Database Users

[Q] Sony Xperia Arc Opinions

The Arc looks like a fantastic all around phone in that it has great clear/loud sound/with mega bass. I wonder if this phone is using the Wolfson chip.
Takes great pictures in low light/video is smooth/Hdmi mirroring. Very smooth UI and great colors on the screen.
It has a single core Qualcomm Scorpion MSM8255 processor. I realize its not a Dual Core phone but since they are just entering the market I would prefer to go with a single core 2nd generation phone.
I was thinking of getting the Samsung Galaxy S II but Samsung is still doing updates on the first Galaxy S and I don't trust them re updates.
Sony has stated that they did not handle updates for the X10 very well but promise to do a lot better with updates in regards to the Arc,I believe them.
Furthermore bigger isn;t always better.(Dual Core Vs Single Core)
In the end I want a phone that has clarity/volume in regards to phone calls/Great Camera/Good Video/can play games on it.
Would love to hear your opinions on the Arc Pro/Con.

how could you believe a thief when he tells you he won't steal anything anymore...
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

I'm looking for opinions on this phone not looking for stuff like you can never trust a thief.

Its not using wolfson chip.
The camera is about as good or maybe 5% better than the X10's. (check GSMArena photocompare)
The Bravia Engine works only with pictures or videos. Rest of the time its just like any other TFT LCD.
Internal memory is a measly 500 mb.
I personally don't think the Arc justifies its price tag, the Neo has everything the Arc has but at a much cheaper price.
Oh and like the X10, it will take months to crack the bootloader, so no custom ROMs.

SEFanX10i said:
Its not using wolfson chip.
The camera is about as good or maybe 5% better than the X10's. (check GSMArena photocompare)
The Bravia Engine works only with pictures or videos. Rest of the time its just like any other TFT LCD.
Internal memory is a measly 500 mb.
I personally don't think the Arc justifies its price tag, the Neo has everything the Arc has but at a much cheaper price.
Oh and like the X10, it will take months to crack the bootloader, so no custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
apparently this is not the case. The hard lockdown on devices in the past has made it hard even for SE to upgrade the phones. The new phones are said to have a more open bootloader to make it easier to update

+1 for the Neo (how could SE have stuffed up and not given their flagship model a front facing camera.. but given the cheaper model the same fancy new screen and camera chip and also given it a Front camera!) are they really that stupid?
I'm going buy an HTC or Samsung next..and if not them a motorola.. after those choices.. I might consider a Neo
Kiwi

And so here I am on a brand new Arc. Had it for a day or so and must say it's been very smooth so far. My latest phone was an X10i so this is not terribly different...
Anyway, first impressions are very good. Great screen. Native Exchange integration is perfect (except I can't sort contacts by other than first name, believe this is an Android quirk). WiFi tethering was very smooth. DLNA was hitch-free. In-call sound quality is very good, I'd say better than the other Xperias I've had (apparently it has a little mic that takes up background noice to cancel it out, though I think I'll need to fly with a head-set to experience this properly). Why they've switched the "menu" and "back" buttons around I can't understand for the love of me, but maybe there's a reason...
Overall, with my short experience it's been great, so far. Certainly a phone I would recommend to any non-X10 user and probably to those that have X10s, as well.
Cheers for now/M
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

what a lucky person!!! i love the phone so much. you must be very close to SE. so can you please advise when it will be released. it think april is too late to wait. im keen to have the phone right away.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

A video review from a guy at ESATO forums:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlIiD5he1S8
My thoughts...very nice design, good screen and very good camera, the bad? it lags too much.

oh wow, I just actually clicked on the video LOL I know that person personally since he's in Thailand. Like both him/I said, wait for the final firmware. That unit he has is still a very early prototype, no where near the final. Some of the hardware isn't even implemented yet, you can tell which . Cheers

joplin48 said:
I'm looking for opinions on this phone not looking for stuff like you can never trust a thief.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look,when you talking about you don't trust sgs which is only 3 months younger than x10 and got 2.2 update almost the same time as x10 got 2.1, and knowing that SE announced x10 would never receive 2.2 but samsung never claim they won't provide further version, but then you said you trust in SE?
i don't think you need any oppinion at all.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Got to play the arc, neo and play last night, and I also saw the arc at CES. Its certainly improved since then, and huggee fast first time round.
One thing I noticed is that the widget overview is now smooth, no lag like before.
As for neo vs arc, there are lots of similarities, but when you pick the phones up the arc feels better, special somehow. The neo feels normal... Also the display is better on the arc.
Sent from my C64 using a flux capacitor.

Does arc support 3g video call?
GN Multimedia - X10i

Nope. No front-view camera.

McHan said:
Nope. No front-view camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So sad... really 3g video call feature.
GN Multimedia - X10i

Neo vs Arc..... I'll say Arc for the design, never used front cameras and don't see a reason to use it
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App

i am really happy eith it, is fast and has one of the most important thnigs to me... design, the galaxy brand look like crap and are based on iphone design

There are Differences on Arc and Neo not just the Looks
Arc
>Clear Black Panel(No Air Gap, Great Sunlight Legibility, 20% more Brighter than Neo)
>Lightweight(117g) vs (126g)
>Slim Arc Body(8.7mm~10.5mm) vs (13mm)
>Screen Size 4.2" vs 3.7"
Neo
>Front Facing Camera
>Better Hardware Positions(Camera Sensor, Shutter Key)

Leaving world of X10i for Galaxy S - some thoughts briefly!

