praised. Firstly, the smartphone supports the aptX codec, secondly, it has separate slots for memory cards and SIM cards, and thirdly, it has a full-fledged NFC module, which is rare for this price segment.

Conclusion

I had no complaints about the quality of speech transmission; you and your interlocutor can hear each other perfectly. The external speaker is mono, but still loud enough, you're unlikely to miss it incoming call or notification.

At retail, the Xperia XA1 Plus costs 20 thousand rubles. For this money, the device turned out to be somewhat contradictory. On the one hand, it has many advantages: good time work, Type C port, NFC support, aptX wireless codec, high-quality display, separate slots for SIM cards and memory cards. On the other hand, there are also plenty of disadvantages: a thick and heavy body, average performance, and a not-so-good camera.

In the segment up to 20 thousand, the XA1 Plus has many competitors from Chinese companies, including regular smartphones and newfangled full-screen ones. True, half of them do not have a Type C port and almost none have an NFC module.

But the Chinese are not the only competitors for the XA1 Plus. It is worth highlighting Samsung Galaxy J7 2017 - a strong Korean opponent. J7 2017 also has an NFC module, better camera, and the only downside is the microUSB port. And even with the trump card XA1 Plus, a separate slot for SIM and microSD, Samsung responds in kind.


And what is the end result? If you need a combination of NFC + Type C + separate slot + almost stock Android, while the dimensions and camera do not play a key role, then you should look towards the XA1 Plus. As soon as priorities shift, strong competitors immediately appear in the form of Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and Meizu.

In fact, Sony did almost everything perfectly, I would have worked a little on the dimensions and performance (I would have taken the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 625), and it would have been excellent device. Especially for geeks who so value all these little things like NFC, Type C and separate slots.