After the jump are a few sample shots comparing the camera performance of the Xperia S and the Xperia arc S. The 12MP Xperia S has to, at the very least, match what the 8MP Xperia arc S can muster but in this comparison, it looks like the Xperia arc S is taking the better pictures.

Having said that, just two samples from each camera are not enough for us to draw a conclusion (though the low light performance on the Xperia S looks better here) and once again, it’s very possible that the Xperia S used here is a pre-production unit. Await the final production version of the Xperia S we shall.

Sample One

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Link to full resolution images (Sample One):
Sony Xperia S
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S

Sample Two

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Link to full resolution images (Sample Two):
Sony Xperia S
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S

[sample pictures from, via]

The Sony Xperia S boasts a Fast Capture, a feature where you go from screen switched off stand-by mode to successfully taking a picture in just 1.5 seconds. While that’s certainly fast, many want to know how the shutter performance of the Xperia S fairs in comparison to the Zero Shutter Lag feature seen on the Galaxy Nexus.

This video gives you an idea of what kind of shutter speeds you can expect from the Xperia S. It’s pretty snappy considering the pixel count (12MP on the Xperia S) but it’s not really as fast as the Galaxy Nexus’ Zero Shutter Lag.

Why is a fast shutter important? The faster the shutter, the less likely of you taking blurry pictures, It’s certainly something we can appreciate. In this respect, the Xperia S does a commendable job but again we’ll save our final word on this device when we get a review unit to test thoroughly. Also, we’re not sure if the unit seen in this video is a final production unit. As you are aware, different production versions have marked differences in performance.

Another thing worth pointing out, the Xperia S will be getting Ice Cream Sandwich, with that it’s also possible that the device will be getting the Zero Shutter Lag feature as well. While some will argue that Zero Shutter Lag is hardware dependent and a feature that exclusive to the Galaxy Nexus, we’re inclined to think that it is possible for other ICS devices to have the feature as well.

Zero Shutter Lag is officially listed as one of the features of Ice Cream Sandwich, so we’re expecting ICS devices other than the Galaxy Nexus to have fast shutters at the very least if not Zero Shutter Lag.

What do you think?

[via]

The Sony Xperia S body comes with a nice matte finish that doesn’t leave any fingerprint smudges all over. In addition, the Xperia S also comes with a special dirt repellent coating to keep its surface clean. So what happens if you scribble a pen on that nice white Xperia S back cover? Watch the video to find out.

Jump right into 0:30 to see it in action. The hands-on video was recorded by Mobile Review and it’s in Russian.

[ SOURCE ]

We’re bringing this topic back because we felt there’s something not quite right with the sample shots we took from the Xperia S at the APAC launch in Shanghai earlier this month.

In our previous post we commented:

With the 12MP Exmor R camera, you’d expect the Xperia S to decimate the competition but once again pixel count is by no means a measurement of how good a camera is. Truth be told, we’re kind of disappointed with the picture quality coming from Xperia S, even in conditions where there’s ample light to produce a good shot you can see a large amount of noise and loss of detail.

We’re perplexed. This is not like the Xperias that we know. The arc, arc S and ray all have decent shooters and naturally we’d assume that the Xperia S will continue where the older Xperias left off. Turns out, this is not the case. Having said that, we only had limited time with the Xperia S at the launch, we’ll test the camera again once we get a review unit.

While we await the availability of a retail unit for review, we scoured the web for other sample shots taken using the Xperia S. We found a few both from CES and Shanghai and have compiled a selection here for you to view for yourselves.

We found that there seems to be a telling pattern with the test shots. Pictures taken using Xperia S units at Shanghai seem to display much more noise and detail loss than pictures taken using Xperia S units at CES. The CES units displayed much better picture quality and detail, something more consistent of what we expect from a Sony (Ericsson) device.

Our theory behind this is that there were possibly not enough production Xperia S units available to go around and the best examples where sent to CES while the units that we tested in Shanghai could very likely be pre-production prototypes or perhaps even earlier versions. This explains the major disparity in picture quality between the two samples.

So what conclusion can we draw from this? Judging by the samples taken from the CES units, the 12MP camera on the Xperia S holds promise but we’re not going to conclude anything until we have a final production unit to thoroughly test. What is apparent is that the units we got our hands on are very likely not the final units that will go to store shelves.

