Sony launched an updated version of the Xperia S, and called it the Xperia SL, quite recently. It’s been a rather quiet launch, and not without reason, however. While the phone definitely features an update over the Xperia S, not much has changed, so we can’t really call it a definite upgrade – it’s more of a replacement offering. But let’s take a closer look at the differences (and the similarities) between these two smartphones.
What has changed?: The first noticeable difference is in the OS. The Xperia SL has received an upgrade and runs on Android 4.0 or ICS, while the Xperia S still ships with Android 2.3 or Gingerbread. The Xperia SL’s also got a more a powerful processor, a dual-core 1.7 GHz processor, as opposed to the dual-core 1.5 GHz processor within the Xperia S. The Android update makes the Xperia SL more power efficient, and even though both phones come equipped with a 1750 mAh battery, the Xperia SL has longer talk-time. Sony has also launched a new color option for the Xperia SL – in addition to black, white and silver, the Xperia SL is also available in a pink variant.
While the Xperia SL also lacks a microSD card slot, its internal memory of 32 GB has been supplemented by 50 GB of free cloud storage space (for only a limited time though). It’s a slight increase from the Xperia S’s 26 GB of internal storage space, however. The Xperia SL also comes with enhanced Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, against the Xperia S’s Bluetooth 2.1.
What hasn’t changed?: When you look at the long list of similarities, you realize what a disappointment the Xperia SL has been. Both the phones have the same screen size – a 4.3-inch display with a 720X1280 pixel resolution and scratch resistant glass. Even the RAM’s not changed – both these models come with 1 GB of RAM. Sony has decided to maintain the camera too in the new model – a 12 MP rear camera and a 1.3 MP front-facing one. Both phones also have the same Adreno 220 graphics support.
