Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V is almost identical in hardware terms to the existing Xperia Neo, but it comes with a newer version of Android and additionalSony Ericsson software enhancements for a better user experience.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V Design

The key hardware change is that the Neo V has a 5 megapixel camera where the original Neo has an 8 megapixel unit. It is unusual for a manufacturer to downgrade a phone like this, we suspect though that there might be supply issues with the 8 megapixel sensor either due to the earthquake in Japan and/or Apple buying up inventory for the next generation iPhone.

The new version of Android is 2.3.4, a pretty slight update to the version 2.3 in the original Neo. However, Sony Ericsson have improved the camera capture capabilities, video playback options and social networking services plus there is Google Talk with Video Chat (which is perhaps what the "V" stands for).


Hardware differences apart from the camera are extremely slight, with the Neo V coming in different colours (white looks particularly good) and some audio tweaks such as Sony's new xLOUD system.


Just to recap - this is a 1GHz device with 512MB of RAM, a 3.7" 480 x 854 pixel display, the 5 megapixel camera on the back has with 720p HD video capture, it has GPS, 3.5G, WiFi, microSD expandable memory and Bluetooth. Because this is an Android phone then it also has a web browser, media player and access to thousands of applications in the Android Market.


Sony Ericsson say that they will roll out the 2.3.4 update to ALL 2011 Xperia devices, so don't despair if you have the originalNeo, or the Arc, Play, Pro, Mini, Mini Pro, Active or Ray. Updates for these devices should be available from October onwards.


The Xperia Neo V should be out sometime during Q4 2011 in several colours including white, blue gradient and silver although the press photos also show red and a flower motif. Presumably the Neo V will cost no more than the existing Neo which currently retails at about €300 including tax.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V is comfortable to hold it

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V at a glance
Available:	Q4 2011
Network:	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 + UMTS 900 / 2100 or 850 / 1900 / 2100
Data:	GPRS + EDGE + UMTS (3G) + HSPA + WiFi
Screen:	3.7" 480 x 854 pixels, 16m colours
Camera:	5 megapixels (main) 0.3 megapixels (sub)
Size:	Medium tablet smartphone 116 x 57 x 13mm / 126 grams
Bluetooth:	Yes
Memory card:	MicroSD
Infra-red:	No
Polyphonic:	Yes
Java:	Optional
GPS:	Yes
OS:	Android 2.3.4
Battery life:	7 hours talk / 16 days standby (3G