Hi guys,
Thanks so much to all the devs and members here who've posted tips, workarounds, rooting tools, and now custom roms for the X10i.
Your contributions have made the X10i a great device to use, particularly the JVM and multi-touch work.
I had my X10i since August last year from brand new.
Unfortunately yesterday I dropped a heavy mountain bike pedal on it from a 1metre height which smashed the top-right of the screen. The touch panel still worked, but it started rebooting continuously (4x in a row at one point) and was beyond repair.
I'd always had rebooting issues (2-3x per week) but this somehow had made it considerably worse.
Insurance has let me buy a Galaxy S (I9000) for an extra NZ$57.
I'd like to say that the X10i had a considerably sharper and more detailed screen than the Galaxy S. This is immediately obvious.
The X10i felt far more solid. The Galaxy S feels a lot cheaper.
However, I'm really enjoying the responsiveness of the Galaxy S (after rooting etc) and it feels several times faster than the X10i.
Android 2.2 is great. It's really good news SE is upgrading the X10i to 2.3.
So again - thanks - see you on Gingerbread!
Cheers
Aidan

By the way two of my accessories for the X10i are going free here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13077136#post13077136
Only if you're in New Zealand though! (postage costs)

awojtas said:
Hi guys,
Thanks so much to all the devs and members here who've posted tips, workarounds, rooting tools, and now custom roms for the X10i.
Your contributions have made the X10i a great device to use, particularly the JVM and multi-touch work.
I had my X10i since August last year from brand new.
Unfortunately yesterday I dropped a heavy mountain bike pedal on it from a 1metre height which smashed the top-right of the screen. The touch panel still worked, but it started rebooting continuously (4x in a row at one point) and was beyond repair.
I'd always had rebooting issues (2-3x per week) but this somehow had made it considerably worse.
Insurance has let me buy a Galaxy S (I9000) for an extra NZ$57.
I'd like to say that the X10i had a considerably sharper and more detailed screen than the Galaxy S. This is immediately obvious.
The X10i felt far more solid. The Galaxy S feels a lot cheaper.
However, I'm really enjoying the responsiveness of the Galaxy S (after rooting etc) and it feels several times faster than the X10i.
Android 2.2 is great. It's really good news SE is upgrading the X10i to 2.3.
So again - thanks - see you on Gingerbread!
Cheers
Aidan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad time to have a accident! New phones are just around the corner. I am personally hanging on to my X10 until Galaxy SII comes out.

Totally agree.. wish I was getting an Arc as a replacement or Galaxy S2 as you say... but here in New Zealand we're often a few months behind the rest of the world and I needed the phone replaced soon... :-(

My friend has a captivate.
it's a good phone.
it definitely feels cheap though,
But its strong.
I've seen out dropped and stepped on.
The touch screen is much better.
You really should have held out for just a bit longer.
I'm holding out for the xperia play.
Wish it had hdmi out though.
Sent from my SE_X10i using the XDA App and sliding my finger around really fast.

do what you think is best I understand why cause of how long they took to update the x10 but they now have the arc and play out which are great phones

markstaylorx said:
do what you think is best I understand why cause of how long they took to update the x10 but they now have the arc and play out which are great phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the reviews I've read beg to differ, especially the play which supposedly has a horrible screen

Hiii
Firstly I got to say since the first time I held An X10 I fell in love and I wuldnt change for the world
But my Sister recently had a Galaxy S as a new phone and for the first time I'm actually jealous.
Good luck mate cuz the Galaxy S Is a BRILLIANT phone and I wish you all the best.....

Yeah I second that ;-) enjoy the upgrade.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

I had a captivate and then sold it and switched around and found my white x10. Honestly, when you have a good custom ROM on the x10, its speed is comparable to the Galaxy S (though I do have to admit the captivate I had was slightly faster).
I am someone who makes use of the camera on a phone, the x10 camera is seriously great and one of the reasons why I would pick x10 over GS. Second, is style, x10 is sexy, we all know this.
In terms of customizations, the Galaxy S series are more triumphant in this regard.
Good luck with your Galaxy S!

