Review: Sony Xperia Neo V

The Sony Xperia Neo V is an incredibly slick phone. It looks great and the Android platform makes it a high-functioning smartphone that's easy to use. I do, however, have one major gripe: why make a smartphone with a measly 5MP camera? I thought that silliness was reserved for BlackBerry.

The Xperia Neo V is a good-looking device. It boasts a high-resolution screen with vibrant colours. Weighing in at 126g, the Neo V is light, and fits neatly into the user's hand, making one-hand typing a breeze.

Despite having a plastic cover, the Neo V has a lovely shiny exterior with smooth, rounded edges. The outputs are neatly tucked behind flaps, which are clearly marked, so users don't have to carry out a mini-search just to charge the phone. Unfortunately, because of the plastic backing, taking off the cover to insert a SIM card or exchange the battery feels a tad dicey. It doesn't help that the back cover is so thin, either. Moreover, the glossy plastic casing is covered with fingerprints in no time.

The Android operating system on the Xperia Neo V is very easy to use. Users can create shortcuts and the menu can also be customised. Considering the phone comes preloaded with a host of apps, it's great that users can organise their apps according to their personal usage.

The 1GB processor means this phone performs functions in good time. Opening applications is near instantaneous. The processor makes for great Internet browsing, subject to service providers doing their bit, too.

I found call quality was great. As a newbie to Android (who is fast assimilating), I found answering calls counter-intuitive. The absence of the 'little green call button' threw me a bit. However, once I got used to swiping from left to right to answer calls, making and receiving them was a pleasure.

At 3.7 inches, the screen is more than adequate for browsing photos. I did find typing messages somewhat frustrating. The keys were a bit small for my fingers, and when predictive text kicks in, it gets really annoying. Having said that, the Neo V does have an accelerometer, so users can turn it on its side to access a larger keyboard.

YouTube fans will be pleased with the 480 x 854 pixel display, while the rich colours add to the phone's slick design, making it aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, while I do have gripes with the camera being only 5MP, photos display beautifully. So while users may choose not to print their pictures, it is great to store and browse everyday snaps.

The phone is WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled. I find that WiFi functionality is a must for smartphones, which have a ferocious appetite for data. Given the high functionality and the various social media apps that come preinstalled on the Neo V, it really helps that these can be used with a wireless connection.

The phone does not come with the latest USB 3.0, but rather a USB 2.0 output. Having said that, USB 2.0 is more than sufficient for transferring MP3s, photos and word documents, so it's unlikely users will find the phone wanting when transferring data.

I really like that the Neo V ships with a USB power point adapter. This saves on cables, and it's a plus that the Neo V can charge via a PC or laptop. (Especially for users like me, who are inclined to lose chargers.)

The Neo V has a 5MP camera. I would expect more on a smartphone. It was also surprising, considering the Neo had an 8.1MP camera. One of the things I love about smartphones is that you no longer have to carry a bunch of gadgets around with you. However, at 5MP, users will probably want to stick to their point-and-shoot cameras when taking pictures on special occasions.

However, the 5MP are more than adequate for printing out standard 10 x 15cm photos. Furthermore, the Neo V's camera boasts some great features, including 3D functionality. Personally, I would swap the 3D for more megapixels.

The camera also has special settings, including night mode, sport mode, landscape and portrait that help users take the best pictures in particular situations.

The panoramic view is also a great function that lets users take wide images by panning left to right. This function is also really easy to use and is not dependent on timing, so pictures come out with the correct spacing, regardless of the user's timing.

The Neo V comes preloaded with a number of apps. Not surprisingly, users will find social media apps for Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and GTalk preinstalled. The Neo V can also sync with users' Facebook information, including contact details and friends' birthdays. Users may also be pleased to find apps for Google Maps, YouTube and News24.There is also a great app for Google Search that lets users open a search with the tap of one icon.

Music lovers are sure to enjoy the native music app. This player comes with a nifty feature that gives users access to track information. If users press the infinity icon while playing tracks, the Neo V will also bring up YouTube videos and lyrics. There is also a Track ID app, which can be used to identify music.

Unfortunately, the Neo V, like most smartphones, needs to be charged almost daily when using all its functions. I found that it easily managed a full day of browsing and making calls on one charge.

I found the camera a tad disappointing, given the rest of the high specs. It is also a pity that the plastic casing is inclined to attract fingerprints. However, the Xperia Neo V is a definite contender in the mid-range smartphone arena. It offers great functionality, which is boosted by the 1GB processor. All in all, the Neo offers real value for money.