Sony Ericsson's 3-inch Xperia X8 made official, coming in Q3 2010 for €259

While the real Shakira may be busy gallivanting over in South Africa, Sony Ericsson's handset that bore the same (code)name has today been unveiled as the latest member of the Xperia line. Bridging the gap between the fully formed X10 and its Mini siblings, the 3-inch Xperia X8 will run Android 1.6 somewhere deep underneath a comprehensively customized skin. That means you get Sony Ericsson's social (Timescape) and media (Mediascape) aggregators whether you like them or not, and by the looks of the early hands-on pictures, it seems like a straight port of the UI available on the X10 Mini. A 3.2 megapixel camera is available around back, with WiFi, a 600MHz CPU, 1,200mAh battery, and interchangeable covers completing the value proposition. The X8 will cost around €259 ($318) when it launches in the third quarter of this year. Hit the sources for more pictures.

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Introducing the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 is a great entertainment smartphone that extends the appeal of the Xperia™ collection to new market segments. The user interface is similar to that of the Xperia™ X10 mini, with the four-corners that give easy one hand use and can be customised for one touch access to your favourite applications. The Xperia™ X8 also includes Timescape™ for easy access to all your social networking and the infinite button for one click access to a world of content. The open Android operating system delivers great smartphone functionality and access to thousands of applications on Android Market™. Timo Maassmann, Product Marketing Manager for XperiaTM X8, said "We are delighted to be able to bring the full experience of our XperiaTM smartphones to new consumers by delivering a fully featured device at a more accessible price position."

The Xperia™ X8 is perfect for enjoying multimedia. Whether it's a game from the Android Market™, the latest funny clips on YouTube™ or browsing the web, the 3-inch screen means you won't miss a thing. Discover and download songs from PlayNow™, then listen to all your music using the 3.5mm headphone jack. If you are feeling more creative, there's a 3.2 megapixel camera and video recording functionality.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 - Key features

* Four corners for easy one hand use and one touch access to applications
* Customize the four corners with your favourite apps and add widgets to your homescreens
* Enjoy games, video, internet and more on the 3-inch screen
* Timescape™ shows all your communication in one place for ultimate simplicity
* Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained
* 3,2 megapixel camera – snap away and upload instantly to Facebook™

The XPERIA™ X8 supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900/2100

The XPERIA™ X8 will be available in selected markets from Q3 in the colours White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White.

Log on to The Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X8 at a glance

Camera

* 3,2 megapixel camera
* Direct picture upload to Facebook™
* Geo tagging
* Sony Ericsson Album application
* Video recording

Music

* Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
* PlayNow™
* Sony Ericsson Music Player
* TrackID™

Web

* Bookmarks
* Pan and zoom
* WebKit web browser

Communication

* Facebook™ application
* Sony Ericsson Timescape™

Messaging

* Push email
* Instant messaging
* Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® support with Dataviz™ RoadSync™
* Picture messaging (MMS)
* Predictive text input
* Text messaging (SMS)

Design

* Auto rotate
* Picture wallpaper
* Capacitive touchscreen

Entertainment

* Infinite button
* Sony Ericsson FM radio
* Video streaming
* Video viewing

Organiser

* Calendar
* Flight mode
* Phone book with dialer
* Sony Ericsson Home with Widget
* Notes

Location-based services

* A-GPS
* Google Maps™
* Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation* (free trial version)
* *The service may not be available in every market. For more information, go to www.sonyericsson.wisepilot.com

Connectivity

* 3.5 mm audio jack
* Bluetooth™ technology
* Micro USB connector
* NeoReader® barcode scanning app
* Sony Ericsson Sync
* USB mass storage
* USB support
* Wi-Fi™

Google™ services

* Android Market™ Client
* Gmail™
* Google Calendar™
* Google LatitudeTM
* Google Maps™ with Street View
* Google search widget
* Google Talk™
* YouTube™

Screen

* 16,777,216 colour TFT touchscreen
* Capacitive touchscreen
* 3.0 inches
* 320 x 480 pixels (HVGA)
* Scratch-resistant (min. pencil hardness 6H)