I spent hours and hours at times customising my X10i. I loaded different froms, JITted it numerous times, played with build.props and all - and I'd honestly say the Galaxy S is dramatically quicker still, even after I've now loaded most of the same apps onto it.
The screen feels more sensitive. The graphics are smoother. Loading apps is dramatically quicker.
I never felt the X10i's screen was accurate, like it was calibrated right, but if you used a Paint app and tried to draw straight corner-to-corner lines they were wiggly as anything. This meant sometimes clicking buttons, apps or typing was a little frustrating as you would have to top often slightly above the button.
The Galaxy S's camera is better and worse than the X10i.
Better: no stupid purple/green tinges when the picture is low contrast; it's way faster; the colours are more realistic. 30fps for 720p is really nice.
Worse: The resolution is definitely worse! The X10's camera eats the Samsung's 5mp in terms of resolution whether a bright outdoors photo or even high-ISO low-light indoors. There is also no auto-focus during video on the Galaxy S
If you're reading this and considering a Galaxy S, the things I miss are:
- LED notification (fix: NoLED, uses the AMOLED screen to display notifications instead. Seems okay.)
- Hardware camera button
- The weight of the X10, it felt like it was made better
- 8mp camera and video auto-focus
- SonyEricsson's UI overlay actually was pretty cool (not talking about Timescape here!)
The things I would never go back to the X10 for, that I like on the Galaxy:
- Speed.
- Touch screen that is accurate
- The extra RAM, built-in storage, etc.
- The better battery life (about 30-50% better so far)
- Thinness and lightness are quite nice actually.
I will probably come back to SE for the Arc - the camera and style really appeal to me.
I don't play games so the Play doesn't float my boat.
If anything, I used to sneer at Galaxy's as they looked "cheap". Now, I am thoroughly glad I changed and would definitely consider a Samsung phone as my next phone to be compared with SE Arc or Neo.
They're both great devices overall and have pros and cons of each.

I think the reason the galaxy feels much quicker than the x10 is because of the fps limit on the x10. When I tried the custom kernel that removed the fps cap the phone was sooooo much smoother, and just as smooth as my friend's galaxy s. But congrats on your new phone, I hope you enjoy it a lot !!!

I agree the Galaxy S is the better of the 2. I've had my friends Galaxy S here when I just had my X10 brand new (2 months ago) and both had stock ROM (2.2 on Galaxy, 2.1 on X10) and the Galaxy was superior.
Later I started using Wolfbreaks 2.2 ROM and that greatly increased the X10's performance but still it wasn't anywhere near the Galaxy, and that thing was still running stock.
I for one never had any regret getting the X10, mainly because of the price difference. I got mine using my moms phone plan because she didn't need a new one and I wanted to get rid of my W995. It costs me a total of €15x12 months = €180 in total for a brand new X10. The Galaxy would've been at least twice that amount.

Galaxy has superior gpu, screen & most obviously the software on a stock Froyo GS is miles ahead of Eclair with the Android platform and further the Samsung app quality is of a greater standard than Sony's.
16GB Internal storage and 32GB additional SDcard is always giving a huge benefit but the main point for me is the quality of the software, battery life, speed.. everything about a Galaxy S is better and the camera is damn good. Video calling is excellent!
What really surprised me, Sony invented the Walkman and Beta. So naturally I expected the sound to be better on a Sony, so wrong. Samsung is much clearer and more defined, as for the screen & gpu on the Galaxy it's impossible to even put the X10 beside it, like comparing analogue to HD with the X10 clearly made of infantile components, compared to the same company who delivered the Nexus S and for good reason.
Sony admitted to making mistakes with the X10 and using a Galaxy for a day, they become very clear and that is before you need to even consider modifications to the Galaxy. For the X10 it's impossible to get any quality from the device, without running a fully customized rom, kernel and apps... which I hope for the future Xperia devices is resolved but with device's like the Atrix and Galaxy 2 on the market at the same price, there isn't even a chance you could sway me towards another Xperia.
Play looks good for kid's, but if I wanted a PSX it's much cheaper to buy one, after all how many 10yr Old kids need smartphones?
Same applied when I bought a new camera and this time, it wasn't a Sony cybershot because Nikon & Canon have that one well covered. Sony & smartphones aren't even closely related in my opinion and trying to be a Jack of all trades has shown them as masters of none, at least for the X10, Arc, Neo, Play.. perhaps that's going to change with the Pro and I really hope they take their exceptional hardware skills and get up to speed with software in the future.
The design of Sony is fantastic. Hopefully the future sees them shine in Android.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

I do think the 2.3.3 update will solve a lot of annoyances but yes, you'd probably still need some good custom ROMs to get anywhere near todays high-end smartphones. I agree with you on the sound quality. Where my Sony Ericsson W995 is still the phone with the most superior sound quality, it went downhill with the smartphones.
SE did present their new walkman smartphone the other day though, the W8. Although it's basicly a rebranded X8 this may be signs that SE doesn't wanna drop the Walkman line yet and that might be good for us in the future.

Atrix IMHO changes the game entirely. What I'd be looking at if I was Sony, is that concept with their lessons learned from the X10. They really have great looking hardware and I expected too much with the X10. Completely agree with Gingerbread and 2.3.3 upgrade, will go miles in improving the device.
The real issue isn't Android versions, it's the restrictions imposed by the bootloader. Lacking sources for the Framework and customer apps like Timescape etc, is something Samsung, Motorola and HTC all suffer from.
With recent developments, opening the boot loader web service and choosing to upgrade to 2.3.3, it may provide Sony an edge over Samsung, Motorola and HTC if they were bold enough to make such a move and release sources to core services, Framework, Contacts and Timescape, opposed to the plugin architechture.. actual sources!
Garmin / Asus make affordable Androids but to be honest in comparing software, Asus beats Rachel, provide sources for development and have faith, there are brilliant mind's with time and idea's that no amount of money can buy.
If anyone has an X10 or Arc they can part with, I need one as I never was able to complete some of the AOSP work I was doing and would be very happy to hear in a PM if this may be you
What upset me about having been given a Galaxy S, is I'm no longer able to develop for XDA without having one to work with. I felt a part of something with XDA & developing for the X10 which, now is gone.. :-(
For all it's shortcomings, I miss my X10 and loosing it, has left a space nothing will ever fill - lol - awww haha..
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

