Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S

“Unlocked smartphones don't get much love in the U.S. thanks to their unsubsidized up-front prices. But the Sony Xperia Arc S is still worth a look, particularly if you're fond of Sony's attention to detail and emphasis on multimedia playback. It's a fine music and video player, makes quick work of Android apps and the Web, and doesn't take up much room in your pocket, either. It's a good buy for AT&T subscribers who don't want to lock themselves into a contract.”

“It's not the fastest high-end Android smartphone out there, but the Xperia Arc S has a lot to offer, and at a lower price point than most dual-core handsets. If you want a premium Android device without an excessive price tag, the Xperia Arc S is a solid bet.”

“Battery life is disappointing, but not bad enough for us to suggest you avoid this phone. Sony Ericsson could almost certainly improve this, and one way would be to add an auto-brightness feature. We'd also like to see the camera app improved, and while photos from the phone are good, the slowness of the app is a frustration.Overall, we like the Arc S a great deal. As Android matures, this phone should improve further if it gets the Ice Cream Sandwich update which will start rolling out to phones in the new year.”

“The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S isn't a phone that blows us away. In fact, considering it's Sony Ericsson's current top of the line, it's a bit disappointing. There's no dual-core processor and the build is underwhelming. However, just as with the original Arc, the Arc S packs in the essential features, has a nice screen and a great camera. What's more it's available for a decent price, making it a sound investment if you're not after the absolute biggest and best.”