Sony Xperia XA review: overcharging on entrance

Sony Xperia XA design and build quality

The Sony Xperia XA looks and feels very good, despite lacking the metal unibody of the Xperia X – it instead has a plastic enclosure. Unfortunately, Sony has omitted the splash protection that the Xperia XA’s predecessors, the Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia M5, featured.

The virtually borderless display transitions smoothly into the plastic frame. / © AndroidPIT

The Sony Xperia XA is beguiling to the touch. It feels pleasantly matt and smooth and has an edgeless and gapless design. The volume rocker sits slightly higher than on many other Xperia models, making it easier to reach.

The Nano-SIM and MicroSD cards can be swapped in and out without extra tools. / © AndroidPIT

A discrete flap on the side of the phone can be removed with your fingernail, granting you access to the Nano-SIM or microSD card slot without the need for a special tool. However, the flap is not sealed against liquids and dust.

Note the rounded transition between the frame and the glass display. / © AndroidPIT

The Sony Xperia XA weighs 137 grams and is 7.9-millimeters thick. The most visible design differences to the Xperia X and X Performance models is the XA’s lack of fingerprint scanner and, as mentioned previously, its choice of casing material.

The plastic case makes, at the very least, a good first impression. / © AndroidPIT

It’s impossible to say how well the plastic casing copes in the long term, as we only tested the device for a week.

Sony does offer a selection of protective cases for the Xperia XA. Firstly, there is the flip cover, which comes in the four possible body colors. When you flip the cover open, the display is automatically activated; close it and the display switches off.

A fingerprint scanner is not something you will find on a Sony device under $300. / © AndroidPIT

Next up is the StyleCover SBC26, which is also available in the four housing colors. It is placed over the rear panel and device edges, protruding slightly above the edge of the display. Then there is the Smart Style Cover SBC24, which is thin, transparent and practically invisible.

The metal edges on the left and right side of the Xperia XA are cool to the touch.

The top and bottom portions of the frame are also plastic. / © AndroidPIT