MrHassell said:
Atrix IMHO changes the game entirely. What I'd be looking at if I was Sony, is that concept with their lessons learned from the X10. They really have great looking hardware and I expected too much with the X10. Completely agree with Gingerbread and 2.3.3 upgrade, will go miles in improving the device.
The real issue isn't Android versions, it's the restrictions imposed by the bootloader. Lacking sources for the Framework and customer apps like Timescape etc, is something Samsung, Motorola and HTC all suffer from.
With recent developments, opening the boot loader web service and choosing to upgrade to 2.3.3, it may provide Sony an edge over Samsung, Motorola and HTC if they were bold enough to make such a move and release sources to core services, Framework, Contacts and Timescape, opposed to the plugin architechture.. actual sources!
Garmin / Asus make affordable Androids but to be honest in comparing software, Asus beats Rachel, provide sources for development and have faith, there are brilliant mind's with time and idea's that no amount of money can buy.
If anyone has an X10 or Arc they can part with, I need one as I never was able to complete some of the AOSP work I was doing and would be very happy to hear in a PM if this may be you
What upset me about having been given a Galaxy S, is I'm no longer able to develop for XDA without having one to work with. I felt a part of something with XDA & developing for the X10 which, now is gone.. :-(
For all it's shortcomings, I miss my X10 and loosing it, has left a space nothing will ever fill - lol - awww haha..
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good luck ,,........

Now I understand why this phone is so popular

I've wanted this phone for a while, my X10 finally crapped out on me a couple of days ago. So I made a deal with my career and got the S2.
And all I have to say is WoW. I've only been playing with the phone for about an hour and I can see why this thing is so popular. The speed, the functionality, Samsung has done a great job. Just little things like the Task Manager or the File Manager. Or even the nice graphics when you go to cut-n-paste.
Sony is really behind, even their new S and Ion I think will be behind.

Jamolah said:
I've wanted this phone for a while, my X10 finally crapped out on me a couple of days ago. So I made a deal with my career and got the S2.
And all I have to say is WoW. I've only been playing with the phone for about an hour and I can see why this thing is so popular. The speed, the functionality, Samsung has done a great job. Just little things like the Task Manager or the File Manager. Or even the nice graphics when you go to cut-n-paste.
Sony is really behind, even their new S and Ion I think will be behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We know

the real wow! effect do you get if you get rid of the samsung rom and place cyanogen, miui or other on it.
But you should wait for the ics builds, they'll come in a few days

Jamolah said:
Sony is really behind, even their new S and Ion I think will be behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps Sony is behind in phone manufacturing, but Samsung is behind in camera optics manufacturing

Welcome to the s2 club
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA

Burgscheinkerkdeiktraast said:
Perhaps Sony is behind in phone manufacturing, but Samsung is behind in camera optics manufacturing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the camera is pretty good on this phone (SGS2). I'd say on-par with the Camera in my X10.

I've got SGS2 & RAZR at the moment, my only complaint with SGS2 is that its look is somewhat ugly and has no notification LED, everything else is better than RAZR.

Burgscheinkerkdeiktraast said:
Perhaps Sony is behind in phone manufacturing, but Samsung is behind in camera optics manufacturing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Compare to other phones, SGS2 camera is far better.

Jamolah said:
I've wanted this phone for a while, my X10 finally crapped out on me a couple of days ago. So I made a deal with my career and got the S2.
And all I have to say is WoW. I've only been playing with the phone for about an hour and I can see why this thing is so popular. The speed, the functionality, Samsung has done a great job. Just little things like the Task Manager or the File Manager. Or even the nice graphics when you go to cut-n-paste.
Sony is really behind, even their new S and Ion I think will be behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait till you root and jump ship to CM9 AOSP>>TouchWiz.

try cyanogen mod9 and you ll know why we really love it

Fulvian said:
I've got SGS2 & RAZR at the moment, my only complaint with SGS2 is that its look is somewhat ugly and has no notification LED, everything else is better than RAZR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use BLN for notifications.
I don't understand at all why they don't put LEDs on SS phones. My Captivate didnt' either.

Only 3 small gripes about the phone: no dedicated camera button, no widget for the music player and as mentioned no LED notification. But these are minor compared to all the benefits
Sent from my SGH-I727R using XDA

For music I use PowerAmp, it's amazing. I just love that spring came, so I'll test camera with nature these weeks
Sent by powaaaaah of GT-I9100 Taparatatatalk!

Jamolah said:
Only 2 small gripes about the phone: no dedicated camera button, no widget for the music player and as mentioned no LED notification. But these are minor compared to all the benefits
Sent from my SGH-I727R using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but it's all things that were somewhat fixed with tweaks. I was on the X10 boat back in the day... I jumped ship REALLY quickly (Right after the eclair upgrade) because I couldn't stand how restrictive the security was (Locked bootloader and such). I'm glad I did. I jumped ship on two of the greatest android phones in history right after: The HD2 and now the SGS2.