Accessories

* In-Box:
* XPERIA™ X8
* Battery 1200mAh
* Stereo portable handsfree
* 2 GB microSD™ card
* Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
* User documentation
* Optional:
* Hi-Fi Wireless Headset with FM Radio MW600
* Portable Stereo Speakers MS450
* Hi-Fi Headset with Remote MH810

Facts

* Size: 99 x 54 x 15 mm
* Weight: 104g
* Phone memory: Up to 128 MB
* Memory card support: microSD™ up to 16GB
* Memory card included: 2 GB
* Operating system: Google™ Android Donut, version 1.6
* Processor: 600MHz

Availability and versions

* Networks
* UMTS HSPA 900/2100
* GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
* UMTS HSPA 800/1900/2100
* GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
* Available in selected markets from Q3 2010

Colour

* White
* Dark Blue/White
* Aqua Blue/White
* Pink/White
* Silver/White

[kyphem Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:12AM]

why is it so thick?

[Paul Elmy Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:17AM]

@kyphem

how thin you want it to be?
I think it's okay.

[Paul Elmy Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:19AM]

@Paul Elmy

IT'S A FAMILY OF PHONES.

[Vlad Savov Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:19AM]

@kyphem thatswhatshe.. wait, I work here, we'll have none of that talk in this establishment!

[kyphem Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:20AM]

@Paul Elmy I mean its as thick as the cellphones from 4-5 years ago. Didn't Motorola Razr taught them anything?

[NikAmi Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:42AM]

@kyphem I guess because it thinks you're cute.

[JFH Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:57AM]

@Vlad Savov

LOL

[sinco Posted Jun 16th 2010 12:41PM]

@kyphem
you guys should be ashamed, vlad had to make the 'thats what she said' joke because none of you did it. Its a real shame.

[putte Posted Jun 16th 2010 10:04PM]

@kyphem
It's only 1 mm thicker than the RAZR.

[panosx Posted Jun 17th 2010 4:00AM]

OMG! My worst KIRF nightmares just came true.. Damn you SE.

[tvoben Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:14AM]

That´s a cheap phone. Today even the HTC magic still cost around 300-350€..

Lets hope this will successful so that We will se future phones from SE

[tobsmonster2 Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:30AM]

@tvoben
Seriously who's the target audience for this thing?

[xnox Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:37AM]

@tvoben

HTC Tattoo goes for £80-£125 unlocked on ebay without contract. Similar spec device, which is about 100-150 EUR. Even with contract I see no point in getting this phone!

[tvoben Posted Jun 16th 2010 6:47AM]

@xnox

To be honest, HTC tattoo hasnt got similair specs,
No cap.display
Old processor (same as HTC HD1 & Xperia X1)
Bad build quality

[putte Posted Jun 16th 2010 10:07PM]

@tobsmonster2
I am. Well, maybe not for the pink version.

[mrqs Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:15AM]

i like the gradient on the back

[emceephi Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:18AM]

Typing on a 3" touchscreen is gonna be a bitch. It's already hard enough on 3.2" Android phones.

[Marko Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:20AM]

Why does the iPhone have to cost 600€ then!?!?!? );

[Douglasac Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:31AM]

@Marko

Because you pay an additional €300+ for the logo on the back. Nothing more, nothing less.

[brrip Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:38AM]

@Marko so you're protected from flash porn banners

[mnhthebest Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:17AM]

@brrip

And you get a psychological feeling of being intimate with steve jobs

[balanko Posted Jun 16th 2010 6:08AM]

@Douglasac

SE are saying it will cost less than 200 EUROS !!!!!!!!

Source
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/2010/06/16/x8-announcement-and-xperia-updates/

Today we are also introducing a brand new member to the 2010 Xperia line-up, Xperia X8. This phone takes the best from Xperia X10 and the mini products into a new price point (under 200 Euro Retail) that will give consumers a greater choice and attract a new audience for touch screen Android phones. The user interface is similar to that of the Xperia™ X10 mini, with the four-corners that give easy one hand use and can be customised for one touch access to your favourite applications. Please check this link for specs and images in our press room.

