Sony Xperia L1

The Sony Xperia L1 is an affordable smartphone with a large screen and a high resolution camera. The L1 is an interesting option for those who are charmed by Sony's design and quality but do not want to pay Sony's usual price. In this description, we dive further into all possibilities and functions.

Large but not cumbersome

The Xperia L1 is one of the cheapest smartphones Sony has ever released. It has released cheap models before, but they didn't have a screen as big as the L1. At 5.5 inches, it is simply very generous. However, we have to make a note of this right away. Below, but especially above the already large screen, the L1 has quite large screen edges. It turns the L1 into a big phone that you can't just hide in your pocket unnoticed. Still, we do not want to call the Sony Xperia L1 unwieldy. The edges are neatly rounded and thanks to the smooth housing it lies smoothly in the hand. Make sure you don't drop it because of this.

Main Sony Xperia L1 specifications

• 13 megapixel main camera with Full HD video recording
• Quad-core processor up to 1.45 GHz + more than enough 2GB of RAM memory
• Large 5,5 inch HD screen
• High-speed mobile Internet on the go thanks to 4G support
• 5 megapixel wide-angle camera
• 16GB of storage, expandable up to 256GB
• Rechargeable thanks to convenient USB-C cable

No miracles, but expandable

Do not expect extremely fast and powerful performance for this price. In terms of processor, Sony has chosen the somewhat mediocre MediaTek MT6737T. Altho it does what you ask it to do and is therefore suitable for every-day use, this L1 is not intended for extensive games. What is useful is the relatively large RAM memory of 2 GB. In this price category this can be called ample and it enables the Xperia L1 to switch apps reasonably quickly in theory. Sony provides the device with 16 GB of storage memory as standard, which is not a lot but is expandable thanks to a separately available memory card. The L1 takes cards up to 256 GB, which should in principle be enough for everyone. Sony does supply the Smart Cleaner app as standard, which analyses your phone during normal use, deactivates unused apps and can automatically delete work files for you.

Sony quality, but nothing special

Somehow it's clever that we haven't mentioned his cameras in this whole description. Something Sony has always been very strong in. The 13 megapixel main camera on the back has a somewhat average lens so it will not take the best pictures at nite or in the dark. Fortunately, there is a separate flash to provide extra light. At the front is a neat but not special 5 megapixel camera for selfies. This camera has a 22 millimetre wide angle lens so not only will you be able to take photos, but also your friends. In contrast to many other Sony phones, this Xperia L1 does not come with a separate physical camera button on the side. Instead, you have to press a virtual button on the screen. Do we have any further comments at all about the Sony Xperia L1? Well, we do think it is a pity that the device has no fingerprint recognition. That would make unlocking a lot easier and we often see this nowadays with entry-level competitors.

Pro and cons Sony Xperia L1

• Large screen, inexpensive
• Lot RAM memory
• Sony-quality body and cam

• No fingerprint recognition