Cyanogen Mod
I've just got the SGS2 and it is just incredible.
I'd love to try Cyanogen Mod, when will version 9 be released and can anyone point me in the right direction to a link of a comprehensive tutorial on how to do a first time install. My phone is un-rooted and has stock firmware.

santhoshar said:
Compare to other phones, SGS2 camera is far better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You made me laugh. The camera sensor in Samsung galaxy S2 is the one made by Sony. Hence great pictures.
Ps.. Sony is pretty much ahead in making Sexy phones with the touch of innovation but on the other hand Sammy is good at giving births to beasts in terms of hardware
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Nice to read this mate. I hope you enjoy it
When I jumped from the HTC Desire to the Galaxy S II almost a year ago, I got a big Wow effect as well. I remember I was amazed by how thin it was, how beautiful the colours on the screen were and how fast it was. Good times
I would never buy an LG or Sony Android phone. They may have good design, but most of them have got crappy software (crappy custom interfaces, that lag and aren't awesome). Besides Samsung, I also like HTC. If somebody asks me what phone to buy, I would say wait and choose between the Galaxy S III and HTC One X :x
Anyway, Galaxy S II is a total winner
Edit: oh, for music Poweramp +1

X-Plosiv said:
For music I use PowerAmp, it's amazing. I just love that spring came, so I'll test camera with nature these weeks
Sent by powaaaaah of GT-I9100 Taparatatatalk!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah I was using PowerAmp on my X10 good product. I generally like to keep stock apps, so I don't bog down the phone with stuff that doesn't work with each other. I guess in this case I'll have to use a 3rd party music player.
XDA mark said:
Nice to read this mate. I hope you enjoy it
When I jumped from the HTC Desire to the Galaxy S II almost a year ago, I got a big Wow effect as well. I remember I was amazed by how thin it was, how beautiful the colours on the screen were and how fast it was. Good times
I would never buy an LG or Sony Android phone. They may have good design, but most of them have got crappy software (crappy custom interfaces, that lag and aren't awesome). Besides Samsung, I also like HTC. If somebody asks me what phone to buy, I would say wait and choose between the Galaxy S III and HTC One X :x
Anyway, Galaxy S II is a total winner
Edit: oh, for music Poweramp +1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah this phone is amazing. The speed and screen is just amazing.
Yah all the crap that sony puts on their phones is just a waste. Like that dumb TimeScape. Who uses that, total waste.
I don't know why people keep complaining about the SGS2's plastic feel. I think it feels fine and very sturdy.

CM9
If you want an even better experience, try CM9. No other mobile OS comes even close to stock Ice Cream Sandwich.
I can proudly show off the phone to other people now, its that good. Not that I like to show off but if I have to I won't mind.

I've been using Amazon MP3 for music and its quite a good player, its free has a reasonable widget and has lock screen controls. Plus I can buy music through it.

[Q] Should I buy?

I am wondring if I should buy the Xperia arc S now, or should I wait for the next generation in this price range.
What do you think?

Really. THERE LIKE 100 people making the exact threads everyday.
Can't you search for someone asking the same question???

It may be an old threads ...
Yes :-
1-Clear display
2-HDMI
3-Awesome speaker
4-sexy design
5-The Best camera phone. (not better than xperia s)
6-Will recive ICS update officially.
7-good battery life
8-noise cancelling mic
No:-
1- Became Old cause most of new android devices are dual core and quad.
2-Lags alot with ICS .
3-Not good for HD games even when using GB.
4-Overheat from the back when playing games or surfing the web using DATA.
5-when you speak the other side (who listing to you) will hear your voice repeated specially when using the speaker.
6-Less custom roms ( seriously that's why i started making my own roms) than Galaxy or htc users.
*So it depends on you whether you wants high performance device for gaming and fast picture shooting or not .

Don't do it.
It's too old
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

I want to break some myths about the Xperia S. The screen is .1 inches bigger but the phone is massively bigger due to the screen bezel and the antenna design and does not feel good in hand. The material feels quite cheap for some reason. The Arc isnt a solid phone but feels more solid and is thinner and lighter. I have been using one form of ICS or another since December with Arc (not S) and its as stable and fast as it ever was with GB. The official ICS ROM will make for even better custom ROMs. The camera is marginally better on the S but is not the best by 2012 standards. I hate the feel of capacitive buttons on the S but I guess ICS on screen buttons would take care of that.
The Arc S is a good phone for its current price but I expect development to slow down in a few more months as more and more developers are upgrading hardware. The One X and the One S is definitely the bar right now. The screens, construction, processors and camera are all the best on the market. I have Sony everything so its hard for me to exit the brand so I'm keeping my Arc for one more year but for others, the One is the upgrade for 2012.
I have played with all of the phones above and Arc overclocked feels the same as S.
One S is better in almost every way vs Xperia S. The feel in hand to the performance. The construction is superb aircraft grade aluminum treated to a very nice finish. The only thing you'll miss is NFC but its still not mainstream with enough practical applications right now (it takes two hands to clap). The super AMOLED is not an issue coming from a lower resolution Arc and is a superb screen despite reviews.
One X is hands down the best phone I have ever played with. There are only two things inferior to the One S and thats battery and finish. Its still gorilla glassed front with ultra high impact-resisting polycarbonate, which is very strong and solid but something about that black aluminum magic is so sexy about the One S.
Either get one of the Ones or Arc S. I cant recommend the Xperia S to anyone.