[YorchArturo Posted Jul 11th 2010 1:04AM]

@Douglasac I think you pay like 500 for the back logo, but lets admit, the design is amazing in the iPhone, although it needs to change since 2007, even the iPhone 4 is exactly like the first.

[space2 Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:21AM]

"That means you get Sony Ericsson's social (Timescape) and media (Mediascape) aggregators whether you like them or not"

You make it sound it bad. If you like it, use it. If you don't like it, install some alernatives (there are plenty on Android Market). I personally like this phone, and hardly wait to use it :-)

[Yankee Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:31AM]

That phone would have been great... 3 years ago.

[pika2000 Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:50AM]

"Operating system: Google™ Android Donut, version 1.6"
Wow, a phone coming in Q3 2010 with 1.6. Really SE? When are you going to release an Android phone with 2.2? In 2012 after the world ended?

"UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900/2100"
Okay, everybody read that? Let's see what other excuses SE will have for not releasing this in the US. Oh wait, the X10 Duke Nukem Forever edition is not even out yet. :rolleyes:

[CommentsTroll Posted Jun 16th 2010 4:57AM]

Great price. But 1.6, really?

[Xman Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:00AM]

So basically sony ericsson makes one model and copy it 3 times to cover all areas? sounds stupid

[mnhthebest Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:37AM]

@Xman

Sounds like choice. more is better...

[Cyberdyne Systems Posted Jun 16th 2010 7:28AM]

@Xman
Sounds like GM.

[NewL Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:05AM]

Needs more screen...and a newer OS version.

[chronos Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:38AM]

no multi-touch???

[rend2688 Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:43AM]

Hey Engadget, perhaps add this to your post so others know about it too... It MAY launch with 2.1 as the phone launches around the time the normal x10/x10mini get the update. Good to see they brough it forward to Q3. So its only 2.1, better than nothing i guess lol

From the SE Official Blog:

"The launch release of Android OS for the Xperia™ X8 is still to be determined. As the improved timing for Android 2.1 availability now coincides with the launch window for Xperia X8, we are currently discussing with our customers the most appropriate way to bring the product to market for each operator in each country. As customer testing has already started in a number of markets it is important that we preserve the robustness of the launch whilst ensuring a compelling user experience. XperiaTM X8 will either launch on Android 1.6 with a subsequent upgrade to Android 2.1 a few weeks later or will launch on Android 2.1. The final decision will be taken on a market-by-market basis."

http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/2010/06/16/x8-announcement-and-xperia-updates/

[rend2688 Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:52AM]

hands on
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http://hi-tech.mail.ru/review/misc/SE_X8-prev.html&sl=ru&tl=en

[DariaMorgendorffer Posted Jun 16th 2010 5:53AM]

Finally SE realizes the X10 is too big.....who'd want a brick like that in the pocket??!!

BTW, the Mini's cool, I've played with one in a store and it's so tempting, if only it didn't have 1.6 :(

[atc9000 Posted Jun 16th 2010 6:09AM]

@DariaMorgendorffer
strange thing its about same size as the iPhone 3gs. I know cause I owned both...at the same time by the way LOL
So unless you think the iPhone is too big woops

[cslawren Posted Jun 16th 2010 8:55AM]

Is that HTC Sense on the Xperia on the right?

[Mahapralaya Posted Jun 16th 2010 9:35AM]

@cslawren
I noticed the customizations too. Nice entry level handset for us guys with shallow pockets, and non-subsidizing carriers. Also one step further in turning all feature phones into smartphones.

[scott5626 Posted Jun 16th 2010 10:09AM]

I am curious if HTC will sue because of the Weather Widget Sony's using?

[Sniggih Posted Jun 16th 2010 11:09AM]

Sorry Sony... u missed the party. Its a little too late for that stuff now.

[victorinoxs Posted Jun 16th 2010 9:21PM]

really? seriously?? Android 1.6 in Q3 2010 !?

[POZ Posted Jun 17th 2010 11:44PM]

Someone needs to school Sony on how to make buttons. Those are ridiculously horrible.