Sony Xperia

M2 DualReview in pictures

A mid-range dual-SIM handset from Sony• 4.8-inch, qHD display• 1.2GHz quad-core

Snapdragon 400 processor

• 1GB of RAM and 8GB expandable storage

• 8-megapixel primary snapper

• Runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

• Dual-SIM 3G• FM radio

More of that OmniBalance design

• Sony’s trademark OmniBalance design

• Feels a tad blocky and doesn’t look too different from other Xperia smartphones

• Glass back prone to scratches and smudges

• Dedicated shutter key for the camera

The display is its Achilles’ heel

• The 4.8-inch, 960 x 540 pixel display offers a pixel density of 229ppi• Feels low resolution, given its reasonable screen size• Colours look a tad pale and washed out• Some pixelation is visible• Not one of its strong points

A shooter that’s fairly loaded with features• Dedicated hardware shutter

key is more than welcome• The shooter boasts features

like Timeshift Burst and AR Mode

• Background defocus isn’t available, sadly

• Shoots at Superior Auto mode by default, capturing 5MP images

• To shoot in full resolution, you need to switch to Manual mode each time you launch the camera

The camera quality is passable

• Churns out reasonable images, especially in daylight

• A bit of over-sharpening is visible, especially when zooming in

• Low-light shots are noisy, but usable

Sony’s Jelly Beans on the plate

• Runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with Sony’s UI on top

• The skin doesn’t take a lot away from stock Android

• Support for themes• Sidebar slides out from

the left of the app drawer, letting you manage apps and access the Play Store

Sony’s Small Apps, plus dollops of apps

• Signature Sony apps and content hubs included

• Recent apps button gives you access to Small Apps – tiny windows that float atop existing apps

• Preloaded apps include Sony Music, TrackID, File Commander, X4 Video Player, Pixlr Express, Sketch and BIGFLIX

Not a rocket, but fast enough for the daily grind

• The specs aren’t loaded, so don’t expect a power-packed performance. However, routine tasks runs smoothly and without lag. A few minor hiccups while playing intensive games like Riptide GP2 though

• Quite a few connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi and DLNA on board. USB OTG is supported as well

• Over 4GB of storage available to use, though you can add more via the microSD slot

Goes on, and on…

• The sealed 2,300mAh battery keeps the Sony Xperia M2 last for a full day comfortably even with heavy usage

• Lasted almost 11 hours on our video loop battery test, with brightness and volume at 50 percent

• STAMINA mode available to prolong battery life

At a glance• 4.8-inch, 540 x 960 display

• 8MP primary camera, VGA front shooter

• 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor

• Adreno 305 graphics

• 1GB RAM, 8GB expandable internal storage

• 2,300mAh battery

• Dual-SIM 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, DLNA, USB OTG

• FM radio with RDS

-• Sony’s OmniBalance

design is now getting a tad boring

• Washed out screen

• Scratch-prone back

• No exciting feature

Pros and cons

+• Reasonable

performance• Supports 3G on both

SIM slots, complete with Smart Dual capabilities

• Useful software and Sony’s Small apps

• Excellent battery life

Online price~ Rs 19,000

Pricing and verdict

“The Sony Xperia M2 Dual is a bit of a mixed bag, and while its screen is a bit of a let down, it scores where it counts the most – reasonable

performance and an excellent battery life. Dual-SIM 3G and smart SIM features are quite useful too. The LG L90 Dual and Micromax Canvas

Knight are worthy competitors though, and worth a look as well.”