hellocng said:
The Arc S is a good phone for its current price but I expect development to slow down in a few more months as more and more developers are upgrading hardware. The One X and the One S is definitely the bar right now. The screens, construction, processors and camera are all the best on the market. I have Sony everything so its hard for me to exit the brand so I'm keeping my Arc for one more year but for others, the One is the upgrade for 2012.
I have played with all of the phones above and Arc overclocked feels the same as S.
One S is better in almost every way vs Xperia S. The feel in hand to the performance. The construction is superb aircraft grade aluminum treated to a very nice finish. The only thing you'll miss is NFC but its still not mainstream with enough practical applications right now (it takes two hands to clap). The super AMOLED is not an issue coming from a lower resolution Arc and is a superb screen despite reviews.
One X is hands down the best phone I have ever played with. There are only two things inferior to the One S and thats battery and finish. Its still gorilla glassed front with ultra high impact-resisting polycarbonate, which is very strong and solid but something about that black aluminum magic is so sexy about the One S.
Either get one of the Ones or Arc S. I cant recommend the Xperia S to anyone.
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I didn't want to say get the (htc one x) so the people in this forum doesn't think that i support htc or whatever ... otherwise wait for galaxy s3
I recomend if you still want to buy an arc then get a used one ... so you don't lose too much when you replace it with another phone later .

hemo1001 said:
No:-
2-Lags alot with ICS .
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I strongly disagree with this point. With the final update, it will be at least as smooth as GB if not faster. The ICS beta is laggy because of the incomplete/unoptimized 2D acceleration implementation.

hemo1001 said:
No:-
1- Became Old cause most of new android devices are dual core and quad.
2-Lags alot with ICS .
3-Not good for HD games even when using GB.
4-Overheat from the back when playing games or surfing the web using DATA.
5-when you speak the other side (who listing to you) will hear your voice repeated specially when using the speaker.
6-Less custom roms ( seriously that's why i started making my own roms) than Galaxy or htc users.
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I strongly disagree with most of your points.
1. It depends on what you really need and fit best your needs.
2. You can't even know because there is no official ICS yet.
3. Well it is good enough for HD games. Name one, which doesn't run smooth? I can play GTAIII and MC3 smooth (I don't need anymore ).
4. Every phone heats, you just feel it a little bit more because of the thinness. GS2 users whine about that too.
5. Surely not with normal mic, and for the speaker, I personally don't know any device, which has really good speakers.
6. Less custom ROMs? In Samsung and HTC forums there are only more ROMs, because 80% are stock-based. Do you really need that?
@OP: As I said it depends on what you really need. I am very happy with my Arc S.
BTW: Next time you could search and post your question in Q&A.

dp94 said:
@OP: As I said it depends on what you really need. I am very happy with my Arc S.
BTW: Next time you could search and post your question in Q&A.
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1- Agree maybe i should wait then judge the Arc s with the official ICS hoping it will become better .
2-GTAIII is playable but with few glitches ...
* I used to be happy with my arc but not after i saw the benchmarking of GSII ... And the face unlocking on ICS .

I'd say Arc S is one of the best phones in that price range. I admit the processor and GPU are kinda crappy, but it's still capable of running HD games(such as Asphalt 6, MC3, GTA3 etc.) without noticable lag!
Arc has a lot of custom roms. Phones like i9000 has more roms, but why do we need hundreds of different roms, because we all know that only some of them are good!
One thing I really love in my Arc is the screen! It's large enough(Frankly, I think larger would be too big), it has good resolution, and it hard to damage(it is more scratch-resistant than ie. Gorilla Glass).
And don't you say ICS is laggy! They haven't even released the final build! I believe Arc has a good potential of running ICS.

hemo1001 said:
1- Agree maybe i should wait then judge the Arc s with the official ICS hoping it will become better .
2-GTAIII is playable but with few glitches ...
* I used to be happy with my arc but not after i saw the benchmarking of GSII ... And the face unlocking on ICS .
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1. I am sure Sony won't release some laggy ****. We should be way more happy with Sony for even releasing a alpha/beta version.
2. IMO, It depends on the ROM. I haven't had any on CM7 and stock based ROM like Arconium.

But still it hasn't enough RAM, apps need more and more RAM.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App

Motorola Atrix

if u wanna a phone, a good looking phone, with good call quality,camera and sound yes u should, but don't expect it to do any heavy lifting like crazy multitasking or graphic intence gaming..

well,i sold my HTC Evo 3D two days ago and iam using my old Arc For now.
coming from Evo i feel some lag in games but homescreen feels same.overall i dont see much difference in performance(i mean real life performance not benchmarks) but if you are a power user dont get this if you want a overall good smartphone with good camera Arc is pretty cheap now.go for it

My wife is going to kill me...

