Sony has introduced its new Xperia XA2 Plus ‘performance mainstream’ smartphone that is positioned above the rest of the Xperia XA2 series, but below the high-end XZ2 range. The new Xperia XA2 Plus is based on the same platform as other members of the family, the Snapdragon 630, yet it is outfitted with a large 6-inch 2160x1080 display featuring an 18:9 aspect ratio, and supports Sony’s high-resolution audio.

The Sony Xperia XA2 Plus comes in a symmetric chassis with rounded edges made of anodized aluminum that resembles enclosures used by two other members of the family, but with significant changes on the front to fit in a 6-inch 18:9 display with a 2160×1080 resolution, which is bigger than screens used on other SKUs. To make the phone a bit more rugged, the Xperia XA2 Plus features Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 protection, an upgrade when compared to other XA2 models. As for dimensions, the phone is a bit larger and heavier than the Xperia XA2, but is a slightly smaller and lighter than the Xperia XA2 Ultra.

When it comes to internals, the Xperia XA2 Plus is based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 630 SoC that packs eight Arm Cortex-A53 cores along with an Adreno 508 graphics core. The same chip powers other Xperia XA2 handsets, so the XA2 Plus has the same performance and connectivity features as its brethren. Meanwhile the Xperia XA2 Plus will exist in two versions, one featuring 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory and 32 GB eMMC storage another outfitted with 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB eMMC storage. In addition, there will be single SIM and dual SIM versions in select regions.

Imaging capabilities of the Xperia XA2 Plus are also similar to other members of the family: the handset features a 23 MP Exmor RS (f/2.0, 24mm, 1/2.3”) sensor with ISO 12800 on the back as well as an 8 MP 120-degree sensor on the front. As for audio, the phone supports Sony’s high-resolution audio and Sony’s digital sound enhancement engine (DSEE HX), a first for a mid-range handset. For those who care, the Xperia XA2 Plus also has a 3.5-mm audio output.

The smartphone is outfitted with a 3580 mAh battery that supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 as well as Qnovo Adaptive Charging technology. Sony does not disclose battery life of the phone, but it is probably comparable with the Xperia XA2 Ultra.

Sony Xperia XA2 Family of Smartphones
  Xperia XA2 Xperia XA2 Ultra Xperia XA2 Plus
Display Size 5.2" 6" 6"
Resolution 1920×1080 (16:9) 2160×1080 (18:9)
PPI 424 PPI 367 PPI 402 PPI
Cover Gorilla Glass 4 Gorilla Glass 5
SoC Snapdragon 630
8 × Cortex A53 @ 2.2 GHz
GPU Adreno 508
RAM 3 GB LPDDR4 4 GB LPDDR4 4 GB LPDDR4
6 GB LPDDR4
Storage 32 GB eMMC
+ microSD
32 GB/64 GB eMMC
+ microSD
32 GB eMMC
64 GB eMMC
+ microSD
Networks GSM GPRS (2G), UMTS HSPA (3G), LTE (4G) CAT 13/12
SIM Size Nano SIM Nano SIM
SIM Options Single SIM Dual SIM in select
Local Connectivity Wi-Fi, BT 5.0, NFC,
3.5mm jack,
USB Type-C
Front Camera 8 MP 120-degree (f/2.4, 1/4"), Exmor R, SteadyShot 16 MP with OIS 8 MP 120-degree (f/2.4, 1/4"), Exmor R, SteadyShot
8 MP 120-degree, SteadyShot
Rear Camera 23 MP Exmor RS (f/2.0, 24mm, 1/2.3"), Hybrid AP, 5x Clear Image Zoom, 0.6s Quick Launch, ISO 12800
Battery 3300 mAh 3580 mAh
Dimensions Height 142 mm 163 mm 157 mm
Width 70 mm 80 mm 75 mm
Thickness 9.7 mm 9.5 mm 9.6 mm
Weight 171 grams 210 grams 204 grams
Launch OS Android 8.0 Oreo

Sony will ship its Xperia XA2 Plus in late August 2018, likely to coincide with IFA. Sony says that the handset will be available in silver, black, gold, and green versions. As for pricing, the Xperia XA2 Plus will be positioned above the Xperia XA2 Ultra, which is now available for $390.

Related Reading

Source: Sony

Comments Locked

17 Comments

View All Comments

  • tanx470 - Saturday, July 14, 2018 - link

    It looks great with the edge to edge screen, and considering how most phones are identical when it comes to looks, this one has a unique design which makes it stand out.
  • socrateos - Sunday, July 15, 2018 - link

    I like this design too. Really a great looking device.
  • R3MF - Friday, July 13, 2018 - link

    Sailfish OS?
  • The_Assimilator - Friday, July 13, 2018 - link

    If this is midrange, I wonder what AnandTech considers low-range.
  • PeachNCream - Friday, July 13, 2018 - link

    So much this! An approximately $400 USD phone is almost laughably over-priced regardless of whether or not the SoC used is in the middle of a product stack. Though, I think AT is just reusing wishful thinking/delusional marketing wording from OEMs when they name something mid-priced or whatever. I'm sure Sony's leadership would love for us to consider their $400+ phones as moderately priced and are swinging that banner as hard as possible.
  • Arnulf - Friday, July 13, 2018 - link

    The 4x A53 SoCs I bet ... Which must make 12x A53 "high-end"?

    A53 is a relic from the ancient past and should just die.It's the middle of 2018 now, where are the A72/A73 + A55 SoCs?
  • tanx470 - Saturday, July 14, 2018 - link

    Let me guess, a phone with SD430 or SD450? HD screen (720x1440)? 2-3 GB of RAM? Max 32 GB storage?

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now