Sony Xperia J

First impressions

The Sony Xperia J offers Android Ice Cream Sandwich software -- and the promise of an update to the newer Jelly Bean -- at a potentially wallet-friendly price. There doesn't appear to be anything major to gripe about with this budget handset but there's nothing to get your heart racing either.

Good

• Android Ice Cream Sandwich software
• Jelly Bean update promised

The Sony Xperia J is the latest affordable smart phone from Sony. It's far from the most powerful handset going but it promises to put a snazzy version of Android in your pocket without lifting too much cash out -- we hope.

The price hasn't been confirmed yet but judging by the phone's features and specs, it won't be too expensive. At least, it had better not be. The Xperia J comes with Google's Ice Cream Sandwich Android software on board, with promises of an update to the latest version,Jelly Bean.

The Xperia J launches this winter. My first impressions below are based on the assumption the Xperia J will be reasonably priced.

Design

Styled after the thin 'n' curved Xperia Arc and Arc S, the Xperia J measures 9.2mm slim. It comes in black, gold, white and pink.

The Sony Xperia J comes in four colours, this being my favourite.

It's faced with a 4-inch display, which is a decent enough size, but the resolution is a distinctly average 480x854 pixels.

While that's fine for apps, web browsing and watching video, it's far from the beautiful high-definition screen seen on phones such as theXperia S and Xperia T. Still, you have to accept compromises with affordable phones and the display is the major cutback here.

It showcases a gently curved profile and measures 9.2mm thin.

The 5-megapixel camera doesn't sound that impressive, but Sony has a history of decent camera phones so I hope this snapper is better than the number suggests. A second camera is included on the front for video chats.

Inside is a 1GHz Qualcomm processor and the operating system is Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. That's not the latest version of Android, but it's still relatively rare, especially on cheaper phones. Even better, Sony promises the Xperia J and all the new Xperia range will upgrade to the very newest version, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. However, who knows how long you'll have to wait to see that.

Google's Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system comes pre-loaded, which is rare on cheaper phones.

Music

On board is 4GB of internal storage for your movies, music, apps and snaps. There's a nod to Sony's past with the naming of the Walkman app, for listening to your music without a care in the world. As well as enjoying the tunes you've bought, you can access Sony's streaming service Music Unlimited. Another clever social feature is the ability to listen to a playlist of songs that have been liked by your Facebook friends.

Outlook

Ultimately, the success of the Xperia J depends on whether the price is as stripped back as the specs. If Sony's on the money, then I won't mind the standard-definition screen, while the presence of Ice Cream Sandwich and promise of Jelly Bean is a definite plus. But if you're looking for thrills, you won't find it here. Other than the choice of operating system, the Xperia J is perfectly ordinary and unremarkable in every way. 

Bad

• Undistinguished screen
• No date for Jelly Bean update