My Sony Xperia T frustrations

I got the Sony Xperia T at Mobile World Congress as part of an NFC pilot program. I never managed to participate as I had problems with the software that refused to log me on and on. There was an NFC help desk at one of the halls, but I never found time to go there for a tech support — it was a busy week, as you can imagine.

Then when I got home, I decided this will be my next phone until HTC One, Sony Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy S IV start selling in my country. So installed all the apps I’ve been using on my now-dated Galaxy S II and was looking forward to test it out.

After using the “Bond phone” for a week, I have just one thing to say – this is probably the worst phone I’ve ever seen. In fact, I’m sure 007 wouldn’t get through the day if that was his only phone. There are two main reasons:

The Xperia T constantly reboots. And I’m talking about 30 reboots PER day!
It can’t connect to all Wi-Fi hotspots, my home network included.

Now, you may say I’m using some weird (not regular) apps. That’s not the case – all of the apps running on my Xperia T are downloaded from the Google Play store. In fact, ALL of them were running on the Galaxy S II. I also haven’t rooted the phone or did something of that sort.

As for the second point, I’ve read at XDA forums that I need to tweak my router, change few things in the settings, to make it “compatible” (or something) with the Xperia T. What? That same router is used for connecting all other devices in my apartment, including the Samsung Galaxy S II, my wife’s LG Prada 3.0, Nexus 10 and two laptops. It’s good for them, but not for Sony? And in case you wonder, I did disconnect few devices to see whether the router has too many connections. That didn’t help.

But wait, there’s more. As I tried to deal with the two problems, I searched the web to find the solution. Guess what I’ve found – it’s not just Xperia T users that have these problems; other Xperia phone owners are reporting similar issues. What gives?

In case you wonder, the phone runs Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich out of box, as I’m still waiting for the Jelly Bean update (some markets already got it).

UPDATE: I flashed Jelly Bean on it (Sony’s official ROM) but I’m sad to say that didn’t help. My Wi-Fi network is still not visible and the phone keeps rebooting throughout the day.

Let me get one thing straight – I love the new Xperia Z (and ZL for that matter), but if it acts like the Xperia T, it’s doomed for failure. We used to bash LG for not updating their devices in a timely fashion, but they worked perfectly out of box (and with apps installed). With Sony, that’s different – as soon as you install few apps, it keeps crashing. They need to *seriously* get their act together to stay relevant in the mobile game.

If you happen to own the Sony Xperia T, please don’t hesitate to share your experiences, and perhaps give me some advice how to fix some of the issues I’m having. Thanks.

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

http://twitter.com/xXINiKoIXx Red-XIII

I got Xperia T from various months and… Nevere evere and never agin had a similar problem, so… you blame on Sony and you have… a FREE XPERIA T even if Faulty, so if you don’t ask for a substition, is Sony’s Fault? I think is possibile that some device have some manufacturing mistakes, it’s normal… Every one can do, but if you don’t asked for a working one, is your fault, not sony!
yeah

I’ve had this phone for a month. I’ve got zero problems. Probably the best android device I’ve owned. You write an article because you have bad hardware? Do you really think every xperia t acts like that? You need to find something to write about I think. Lame article.
- http://twitter.com/dusanb Dusan Belic
  
  not the case. I *really* wanted to love it. Just search the web for problems people have with Xperia phones. I was surprised to discover I’m not the only one. Plus it’s not just Xperia T that has this issues… unfortunately.
  - http://mygpl.us/peksalvo Pek
    
    in the web you can find problems with every existent phone…
sbangar

try repairing your phone with SEUS
itsnoel

Hmmm, this is the same kind of problem I have had with Nokia. As a pilot test, can you see/connect to the router without security set up. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason with the Nokias as to why they woudnt connect and it was a case that the previous model would but a new one wouldnt! Good luck with that.

As for the restarting clearly that’s not normal. My T runs well and it too was a Sony test device in its life before it came to me. Did you backup apps from Google or install fresh? If so, try not to. The internal and SD card storage setup on the T is different too and its a bind to have apps on SD card it seems. Could be something to do with restarts.
wasabi

My Xperia T has been rebooting itself for probably more than 30 times a day and has suddenly started to overheat frequently. This has only recently happened after I installed Jelly Bean. Quite upsetting actually…
geofftate

Not shocked at the reboot reports. Seems to be problem with most all Androids including Samsung. The worst offenders along with Sony seem to be HTC and LG.
waleed794

This phone is so amazing therz no way they can make it better . I have cm10 and its very smooth and no reboots
N

It has been nearly 2 weeks since I’ve purchased my Xperia T and I have experienced the same problem, it just seems to reboot whenever it feels like it
MoN

I’ve had my Xperia T for about 4 months and today was the first time it has crashed, I get lag every now and then but that’s normal user lag. My phone has crashed now and I have no idea what to do. I cant reboot it because well you cant open the back to take the battery out. so any suggestions on what I should do?