Xperia experience: hands on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY
By: calendar iconApril 21st, 2011 a 12:35pm

With the launch of the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY fast approaching, we recently talked to Rogers’ Michael Nguyen about some of the unique features of both devices.  We talked about what makes the Android operating system so popular, unique highlights of both devices and a quick demo of the voice recognition software and some cool apps like Google Goggles.

Take a look or you can read a transcript of the video here:

Both devices are set to join Rogers growing lineup of Android powered smartphones on April 28. Each will be $99.99 with a three year voice and data package.

Want more Android action? Check out our new microsite packed with Android news and videos at http://www.androidseverywhere.ca

Which device are you getting?

UPDATE (April 28, 2011, 9:20 am): The Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY have now joined Rogers lineup of Android smartphones. You can pick one up at your local Rogers store, or Rogers.com for $99.99 with a three year voice and data package. For more information on either device, you can also check out http://www.rogers.com/xperia

UPDATE (May 30, 2011 10:32 am): You’ve told us you want a device waiting list if your local store is out of stock. So as part of our commitment to help make it easier for you to do business with us, you can now reserve a the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc online using our new Rogers Reservation System. This system allows you to secure a place “in line” for the next available device without having to visit a store or call us. All you have to do is login to your MyRogers account, click the Waitlist button and follow the instructions. You’ll receive regular email notifications telling you your place in line and an email with courier company tracking details when the device ships. The device will be delivered to the participating store that you selected. For more details go here: www.rogers.com/rogersreservations

Miranda MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: 2.6/5 (12 votes cast)
Xperia experience: hands on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY, 2.6 out of 5 based on 12 ratings
category iconCategories:
Products, Video, Wireless
tag iconTags:
, , , , , , ,

share this

Jump to Comment Form
  1. Freddie says: April 21st, 2011 a 12:49pm

    Forget about the Arc and Play. Who needs yet-another-touchscreen-phone, with nothing to differentiate it from the rest of the Android phones available (ok, the Play is different).

    When will the Xperia Pro be available?

    • RogersMiranda says: April 21st, 2011 a 1:41pm

      Hey Freddie,

      We can’t comment on possible future device launches so you’ll just have to stay tuned to RedBoard (or our Twitter account @RogersBuzz) for more info on new devices.

    • Paul says: April 25th, 2011 a 8:47pm

      I’ll second that. I keep switching between my X10 and Torch and they both leave me wanting. (Don’t like the on-screen keyboard of the X10 and want better google calendar integration than the Torch offers among other issues). The Xperia Pro looks like it could just fill the gap!

      Count this as another request for the Xperia Pro when it comes out. Of course if Rogers doesn’t offer it I could just get it elsewhere anyways.

  2. Richard says: April 21st, 2011 a 12:57pm

    How come the Xperia Arc and the Xperia Play are the same price?
    In Europe and Asia, the Xperia Arc is cheaper by approximately $70.

    • RogersMiranda says: April 21st, 2011 a 2:05pm

      Hey Richard,

      That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing. While I can’t really comment on how other providers are pricing the devices, what I can say is that we’re always evaluating our prices to ensure the best value for customers. These devices are both $99.99 on a three year voice and data package which I think is great value!

  3. forzanerazzurri says: April 21st, 2011 a 1:48pm

    Do you have anything in place for those of us 24 months away from contract renewal that want to upgrade but dont want to pay the ridiculous full price?

    • RogersMiranda says: April 21st, 2011 a 2:16pm

      Sorry, but I’m not aware of any promotional offers for early upgrades for either device. If this changes, we’ll be sure to let customers know.

  4. Joe says: April 21st, 2011 a 2:12pm

    I haven’t received a call about the upgrade process. Just wondering if there is a time line from when you sign up until you’re contacted? Like to know if I am eligible before I look forward to the new Xperia PLAY

    • RogersMiranda says: April 21st, 2011 a 3:34pm

      Hi Joe,

      I’m not sure off-hand, I’ll look into this for you.

    • RogersMiranda says: April 21st, 2011 a 3:42pm

      Hi again Joe. Looks like the team has just started calling customers today. You should be contacted soon. If you don’t hear from anyone by this time next week, shoot me an email at redboardfeedback@rci.rogers.com and I’ll look into this for you. Have a great weekend!

  5. Bradley Blackmere says: April 21st, 2011 a 2:21pm

    Thanks for the Video, Miranda.

    I’m still hoping to see some Tegra 2 or similar devices hit Rogers. The Xperia play is very tempting, but the comparative lack of horsepower under the hood is a concern.

    @forzanerazzurri the whole contract system really can be a bummer for the consumer, but on the other hand these handheld computers really are worth $600 or more in terms of the power and sophistication of the device.

    When you consider that the average smartphone bill is around $80 a three year contract is worth ~3000 dollars to the carriers. I’m hoping that competition in canada will drive the monthly cost down… which will mean paying more when you upgrade the phone, but that will be a good thing.

  6. Bhupinder D says: April 21st, 2011 a 2:30pm

    I love the look of the Arc. ARC me baby! Sony Bravia Mobile sounds interesting! Google Goggle awesome too!

