Xperia XA1: low price, high-end camera, small display

By Chris Burns/Feb. 27, 2017 1:45 am EST

An extremely odd combination of elements has been presented this week with the Sony Xperia XA1. This smartphone has a display that's 5-inches large with 720p resolution – that's quite low for a modern smartphone, but not unusable. The camera, on the other hand, is a 23MP shooter with 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor – Sony's own. With a 24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens and a high-quality body to it, this smartphone comes with a surprisingly inexpensive price tag at $300 USD.

Granted, the Xperia XA1 does not come with all the bells and whistles that the higher-end Xperia XZs and XZ Premium do – but it's far, far less expensive. Given a look at its specifications, this looks very much like a device that'll punch well above its weight. Have a peek first at the details of the standard XA1 model.

Sony Xperia XA1 Specifications:

• Display: 5-inch 720p with Image Enhance Tech• Processor: MediaTek helio P20• RAM: 3GB• Internal Storage: "up to" 32GB internal, micro-SD potential 256GB extra• Operating System: Android 7.x Nougat• Camera (back): 23MP 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, 24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens, Hybrid Autofocus, 0.6s Quick Launch, Low-light photos with ISO6400, 5x "Clear Image Zoom", SteadyShot• Camera (front): 8MP 1/4" Exmor R for mobile image sensor, 23mm wide-angle lens F2.0, Low-light photos with ISO3200, Autofocus, SteadyShot• Sound Capabilities: xLOUD, Clear Audio+, Stereo Recording, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX/A2DP• Battery: 2300mAh, "Pump Express+ 2.0" quick charging• Availability: April 26th, 2017• Price: US Pricing $299.99 USD

Color us intrigued – and have a peek below at the specifications for the "Ultra" model. The differences are few, but quite significant. Also – above you'll find a gallery of images of the XA1, and below you'll find a gallery of images of the XA1 Ultra.

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra Specifications:

• Display: 6-inch 1080p with Image Enhance Tech• Processor: MediaTek helio P20• RAM: 3GB• Internal Storage: "up to" 32GB/64GB internal, micro-SD potential 256GB extra• Operating System: Android 7.x Nougat• Camera (back): 23MP 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, 24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens, Hybrid Autofocus, 0.6s Quick Launch, Low-light photos with ISO6400, Low-light videos with ISO3200, 5x "Clear Image Zoom", HDR for photos, SteadyShot• Camera (front): 16MP 1/2.6" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, 23mm wide-angle lens F2.0, Low-light photos with ISO6400, Low-light videos with ISO6400, Autofocus, OIS, front-facing flash• Sound Capabilities: SmartAmp, ClearAudio+, Stereo Recording, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX/A2DP• Battery: 2700mAh, "Pump Express+ 2.0" quick charging• Availability: Summer 2017• Price: US Pricing TBD

This device is interesting because of its front-facing camera. If you'll look closely at the specifications listed, you'll find that the front-facing camera is nearly as high-powered as the back, and with OIS, it might even be considered better. Selfies continue to rage and influence decision-making in smartphone design.

As is described above, the Ultra version of this smartphone will be arriving inside the Summer of this year. The standard Sony Xperia XA1 should be here by April 26th, 2017. At that time, the Sony Xperia XA1 will cost approximately $300 USD.