Sony Xperia L
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“Overall, the Xperia L is a package that fits in its midrange spot nicely. It's an adequately powered smartphone and an above average cameraphone. There seems to be enough appeal there for common-sense buyers - and that's something to build on. Without a doubt, the Xperia L should be grateful to the Xperia U for the momentum and to Sony, for doing the right thing.”
“The Xperia L is a well-rounded mid-ranger with lag-free performance in menus and nice looks. It does not have a hugely impressive screen nor a particularly great camera, though, and in the fiercely competitive Android market those are big flaws. The Xperia L is facing direct competition from mass-market devices like the HTC One SV, but also from a myriad of quad-core MediaTek-based phones from China. The latter have a much better performance but lack the design flair. All in all, this is a device for those willing to compromise. The price segment requires it. It would be a nice choice for the design conscious, but if you value specs and performance most there are more enticing options.”
“Should I buy the Sony Xperia L? No. The Xperia L has a decent screen and performance is adequate, but the camera’s excruciating two-second shutter delay is a major black mark against it, as is the so-so build quality. There are better phones available for the same price. The Sony Xperia L lacks the spit and polish necessary to standout at this price. The basics are good enough, but the sluggish camera and merely ok design count against it”
“In the end, the Sony Xperia L is a solid but not exactly remarkable phone when it comes to performance. What should help it stand out in its fairly crowded category are its looks and design. Whether or not this is enough to sway you from the countless other similar phones available is a matter of personal taste.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Much of the new Xperia line has received rave reviews. This phone is no exception. As Sony’s attempt to enter the budget mid-range market, it features slightly less power than the rest of the series, but a lower price tag as well. George Iosifidus of Digital Life Plus says, “it did really well and impressed me during the days I had it in my hands. If you’re looking for a device in this price range then Sony’s Xperia L is a keeper.”
The phone features a 4.3-inch TFT display at a resolution of 480-by-854 pixels. Reviews from Digital Life Plus and T3 note great viewing angles and easy viewing in direct sunlight. While the pixel density is not up to par with next generation devices, T3 notes that “clarity levels are still impressive enough though when compared to similar Android offerings like the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini even if it lacks the vibrancy of its bigger more expensive Xperia compatriot.”
Although mostly plastic, reviews of the case design are similarly positive for a mid-range product. Charge Me UK says “with its sleek black and silver design, the Sony Xperia L is actually most of the better looking budget bunch.” Though do not expect the styling of the Xperia Z. Both Digital Life Plus and T3 mention that the device resembles the previous Xperia series than the latest designs.
The Xperia L is powered by a dual-core 1-GHz processor, a dedicated graphics processing unit and 1GB of RAM. T3 notes that “In general use, applications can often take a little longer to launch both native and ones downloaded from Google Play, but operate smoothly once you are putting them to use.”
A removable back cover gives access to the battery and a microSD slot. Unfortunately, the 1700-mAh battery might have problems keeping up. With light-to-moderate usage, both Digital Life Plus and T3 report that the device barely made it through the day on a single charge. Heavy video streaming or gaming will likely leave you looking for a charger.
The camera on the phone is powered by the same Exmor RS chip as the Xperia Z, but at just 8-megapixels. Reviews on the camera are largely neutral with T3 stating “the results do not compete with the top-end handsets, but the L does deliver sharp, detailed stills with small traces of noise that mean you can definitely ditch the compact for basic snaps.”
T3’s summarizes the device well when they said “the Sony Xperia L is no Xperia Z, but then it was never meant to be. What it tries to do is take as many of the great qualities from the flagship Sony phone and blend them into a cheaper, more affordable body and it does a generally decent job of it.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Sony Xperia L released?
The Sony Xperia L was released on April 30, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the Sony Xperia L?
The Sony Xperia L has a 1,750 mAh battery.
Does the Sony Xperia L have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Sony Xperia L has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Sony Xperia L have NFC?
Yes, the Sony Xperia L has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Sony Xperia L?
Visit Sony's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Sony Xperia L manual?
You can view and download the Sony Xperia L manual on our dedicated manual page.
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