The cellular telephone handset is more than just a communication device these days – it is a status symbol. And it is a pervasive one… even in disadvantaged communities, handsets proliferate, although they might not be the latest, top-of-the-line devices.

As South Africans, we are very cell-phone conscious, and numerous discussions about which device is better than which crop up all the time.

For those that are looking for a top notch, stylish device that falls a little out of the norm, in terms of smart phones, Sony Ericsson offers the Xperia X10 Mini.

It is set quite apart from the ‘Blackberry VS iPhone’ arguments (which, quite frankly are getting irritating… some people like Blackberry, some people like iPhone, deal with it.) In fact, the X10 Mini is so unique in its design that many people may do a double take if you were to haul one out of your pocket.

And it wouldn’t have to be a particularly big pocket, either. The X10 Mini lives up to it’s name… it’s tiny. Really tiny. It’s not the smallest phone we’ve ever encountered, but it really is impressive in its diminutive dimensions.

It reminds one of how handset makers were trying to cram everything they could into the smallest possible handset a few years ago. Then they seemed to figure out that it was pointless, and went back to more sensible sizes.

See, the problem with a small handset is that they get fiddly. The buttons are small, the screen is small, and you might just lose the damned thing if you’re not careful. The same can not be said for the X10 Mini. While it is small, it is still easy to use, and not too easy to misplace.

This is thanks, in large part, to its Android OS. Yes, it’s an Android phone, which is something we’ll likely be seeing a lot more of in the near future. This system rivals the Apple and Blackberry systems in functionality, making the X10 Mini a great device to use… and not only as a telephone.

Its 2.6 inch screen, which is very generous for its size, is touch sensitive. Everything is done via this screen, much like one would do with an iPhone. In fact, the X10 Mini has seven buttons that aren’t part of the touch screen, and they have very specific functions, like volume, power and camera controls.

Speaking of cameras, this phone packs a surprisingly powerful 5 megapixel photographic device, among its many other features.

These include internet functionality and social network support, a great media player bundle, Google apps, built in aGPS, FM radio, Wi-Fi connectivity and a bunch more. A whole list of accessories is also available for this attractive, truly pocket-sized phone.

As a phone, it’s also great, using high speed connectivity for both voice and internet communications.

The Xperia X10 Mini is a wonderful phone to use, and adds elegance and style to your pocket. Our main complaint with the device is a minor one, but one that may have some users a little frustrated: getting to the Mini-SD card slot is a bit of a chore. It is housed near the battery, and the back of the phone needs to be removed to get to it. Still, that’s not really a train-smash… it’s certainly no reason to write off this great handset from Sony Ericsson.

At A Glance

A small but powerful touch screen phone. And it’s stylish, too…

Manufacturer: Sony Ericsson

Distributor: Sony Ericsson

Tech Specs:

• 88 grams

• 5MP camera

• Bluetooth

• Wi-Fi

• aGPS (Assisted GPS)

• 2.6” screen

Pros:

• Good camera

• Stylish

• Android OS

Cons:

• Hard to get to the card slot