The Sony Xperia Tipo comes in a Dual SIM and a Single SIM version. Here is the review of the Xperia Tipo Dual SIM version. There is no difference between the two models except for the dual SIM functionality.
The Xperia Tipo is android ICS powered phone with lower specifications. It houses an 800 MHz CPU with Adreno 200 GPU, 512 MB RAM and 2.9 GB internal storage of which 2.2 is available for user and around 752 is allocated for the app storage.
Tipo ST2li2 Design
The handset is smaller in size. If you have used a bigger sized handset you might find it a bit odd. I am using the Micromax A90 and I found it difficult to adapt to a smaller screen of 3.2 inches. The Tipo is even smaller in size as compared with the Micromax A50.
The Dual SIM Xperia Tipo inherits the typical Xperia design curved down at the bottom showcasing the Xperia logo. There are 3 touch sensitive buttons. The display screen is 3.2 inches and no other buttons on the front side.
On the right side there is the volume rocker which I found a bit unresponsive, could be because of the smaller size , might take some time getting used to it. Just next to the volume button is the SIM change dedicated button that will easily help you switch SIM 1 to SIM 2 and vice versa as needed. On the left side there is the micro USB port and on the top a 3.5 mm audio jack and lock / power button.
OS, UI and Memory
The Tipo handset comes loaded with Android 4.0.4 OS along with the Sony Timescape user interface. The OS runs pretty smooth on the 512MB RAM (228MB used and 185MB Free). The internal storage for apps is 752MB and another 2.2 GB is allocated for the internal storage (internal SD). There is a microSD card slot that can further add up storage space of up to 32GB.
Display
The capacitive touchscreen display is 3.2 inches with 480×320 pixels resolution with 262K colours. The touch is responsive and smooth. I have used the A90 handset and getting used to a smaller sized screen may take some time. The Tipo does support 2 point multi-touch.
Connectivity
There is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G @ 7.2 Mbps (HSDPA), 5.76 Mbps HSUPA. USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot is supported.
Multimedia
The sound quality is very good, even better via headphones. The loudspeaker output is quite loud. You cannot play HD videos and even lower resolution videos do not look so exciting because of a smaller screen. Music lovers will love the TrackID music recognition.
3.2 MP Camera
Camera is fixed focus without any LED flash support. There are many features available but the quality is just average. Videos can be recorded in VGA, QVGA and MMS resolution (Yes, 640 x 480, 30 fps). You can check out some same images taken from Sony Xperia Tipo handset. There is no secondary camera.
For sample images check – http://www.flickr.com/photos/gogirana/sets/72157631617463395/
Gaming
I tried Angry Birds, Temple Run and some more, check out the Gaming video at the end of the article.
Battery
The 1500 mAh battery (Li-ion) with talktime of about 5 hours and standby time of up to 530 hours. It been 12 hours and the battery has dropped just 5 points during the time, I made the review, downloaded 3 games via Wi-Fi and even made few calls.
Sony Xperia Tipo Dual (ST2li2) Review
The handset supports 3G and you can surf the net using 3G via SIM as well as talk on SIM 1 simultaneously. There was no lag, operation was smooth. The only issue was the screen resolution which could have been a little better. The price of Rs. 10,500 is on the higher side being a Sony brand. The battery life and sound quality is really good.
There are two sensors the G-Sensor and proximity sensor. There is no light sensor, so you need to manually adjust the brightness as need for comfort and battery saving. The handset is smaller in size but with a 13 mm thickness. I tried the GPS which worked well and got a lock within 9 seconds.
There are other handsets like Karbonn A7 and Spice Mi-355 with the same specs (800 MHz + Adreno 200 GPU) for a much cheaper price. But for those who believe in the Sony Brand, the Tipo is here, with single or Double SIM options. Do note that the Xperia Tipo (Single / Dual) does not come with a secondary camera.
Xperia Tipo Image Gallery
Sony Xperia Tipo dual unboxing and review video
Games demo on Tipo
VGA video shot using Xperia Tipo
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priya says
Is there any hotspot internet sharing option in this phone??
ashish says
How to run Internet from this model in my PC. Is there any internet sharing option??
Jp says
hi gogi,if we are using whats app application,the internet will be on everytime(through sim 1),then will the network in (sim 2) be active or not?
