A little over three years, that is how much history the Xperia X10 and I have. We’ve been through plenty: ROM changes, numerous optimizations, troubleshooting even to the point of going thru the command line level just to restore some missing system component and that is saying something about the greatness of the hardware and the community that rallied behind it. Lately however, the outdated hardware has been constantly presenting its inability to handle high density conversation threads whose delay in processing can be measured in seconds that seem to pass forever.
Since the X10 was a second generation device (from the X1 before it), it makes sense that the now available Z1 succeed as my new phone (second generation from the Z)… however there exists the M, not truly spectacular in component specifications, but has just the right blend of qualities that make it stand out among its peers.
Geometry
When I first held the device I remember feeling how tiny it was compared to my X10… even though both of them share the same screen size and pixel density, the fact that the X10 had physical buttons makes its screen look and feel bigger in comparison.
The M conforms to the Omnibalance design somewhat by having all the controls (power, volume, and camera) at the right side of the device with a top to bottom symmetrical frame. The microUSB port is on its lonesome at the left and the headphone jack up top and there is a small opening at the bottom for lanyards should you prefer one.
At the rear theres the 5MP cam, LED flash, the Branding, the NFC plate, and the speaker grille
Vitality
Having used the Xperia M for a few days Im quite amazed at the longevity of the battery during daily operation; it simply can be used without reservation and constantly minding how much juice is left after just a few tasks. I’m much more comfortable bringing out the phone and running whichever app I’d have a need for at the time and know, for peace of mind, that I wouldn’t have the battery running out in an accelerated pace.
Optics
Both cameras (5MP rear and 0.3MP front) aren’t stellar in any regard but the software implementation of HDR photography really does help during low light and backlit image capture. It cannot be shot at the same time as having the stabilization on though so that’s quite a bummer. The video limit is set at 720p for playback (as well as capture) and detail on that level is already pretty sharp since the screen resolution is smaller than that.
In essence, the M is like an X10 with updated look and internals; with a camera downgraded from 8 to 5 but gains the HDR function, plenty of software improvements, a radio receiver, NFC functionality, and all manner of enhancements that were developed from the X10 to the Z that predates it (thats about three flagships worth).
The package comes with standard documentation, an 850mA charger with microUSB cable, and a headphone set which actually sounds somewhat likeable and is something I’m heavily considering using. The Xperia M goes for nearly 10kPhp at online stores and around 11kPhp for the physical ones.
Im really looking forward to the next couple of years (or more) with it.
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