Pictures taken using Xperia S at Shanghai [via]

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Pictures taken using Xperia S at CES [via]

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Sample 4

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After the Sony Xperia S, many are wondering what would be the next device coming out from Sony. Now a new device which carries the model ST25i or codename Kumquat is leaked ahead of Mobile World Congress.

From the photo, it looks exactly like the Xperia S but comes with a smaller 3.5″ display with 854×480 resolution. Powering the device is a dual-core 1GHz processor and comes with a 5MP camera at the back. This might be a Xperia S “Mini” version and some are suggesting that this could be called the Sony Xperia U. If priced correctly, this is one good looking mid-tier mobile device to look out for this year.

[ SOURCE ]

The Galaxy Nexus offers Zero Shutter lag which lets you take repeated shots instantly as soon as you tap on it. Recently Sony has introduced Fast Capture which claims to take the very first shot within 1.5 seconds with the screen switched off. So how does the 2 compare? Check out the video above where a Galaxy Nexus is compared with a Sony Xperia Ion.

The 12MP Camera on the Xperia S is identical and it was also as quick to take the shot in our first impression. Again speed and quality are 2 different things and hopefully the shots taken with final production units will be impressive.

[ SOURCE, VIA ]

UPDATE: UK Pricing is normally inclusive of 15% VAT which is often rebated for tourists. We’re looking at RM1750 after tax rebates.

The Sony Xperia S which was revealed recently is now open for pre-orders in Europe and the UK. In the UK, the Xperia S is priced at £429.99 while in Germany, Italy & France it is priced between €449 to €499.

The lowest £429.99 UK price tag is actually similar to the Galaxy Nexus UK pricing at £429. If converted directly that’s about RM2,059 in today’s currency which is quite close to our Galaxy Nexus RRP of RM2099. However do note that it is usually cheaper for us since the UK charges VAT of 15% which means that it costs around RM1,750 after tax rebates. Meanwhile Italy & France is pricing it from €449 which is approximately RM1,784.

This gives some indication for our local pricing and we are expecting the Xperia S to be priced somewhere around the RM1,900-RM2,200 range. Ideally, we hope Sony Ericsson would price this locally below the RM2,000 mark. As comparison, the Xperia arc was launched in Malaysia last year at RM2,099.

If you haven’t seen it yet, do check out our first impressions of the Xperia S and its sample photos & videos.

[ SOURCE ]

UPDATE: Added more 1080p sample videos.

Here are video samples taken using the 1.3MP front camera and 12MP rear camera on the Xperia S, and like the sample pictures we’ve posted up earlier, we’re left underwhelmed at the imaging performance of the Xperia S. We’ve seen Sony do better with the Xperia arc, arc S and ray.

The videos are really nothing to shout about and the 720p sample from the front camera is particularly inferior. For comparison, take a look at this 720p video we took using the 1.3MP front camera on the Motorola RAZR.

Also do take a look at our iPhone 4S v Samsung Galaxy Note v Samsung Galaxy Note SII v Motorola RAZR v Nokia N8 v Sony Ericsson Xperia ray camera megatest, it’s not a direct comparison but it gives you some indication as towhat the current crop of 8MP shooters in the market are capable of.

Keep in mind, the Xperia S units that we used to take these videos are most probably pre-production units with a few bugs still in them that needs sorting out. Let’s hope that the final retail units can muster up much better pictures and videos.

Video samples after the jump.

1080p sample using 12MP rear camera

720p sample using the 1.3MP front camera

Related posts: Everything you need to know about the Xperia S
First Impressions: Sony Xperia S
Sample Pictures: Sony Xperia S
Sony brings three new accessories to complement the Xperia S
Sony Xperia S trumps iPhone 4S in screen pixel density
Sony unveils the Xperia S

The Sony Xperia S is finally revealed in Asia at their Shanghai event. Previously known as the Sony Ericsson Nozomi, the Xperia S is the first device from its Sony Xperia NXT (Next Generation smart phone) line up. It also marks the first ever Xperia Smart Phone from Sony however at present time, the name change is still subject to regulatory approval.

In terms of specification, Sony Ericsson has finally jumped onto the dual-core bandwagon as the Xperia S is running on a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor. It has 1GB of RAM and generous 32GB of internal storage. The Xperia S will be available in 2 colours – black & white.