Jahir says
hi gogi, first of all nice review. i wanna buy an xperia tipo, but i must know if the phone come with dual active or standby sim. thx
Gogi Rana says
Hi its dual standby.
sanket says
ya i’m using sony xperia tipo……..but if i’ll update it then it will do what kind of changes in my phone?
sanket says
gogi from last one day i have seeing in my notification that,new system updates available-11.0.A.4.27 what is this is it is jelly bean update…….plz help me
thanks
Gogi Rana says
Sanket, if you are using the Sony handset they do give OS updates. Usually some bug fix, or a completely new OS version. From the version it does not seem like Jelly Bean. If its Jelly Bean it will clearly be mentioned.
jorim says
Samsung Galaxy Ace Dous or Xperia Tipo? please help me decide.
Raj says
Which one you would recommend to buy HTC explorer or Sony Xperia Tipo…….I am concerned with complaints of poor performance of Tipo’s touch and headphones sound quality….please guide me…..thnx
sanket says
Can you guide me between sony xperia tipo vs htc explorer.
trijit says
I have a nokia 5230 nuron I want to sell it and buy this one do you think this camera is better than the one I have, I have no issue with other specs or should I buy HTC explorer?
Pratik says
Hello Gogi,
I want to ask you a question that if we are using internet connection on either sim then we would be receiving calls on either of the sim or not in xperia tipo dual…? for eg if I am using internet on SIM 1 then can I receive the calls on SIM 2 or not..? and vice versa Awaiting for your early reply.
gogi says
Pratik, please check this post http://www.gogi.in/difference-dual-active-dual-standby.html
Pratik says
Dear Gogi,
Thanks for your reply.
I am little bit confuse between Sony Xperia Tipo Dual and Karbonn A11.
I have read in your reviews of A11 that when we are using net on SIM1 then we can receive Call or sms on SIM2 is it true …?
Can you suggest me which one is better..?
My requirements are listed below:-
– Better voice clarity during conversation.
– Good network availability (Because in my area even IDEA’s network is also not good . So I require phone which has good network connectivity)
– Should support some basic to high end games such as Temple run etc.
Looking forward for your early reply.
Regards,
Pratik
ravi says
before i was use intarnet then my another sim was closed but one day i check my setting then my both sim work well and i use intarnet and calling for both sim
you go to setting-call setting-accounts-receive incoming calls. and tick the box.
now my both sim work well.
arjun says
Dear gogi, I am confused for buy sony tipo dual or karboon a9+.
dilip says
hi gogi sir
i really like ur site
i have burget of 12000,and i wanna buy a mobile
i like motorola defy plus and sony experia tipo
in ur opinion which one is the best
Jatin parmar says
I like to buy xperia tipo but some people say it has higher SAR rating(1.62).This is harmful to our health ?please reply.
gogi says
Its well within the limits if you like the Tipo go for it.
Raj says
I am planning to buy a touch screen phone in this Diwali. I am looking forward to Micromax Tipo. I wish to buy it online as it is quite popular and economical these days. I just went through different sites and compare its price and finally decide to buy it from the portal where its price is Rs. 9,299/-
Just see the site below and help me out <3
http://www.shopbychoice.com/sony-ericsson-st21i-x…
gogi says
I have never used this site so no idea, you can try flipkart / infibean as they are much better. If you want to try a new site make sure to use a credit card.
majieed says
Gogi, does tipo dual have lock/unlock button or if it does than how to lock it.?
Arun says
Hi Gogi,
I'm planning to buy an android dual sim phone.ready to spent up to Rs.12000. now I'm confused bcoz my Friends advised me to go for renowned brands like samsung, sony etc but indian brands are providing more features in less price. My basic requirements are dual sim, flash(to use as torch), 1 ghz pro and other common features. I want to use the phone at least for 3 years.please suggest me some good phones.
Thank you,
Arun
gogi says
Arun, spend a few hundred extra and you can go for Mi-500 (I will be doing a review on that soon) or Micromax A100 (under 10K) or Micromax A90 which is under 13K. Out of these 3 handset A100 and Spice Mi-500 (dual core) are with 5 inch screen and A90 with 4.3 inch. The A90 is the best looking phone with excellent features (check the review on my site). A100 / Mi-500 is like as good as samsung / sony brands but A90 is WOW.
Arul says
Gogi, does ice cream sandwich, generally supports adobe flash player?
gogi says
Arul, yes there are APK files that you can manually install and get flash to work. Also check http://www.gogi.in/adobe-flash-support-android.html
Sudip says
I cant invest hard earn amount in that one better to wait for some Indian band with much better specs.
1. 4'' screen at least wvga resolution
2. 1ghz better processor
3. 1gig ram
4. Ics
I think I can get these with in 2 month or so. until then I am happy with my dumb one.
what you think Gogi ji?
and please change your captcha system.
gogi says
Sudip, yes within 2 or 3 months once the small players launch the dual core we could see better handsets and at cheaper price.