A downgrade from the original Neo

The Neo V is a brilliant mobile that is very similar to its predecessor. However, the camera downgrade leaves us feeling disappointed, whatever Sony Ericsson’s reasons are for it.

What We Like

Boasting the new version of operating system, Android 2.3.4, the XPERIA Neo V runs smoothly, with new Facebook feature updates and screen shot abilities being just two of the improvements that we can see due to the new software.

There’s an impressive 1GHz Snapdragon processor on the Neo V, as well as an Adreno 205 graphic processor, removing our initial fear that we could be being faced with yet another sluggish device from Sony Ericsson.

The 3.7 inch screen has colour contrast and depth, thanks to the inclusion of Bravia Mobile technology. It is responsive to the touch, which is always good to hear, and big enough that we didn’t find ourselves clicking on the wrong tab accidently.

What We Don't Like

Nothing seems to have really changed with the XPERIA Neo V; it is very much like its predecessor in pretty much every way. In fact, one of the very few differences that we can think of is its camera, which has actually been downgraded from an impressive 8MP to a mediocre 5.

When asked about this, Sony Ericsson claimed that they wanted to make the original Neo more accessible to their consumers, and so reduced the photo-snapper’s resolution in order to make the device cheaper. However, we can’t help but feel that the company realised their mistake in producing a mobile that couldn’t actually get any better, and decided to try and backtrack; unfortunately though, this attempt at making more money leaves a sour taste in our mouths.    

Just as we felt with the Sony Ericsson Neo, we’re disappointed that, for all of the device’s good display qualities, it doesn’t react well to being in direct sunlight. Despite this being the second release in the Neo range, the company hasn’t done anything about the problems that face the mobile when it’s when being glared at by that great ball in the sky; to put it shortly, you simply cannot see the screen.

Conclusion

Despite our dissatisfaction at this being a downgrade, we can’t deny that the XPERIA Neo V is an excellent device, just as the Neo was; if it wasn’t for its inability to cope under the suns expert rays, this mobile would have a more than excellent display. The latest Android OS works well here, and we are pleased to see that Sony Ericsson is keeping up with the times by including it.

However, we just can’t get away from that camera; it really does scream that the company have messed up, and are unable, to give us any serious improvements in this range right now. Instead Sony Ericsson is aiming to target people who want a taste of owning a Neo, without paying top price.