A key highlight is the 4.3″ TFT Reality Display which pushes a high resolution of 1280×720 pixels. While 720p HD display isn’t exactly new for Android smart phones, the screen size of 4.3″ means higher screen pixel density at 338ppi. As comparison, the 3.5″ iPhone 4/4S has a density of 326ppi while the 4.65″ Galaxy Nexus is at 316ppi.

So how’s the Xperia S? Head after the break for our first impressions and hands-on video.

In terms of design, the Xperia S went for a simplicity route. Sony describes their design approach as “Iconic Identity” where it has a simple strong look that’s easily recognisable. With so many Android devices out there which looked roughly the same, Sony has added more emphasis on design in order to stand out.

In the hands, the Xperia S feels great and the soft matte finish gives it a premium feel. One benefit for going matte is that it doesn’t leave fingerprint smudges, a common problem with glossy surfaces. The build quality on the Xperia S feels much more studier than the Xperia arc. Despite not having ultra slim profile as the Xperia arc, the Xperia S has a unique curved back that’s comfortable to hold.

The “transparent belt” located at the footer gives it a unique look and it illuminates when a button is pressed. However it not just for good looks as it’s also an integral component for antenna reception. Initially we expected the translucent icons on the transparent belt to be touch sensitive but we later discovered that the capacitive buttons are actually located right below the screen that are marked with 3 dots.

The screen appears to be crisp and clear thanks to its high resolution display. On full websites, the 720p display becomes more apparent where text are still readable even without zooming in too much. We didn’t managed to evaluate the screen extensively and hopefully we can compare this once we get our hands on a long term review unit.

In terms of imaging, the Xperia S has a 12MP camera with Sony’s Exmor R and claims to have fast response time of just 1.5 seconds from standby. This is probably the fastest, beating previous camera phone speed claims. We tried it ourselves by pressing and holding the dedicated camera button while the screen was off and it was able to switch on and take the shot almost immediately. You can watch this in action in our hands-on video below.

The main camera is assisted with an LED flash light and is capable of shooting HD 1080p videos. Over at the front, there’s a 1.3MP camera which is capable of doing HD 720p videos. As mentioned in our photo sample post, it wasn’t as good as we expected. It could be due to unfinalised software but we will revisit this again once it is officially released in Malaysia.

The Xperia S has a removable back cover but unfortunately it only houses a micro-SIM slot. The 1,750mAh battery is non-removable and there’s no micro-SD slot. The rest of the expansion ports – micro USB and HDMI are located at the sides with flush designed covers. It is surprising that the Xperia S didn’t go for a uni-body design since they could have place the micro-SIM slot at the sides.

At present time, it runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread with upgradability to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in Q2 2012. Despite not running on the latest OS, the Xperia S just works well and we can’t find anything to fault in our short hands-on. Also new on the Xperia S is its NFC support where contacts, photos and files can be shared by tapping 2 devices together.

So far Sony Ericsson hasn’t release any availability dates but it is expected to hit majority of global markets within Q1 this year. As the first smart phone under the Sony’s branding, the Xperia S is a testament that they are striving to make a difference in 2012. Their design centric approach sets them apart from typical Android trend of boasting mere specs numbers. This year is going to be an exciting year and Sony is definitely a brand to watch out for.

Hands-on Video

Hands-on Photo Gallery

UPDATE: Check out our first impressions of the Sony Xperia S here.

UPDATE 2:Check out the Xperia S 1080p sample videos.

UPDATE 3:Check out more picture samples from the Xperia S this time from different units here.

We’re fresh off the Asian launch of the Sony Xperia S. While we’re still sorting out the hands-on review, take a look at some sample shots we’ve taken using the device.

With the 12MP Exmor R camera, you’d expect the Xperia S to decimate the competition but once again pixel count is by no means a measurement of how good a camera is. Truth be told, we’re kind of disappointed with the picture quality coming from Xperia S, even in conditions where there’s ample light to produce a good shot you can see a large amount of noise and loss of detail.

We’re perplexed. This is not like the Xperias that we know. The arc, arc S and ray all have decent shooters and naturally we’d assume that the Xperia S will continue where the older Xperias left off. Turns out, this is not the case. Having said that, we only had limited time with the Xperia S at the launch, we’ll test the camera again once we get a review unit.

On another note, we’re uploading video samples for both the front and rear camera of the Xperia S at the moment, that’s taking longer than expected, so check back here again later to see how the Xperia S does videos. Also, lookout for our hands on report coming soon.

In the meantime, check out more sample shots after the jump.

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Panoramic Sweep