...because I just bought a white Xperia arc S on eBay as I miss my old one so much.
The question is whether I'll keep my new Nexus 4 or not as if I'm completely honest I'm not that happy with it. The camera is rubbish, I have serious WiFi issues ... but my biggest concern is the glass back - I dropped my old arc S about half a dozen times and it suffered no damage whatsoever but if I drop my N4 it's going to smash. Yes, I could get a case for it but it's already huge - too big really. I bought the official bumper but my headphones won't fit when it's on and it makes it almost impossible to use one-handed.
I must be mad right? But I think this rush to larger screens on high-end phones is a mistake. Nearly all the rumoured high-end 2013 Android devices are going to have a 5" 1080p screen which is just too big. I was tempted to try the Acer S500 but Acer have a terrible reputation for crappy hardware and poor support. I saw a mint condition arc S on eBay last night and just couldn't resist it.
Maybe I'll keep both and use the arc S for messing with ROMs, etc.
And do know something else that bugs me - people in this arc forum are generally helpful and polite, treating "noobs" with respect. Over in the N4 forum it is completely different - God help you if you ask something they deem a "stupid" question as they'll rip you to pieces. Very sad.
Despite Sony not coming through with JB, despite housing cracks, despite poor ICS performance, low memory, low storage space, I still think the arc S is a GREAT phone. The design is second-to-none, you can swap the battery, you can use an SD card, you can listen to FM radio, the screen is excellent and the camera compared to the N4 is in a different league. Plus I got myself a Nexus 7 back in the summer so my smartphone needs have changed somewhat - gaming for example is something I only do on the N7 now.
So there you have it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side!

Honesty can't get any better than this.
I'm feeling the same way about my arc S, believe me. I have a feeling that I will use it as long as possible, and even after I get another phone, I doubt, very much, that I will ever sell this one.
This beauty is not yet matched, and I doubt it will be matched any time soon.
You know, I have this friend of mine, not very tech educated, but he likes to spend money on new tech gadgets, because he can.
Up untill few days ago, he was having HTC Evo 3D, and he always played with my phone, telling that it's the most beautiful phone he ever saw. Now he bought iPhone 4S to "test it a little bit", and he still plays with my phone every time we go out on coffee. He is looking arc S from every angle like for dozens of times, and keeps repeating that it's the most beautiful phone ever designed.
He never opted to buy it because then it wouldn't be "status symbol" he is carying around, but it's enough for me to see with what desire he is looking at my phone.
And he is not the only one. My other friends, using other phones/brands, share the same opinion about arc S.
It is repeated for thousands of times already, that build quality could be better (and it could, indeed), but design is yet to be matched. And judging by actual trends in smartphone designs (Sony included), like creating lifeless boring plates, I doub't that any time soon we will see an original and sexy design like with Xperia arc/S.
And, congratulations on your new white arc S. :good:

mr_torture said:
Honesty can't get any better than this.
And, congratulations on your new white arc S. :good:
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Thanks.
And if I had of posted something like this on the N4 forum it would already be full of insulting replies.

rec71 said:
...because I just bought a white Xperia arc S on eBay as I miss my old one so much.
Despite Sony not coming through with JB, despite housing cracks, despite poor ICS performance, low memory, low storage space, I still think the arc S is a GREAT phone. The design is second-to-none, you can swap the battery, you can use an SD card, you can listen to FM radio, the screen is excellent and the camera compared to the N4 is in a different league. Plus I got myself a Nexus 7 back in the summer so my smartphone needs have changed somewhat - gaming for example is something I only do on the N7 now for example.
So there you have it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side!
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I still have my original arc, which is getting on for two years old now (housing replaced under warranty) and as like yourself was going to upgrade to the N4, but reading this had made me think twice about it. I also bought a nexus 7 back in July which covers most of my needs gaming, movies, skygo etc.
Cheers for posting your thoughts, it sounds like we have similar tastes in gadgets, so i think for now my arc shall suffice. Maybe a reduction in my line rental is the way to go.

rec71 said:
But I think this rush to larger screens on high-end phones is a mistake.
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+1 I just don't get it, bigger Phones are a step backwards imo and everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. I sold my Arc to buy a Ray because it does everything I required from my Arc but I just craved the compactness as the even the Arc was just a little too big in the pocket and it's like going from my old Nokia 3210 to an 8210. My actual upgrade isn't due until April but with Sony's current line up of Phones I'm struggling to decide what I might upgrade to as they're all just too big or too ugly for my liking.
Something between the Ray and the Arc (the two most beautiful devices I have ever owned) with the same kind of sleek design as both would be right up my street. The novelty factor of just how beautiful the Ray is hasn't worn off as I still do what mr tortures friend does and pick it up just to admire it lol.

From usability point, when holding with one hand and using it, going above 4.2 inch is nonsense.
I loaded mine with almost 2GB (a2sd on stock kernel with disabled zram) and still happily running.
Kind Regards, vr.
PS: Since this is your second come back, you have to stay at least entire next year?!

vr5411 said:
PS: Since this is your second come back, you have to stay at least entire next year?!
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Yes! I promise. I'm actually going to try stock (rooted though) GB for a bit.
For those that don't know I used an Xperia S for a while earlier this year (wife kindly swapped for my arc S) and I bid this forum goodbye. And I hated it. My wife has it back now. The camera is good but those horrible soft buttons... what were Sony thinking? lol.
I have to say it again - the community around here is superb.

