SONY has this lot done right:
+++ Design
++ Relatively large replaceable battery
++ Excellent unconverted (almost) latest Android version 4.0.4
++ Phone is very stable with no crashes
+ Slot for Micro SDHC Memory Card (s)
+ Is intuitive
+ Integrated GPS receiver suitable for "Offline" Navigation
+ Walkman software with equalizer sound optimization
The mobile phone features:
Phone: The voice quality is good, problems with poor voice quality as with older models do not exist.
Operating System:
The phone came with then current Android version 4. The SONY variation of the popular Androids is well resolved. Various settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, lighting, data, roaming, etc. can be easily and clearly set. Thus, the Miro is also useful if someone has only limited information contained in the contract. Contacts I imported as VCF. The alarm clock works very reliable with my software version, I do not turn on the phone at night and other reported problems I can not adjust.
Processor: The processor performance is good compared to the price. It runs almost all liquid and it is enough for most games also made. Only at very computationally time-consuming games you can feel the boundaries. Launching Apps naturally takes a bit longer than in more expensive models. Larger PDF files can no longer handle the device.
Display: The display sharpness is very low in spite of specified number of pixels be a starting point in order. The actual pixel density is not a problem. In bright light you can see little and must provide at maximum brightness. It is rare that the touchscreen does not respond as desired (is helpful here Settings / developer Options / View touches, mostly this is an imprecise operation which otherwise does not see).
Battery: The pure standby time is 1-2 weeks (theoretical value when not in use) and the battery lasts even under heavy usage (by display, WiFi, GPS, etc.) by 1-2 days. For smart phones which is at least a slightly above-average value. The mobile stand is economical. After several months of operation, the battery lasts longer than by the beginning. Helpful for an optimized service life are the fuel consumption figures under Settings / battery.
GPS / Navigation: phone mastered navigating with various navigation apps with fast positioning even when the traffic. The accuracy of GPS is limited about 5-10m. The recording and descendants of trails with OSM maps work well.
Camera: Here, an average sensor is installed, the course can not replace a digital camera. These Panorama function and geotagging. Weaknesses: In low light and in the dark, the camera can not convince. The flash performs at short distances to strong overexposure.
The delivery is in the price range perfectly adequate and environmentally friendly (with phone cable Battery, successful quick start guide, charger and USB). A comprehensive manual available for download on the Internet.
Style: I like the cell phone really. The design is very visually appealing and the phone handles well. The Miro is one of the smaller mobile phones (size as an iPhone 4). The back cover of plastic looks wertig, but is certainly not designed for frequent weight loss. Mounted a bit inconvenient is the speaker from which you do not hear much because of flat back when the phone is on the table and positioned high up volume up / down keys are accidentally pressed when pulling out of a shell.
Music / MP3:
The Walkman software is a matter of taste, I think it's a good solution. The sound itself is good, and in addition adjustable individually equalizer. The phone offers an above-average sound quality. This music files are detected by the Walkman software, you should transfer it in me underlying firmware via USB to the phone, and not directly to the external memory card with a card reader.
However, 2 points are striking: SONY should make improvements in future devices radio reception and the minimal rushing amplifier hardware.
Radio: The unit was posted and checked by technicians. The mobile phone according to technicians corresponds to the specification, but with most headphones not an acceptable radio reception is simply possible. Headsets are suitable in principle.
For quality of the headphone output: People with sensitive hearing is the Miro can not convince, because excellent headphones as a brilliant Sennheiser CX 300 (112 dB / mW) show due to impedance characteristics and high sound pressure a disturbing noise of the amplifier. On this point, SONY can not keep up with the competition (Have various sony phones with HTC, Samsung, Nokia compared). HiFi lover with expensive high quality headphones need better hardware. People with sensitive hearing should at least avoid quality headphones with high sound pressure. Many will this problem hardly perceive and for the average listener that's fine. Recommended for a good best sound I think headphones worth 9-19 euros with an average sound pressure (ca.100dB / mW). Example: a cheaper SONY MDR-EX10LP (EX10LPB) rushes hardly fits perfectly to the amplifier. The same applies to an MDR-EX50LP.
Conclusion:
4-5 points for design, processing, Android interface
3-4 points for display, storage, processor (5 in relation to the price)
3 points for camera (4 points in daylight, 1 point at night)
2-4 points for MP3 due to the amplifier hardware
1-2 points for FM Radio
The rating depends on the individual applications and varies from 3 to 5 points. With Tophandys should this phone still does not compare. The price compared to expensive equipment a correspondingly lower performance in the hardware (display, headphone amplifier, camera, processor) is connected, which, however, usually is sufficient.
The mobile phone does not need to hide behind the competition and is the current sales figures a secret. The Miro is outstanding and attractive than competing models appropriate for this price range. One can not go far wrong with it.
I want to help you choose also to point out the few exceptions. In this price range, there are no better, but radio listeners and those with very high demands on processing power, display, camera, or music should continue browsing. When browsing the display of the size is borderline, here larger devices or to a tablet are recommendable.
The Xperia Miro is highly recommended for people who are not looking for high-end equipment and prefer to save the money. Who occasionally needs to smartphone functionality lies with the Miro absolutely right and receives a great compact entry-level device with good unconverted Android 4 interface and an excellent price / performance ratio.
Current market situation 2014/2015:
Because of the publication date in 2012 more powerful devices are now in the same price range between 100 and 200 euros available, in addition to more recent models of the Sony Xperia Miro also several models of LG and the Moto G of the 2nd generation are now far superior.
For reliability is to say: the Miro works reliably for more than 2 years, only once has the restart with an empty battery even led to a standstill because of a problem with the Micro SDHC memory card, which could be corrected by a Windows computer.