  7. Clayton says: April 21st, 2011 a 2:31pm

    I bought the Xperia Arc from Europe about 2 weeks ago and I have been nothing but impressed with it. The phone is a good weight to it and yet is amazingly thin for what is in it. I had no problems with it playing any movies, games, loading web pages or anything. The phone I got supports the European bands (900 and 2100) AND the North American bands (850/1900/2100). This thing flies both on 3G and wifi. It also came with the HDMI cable, USB cable, screen protector and Plug adapter for the wall that accepts 2 USB cables (obviously for Europe plugs but that was a $15 fix. Also the camera is great considering my previous phone was the Nokia N95 8GB with the 5MP Carl Zeiss camera in it.

    Very well put together device. If you are looking for a new phone I would highly recommend this phone. You will not be disappointed.

  8. Damon says: April 21st, 2011 a 10:32pm

    Will Rogers stores be offering the Xperia Play starting April 28th with no contract? If so, can I just walk in, pay cash, and leave with an Xperia Play with no contract or service? Do I have to be current Rogers customer to do that?

    Thanks!

    • RogersMiranda says: April 26th, 2011 a 11:57am

      Hi Damon,

      Yes, the Xperia PLAY will be available with no contract. Off-contract pricing will be available on launch day. No, you do not have to be an existing Rogers customer to purchase a device off-contract.

  9. Gerald says: April 22nd, 2011 a 1:05am

    Hi Miranda. Can you tell us what colours are coming out at launch? I know Sony Ericsson is releasing a black and white version of the xperia play, as well as a midnight blue and silver for the xperia arc.

    • RogersMiranda says: April 26th, 2011 a 12:00pm

      Hi Gerald,

      The Xperia arc and PLAY will be available in black at launch. We’ll let customers know if other colours become available.

      • RogersMiranda says: April 28th, 2011 a 9:25am

        Hey Gerald,

        I was incorrect before. Looks like we also have the white version of the Xperia PLAY available. You can now find it on Rogers.com. Just search “play” in the search box and it will be come up.

  10. Peter says: April 22nd, 2011 a 7:53pm

    I have an iPhone 1G an am looking to upgrade. This android thing has got a hold of me and am dying to get my hands on this ARC!!!

  11. Edward says: April 24th, 2011 a 3:40am

    Hi Miranda
    Just wondering will a lot of local stores have Xperia Play display unit or dummy unit by the 28th in Vancouver?

    • RogersMiranda says: April 26th, 2011 a 1:18pm

      Hey Peter,

      Yes, many stores will have Xperia PLAY devices on display but I don’t have access to a store-by-store list. Best to call ahead to your local store and ask if they have one on display before you head out.

  12. Peter says: April 24th, 2011 a 8:49pm

    Will rogers allow early upgrade for the xperia ARC? Right now I have no phone as my X10 broke last week, I phoned rogers and spoke with a rep which was going to allow me to do an early upgrade to iphone4 but I said no as I want the ARC.. Please tell me rogers will let me get the ARC on april 28th!!!

    • RogersMiranda says: April 26th, 2011 a 1:20pm

      Hi Peter,

      As far as I know there are no early upgrade options for the Xperia arc. If this changes, we’ll let customers know.

      • Chris says: April 26th, 2011 a 6:02pm

        No Early HUP? I also signed up for an a notification the first day it was available. I have yet to be advised of any eligibility, but I am sure I would fall into the Early HUP.

  13. yahia shire says: April 25th, 2011 a 5:47pm

    hi miranda,
    i put a $50 depost at best buy for the xperia play, and i should be reciving it wensday, but i just wanted to know weather i should buy the whole phone (money is not a problem) or the $99 contract . if i buy the phone for $549 will i be on a contact, and do i have a chose for which company i can go with.
    thx.

    • RogersMiranda says: April 26th, 2011 a 2:09pm

      Hi there,

      If you buy the Xperia PLAY at full price, you are not required to sign a contract.

      The Xperia PLAY is exclusive to Rogers.

  14. Shawn N says: April 25th, 2011 a 9:34pm

    Hi Miranda,

    Will Rogers be carrying the Misty Silver version of the Xperia ARC? If so, when can we expect to see it ? Thanks

    • RogersMiranda says: April 26th, 2011 a 2:11pm

      Hi Shawn,

      The device will be available in black at launch. No word on other colours at the moment.

  15. Tim says: April 26th, 2011 a 6:04pm

    I haven’t received a phone call about the pre-order for the arc.

    • RogersMiranda says: April 27th, 2011 a 2:43pm

      Hey Tim. Calls are still going on and we expect all customers to be contacted by end of week.

      • Scott says: April 27th, 2011 a 7:59pm

        Hi Miranda,

        Is this $149 with a $50 Mail in Rebate? When I talked with live chat they said it was special price of $99 for new customers only, if i understood correctly. Is this the case?

      • Sean says: April 29th, 2011 a 7:28am

        Interestingly, I signed up for the pre-order on April 1, my ex signed up last week (we are both upgrading from Magic+’s that we got 2 years ago). She got a call already and hers is on the way, and I am still waiting for my phone call. What is up with that?

        • RogersElise says: April 29th, 2011 a 2:42pm

          Hi Sean. I don’t have all the details, but from the info I have, calls are still being made to existing customers eligible for HUP.

          • Sean says: May 1st, 2011 a 12:45pm

            Still no call, still no information as to why someone who put their pre-order three weeks later would get their call first… And when talking to agents on the phone, they say they cannot help with the pre-order, so I have no recourse but to wait… *sigh*

  16. RogersMiranda says: May 2nd, 2011 a 1:10pm

    Hi Sean,

    Why don’t you email me your name and telephone number at redboardfeedback@rci.rogers.com and I’ll look into this for you.