XperienceD said:
+1 I just don't get it, bigger Phones are a step backwards imo and everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. I sold my Arc to buy a Ray because it does everything I required from my Arc but I just craved the compactness as the even the Arc was just a little too big in the pocket and it's like going from my old Nokia 3210 to an 8210. My actual upgrade isn't due until April but with Sony's current line up of Phones I'm struggling to decide what I might upgrade to as they're all just too big or too ugly for my liking.
Something between the Ray and the Arc (the two most beautiful devices I have ever owned) with the same kind of sleek design as both would be right up my street. The novelty factor of just how beautiful the Ray is hasn't worn off as I still do what mr tortures friend does and pick it up just to admire it lol.
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Sony Xperia V perhaps?
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/phones/xperia-v/

The V isn't available in the UK
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Same here, i switch to a xperia ion recently but still find myself preferring my good old arc s. Hope the upcoming update can finally fix the bad lag on arc s wif ICS
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app

Man Im loving my N4 but I still miss my gorgeous white arc s, I gave it to my gf so I can use it whenever I want, but the N4 rocks
I also think that the arc s is a great phone but the n4 is better no matter how much we love the arc s, I wish sony make the arc again with 4 cores and the exactly same desing maybe name it xperia arc X... It will be great
Enviado desde mi
usando Tapatalk 2

I too was thinking on getting N4 but for what? Do I really need a faster phone? (I'm on KXP JB and it flies) I don't even use it on full capacity so why getting a new phone? I love my Arc S and I'll keep it for at least another year!
Sent from my Xperia Arc using Tapatalk 2

It arrived this morning and as promised by the seller it is in MINT condition. Not a single blemish or scratch and the white case ... omg ... it is so much nicer than the midnight blue one I had before.
So happy.
Next step is to sell my N4 before I tell my wife. I hate selling on eBay so I need to check the XDA rules on selling I guess. I don't want to make any money so perhaps I should just post something over in the N4 forum and ask people to PM me? Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

I think new XDA rules is not allowed to sell buddy they removed marketplace section aswell. But maybe if you do it privately with someone on here who has good reputation with many thanks itll be safe. Make sure you do PM
Anyone tried new 4.2.1 ROM feels so smooth. Not sure which is better that or beautiful ICS

Last week I went to a mobile store to sell my Arc S...But when he was ready to take it I just backed off..I couldnt sell it at all! It was really emotional situation. Hence I have decided to never my Arc S..Its the best phone ever...its like a girlfriend man...smart..sexy..kinda slow(lazy)..delicate..

Same here. Bought myself an HTC one x seeing as I've had this phone since last May, but I don't want to stop using my arc. It's pretty gubbed and has no sound and weak WiFi due to a couple of facia replacements going wrong, but I just can't put it in the drawer. My Mrs said I should recycle it but that would be sacrilege(in my eyes anyway), so now I'm tinkering with 2 phones. Possibly grounds for divorce...

sinkster said:
It's pretty gubbed...
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Gubbed? Brilliant. I have a few mates up in your neck of the woods (Cumbernauld) but have never heard that one before!

I had an iPhone 3G up until 11 months ago, decided I needed a new phone, I tend to keep phones for 3 years, so coming up to a year now, the only thing that annoys me is phones have changed quite a bit in specifications, And its easy to trick myself into needing a new phone. But I love my white Arc S, and it's capable of all day to day needs, I don't play many games because they do my head in with the touch screen, trying to make console-like games... Anyway. Running Xperia Ultimate HD 2.0.2 Rom, it's ICS based and really nice and fast, probably the best ICS Rom, and will keep the phone running smooth for ages.
Keep us updated with what you do with it. (basically use the forum
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app

I just loaded it up with MP3s (via a 32GB microSD card) and wow, I'd forgotten how good the audio quality was ... really excellent. The N4 is pretty good too but the volume is weak and the arc packs a lot more bass. I just tried the same tracks on both phones with my semi-decent Sennheiser headphones and the arc definitely sounds better to my middle-aged ears.
I've flashed GB for a giggle. I don't think I'll last long though and I'll probably flash the upcoming 4.1.B.1.13 release as soon as it's available.
I still haven't told my wife. ha ha ha.

rec71 said:
I just loaded it up with MP3s (via a 32GB microSD card) and wow, I'd forgotten how good the audio quality was ... really excellent. The N4 is pretty good too but the volume is weak and the arc packs a lot more bass. I just tried the same tracks on both phones with my semi-decent Sennheiser headphones and the arc definitely sounds better to my middle-aged ears.
I've flashed GB for a giggle. I don't think I'll last long though and I'll probably flash the upcoming 4.1.B.1.13 release as soon as it's available.
I still haven't told my wife. ha ha ha.
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Man this is a must-have mod for the Nexus 4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025486
Try it
I can't sell my arc s too, is like selling a son
*the arc s was silver, now is white