Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra (SIM Free / UK)

2017 is, without a doubt, a year for big screen smartphones.

Where once a 5” display was considered massive; today it is considered small and the XA1 Ultra’s 6” display is now within the acceptable norm for a smartphone.

The XA1 is the 2017 update to the original XA Ultra.

For the most part, the differences are minimal, but a few specifications have been improved to ensure it competes with the current crop of mobile devices.

Reasons to buy the Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra

• Android 7 (Nougat) OS
• Rear 23MP Sony Exmor RS camera sensor
• 16MP front-facing Sony Exmor RS camera
• 6" Full HD resolution touchscreen
• Edge to edge screen design
• 32 GB storage & micro SD support up to 256GB
• Powerful octa-core processor and 4GB RAM
• 4G connectivity
• USB type-c connectivity
• Just 8.1mm thick and 188g

Box Contents

• SIM Free Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
• 3 pin UK Sony mains charger
• USB Data Cable

Overview

The trend appears to be that bigger is better and the XA1 Ultra from Sony has that box ticked.

Display

The impressively large 6” touchscreen display is ideal for managing emails through to watching the latest YouTube video.

At this measurement, it is likely 2 hands will be needed to hold and manage the device, but that need not be the case all the time.

With such real estate available this full HD display makes it easy to create and edit documents, media and other tasks you might want to complete on a phone.

Enjoy less scrolling as you visit web pages and consume your social media feeds.

For those times when one-handed use would be preferred, the XA1 has a mini-display feature that allows for effortless single-handed interaction. Essentially it reduces the 6” screen into a smaller display in the lower left or right corner, allowing for less stretching and more productivity.

An impressively large yet slim form factor, for such a large screen the physical dimensions of this device are just 165 x 79 x 8.1mm and it weighs just 188g.

The smaller profile is helped considerably by the almost bezel-less left and right edges to the phone.

Oh, and for peace of mind, industry leading Corning Gorilla Glass is installed on the XA1.

Camera

Sony has always included powerful cameras in their smartphones and the XA1 gets a small improvement on last years model. Increasing to 23 megapixels, from last years 21.5, the Ultra still boasts the Exmor™ RS for mobile image sensor, Hybrid autofocus, quick launch and capture, F2.0 aperture and 5x clear image zoom.

All of these technologies work together to deliver a camera experience that is second to none and will result in simply superb photos to share with colleagues, friends and family.

The odd selfie or video call is often a requirement of life today, so the XA1 Ultra looks to ensure as much detail is captured from the front camera as the back. Whilst it does not boast quite the same megapixel count, rated at 16, it uses the 1/2.6" Exmor RS sensor and has a wide angle lens that lets in lots of light.

The inclusion of a physical camera shutter button is not something you see all that often today and the XA1 is one to deliver, so it has just that. Whilst an on-screen shutter is available, the physical button gives that reassuring click and confidence that you have got the shot.

Android

Out of the box Android 7.0 is installed, not only giving you access to all the popular Google Apps and services that many of us have come to know and love but all of those available through the Android marketplace, otherwise known as the Play Store.

Download all the latest titles along with the more obscure that you need, want, or rely on to just get things done on the go.

Sony has also included plenty of their own customizations that allow you to get more value from this 4G enabled handset.

With 32GB of internal storage most apps and media can be loaded right onto the internal memory, but if you need it the microSD card slot provides the possibility for, up to, another 256GB of storage space.

The MediaTek Helio P20 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM should combine to keep things ticking along nicely.

USB Type-C connectivity is included as is Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and GPS.

A large screen can consume a lot of power and, whilst the Android OS has ‘doze’ technology built in to conserve power, added benefit comes from the fact that the 2700mAh internal battery can be charged quicker (correct mains adapter required) thanks to MediaTek’s Pump Express Plus 2.0 technology.

The XA1 Ultra is an excellent smartphone with a big screen but without the big price tag.

Stock Origin & Compatibility

All our phones are SIM Free & Factory Unlocked, compatible with UK, EU & most global SIM cards, with support for global GSM & 3G networks. For 4G/LTE & 5G support outside of Europe, please check the specifications.

Clove Technology primarily obtains stock from a manufacturer's official UK supply chains. These products will be displayed as a 'UK Model'.

Occasionally Clove source products from the European mainland. These will be marked as an 'EU Model', supplied factory sealed with a 2pin EU mains charger or 'EU Convert', opened to swap to a UK charger and resealed.

EU sourced phones will have a full warranty and are compatible with all UK networks. We do not source any products from Hong Kong or other Asian markets.