Sony Ericsson stole the show on the first day of the MWC 2008 with the launch of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 smartphone. The Xperia X1 is one of those phones we were all dying to see last year - a new Sony Ericsson phone that has so much wow factor, you really don't know where to begin!

Crammed full of features, with fantastic styling, and a superb user interface, the XPERIA X1 even makes me wonder whether I should replace my Nokia E90 for it.

More details and pictures of the XPERIA X1 after the jump.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Overview

OK, where to begin? Well, the design I guess. The first thing you notice about the XPERIA X1 is just how good it looks. Featuring a massive 3" touchscreen with true VGA resolution, the phone is dominated by its display. Unlike the iPhone, though, there are buttons underneath, and these are shaped attractively in a diamond-like pattern.

The user interface is stunning, and looks like it'll give the iPhone a run for its money. However, everything about the XPERIA X1 is so much better than the iPhone, comparisons quickly become pointless. For example, there's a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out from underneath in what Sony Ericsson are calling an Arc-Slider design, which offers true typing abilities rather than the annoying hunt/peck/delete-and-start-again approach of the iPhone.

As far as connectivity is concerned, the XPERIA X1 is blessed with Wi-Fi, HSDPA, and HSUPA for blisteringly fast downloads and uploads. Then there's the in-built GPS unit, the 3.2 megapixel camera, 3D games, video recording - the list just goes on and on.

Most surprisingly, the XPERIA X1 uses Windows Mobile rather than a Symbian OS. On the plus side, you get full compatibility with Microsoft Office documents, but on the downside, it means the XPERIA X1 is lumbered with Internet Explorer Mobile.

In short, the XPERIA X1 is a cross between the Nokia E90 and the Apple iPhone. It's got the looks and the fantastic user interface of the iPhone with all the functionality of the E90, all wrapped up in a stunning looking device.

Sony Ericsson deserve some serious kudos for pulling this out of the bag, as they've released what could be the star of the show.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 in detail

From the press release:

Today marked the launch of XPERIA™ and a new era in mobile communications with the announcement of the XPERIA™ X1, a stand-out, arc slider phone from Sony Ericsson designed to address the growing need for a premium, converged mobile experience.

The XPERIATM X1 combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body. With Windows Mobile® inside, the XPERIA™ X1 lets you choose from a dynamic range of activities at anytime and anywhere; from enjoying your favourite entertainment content to working efficiently on-the-move. Access a world of experiences simply by touching the XPERIA™ panel on the screen.

“XPERIA™ represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience,” said Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. “This launch, and the announcement of the X1, further strengthens the overall Sony Ericsson brand and places us at the forefront of mobile convergence.”

“Our vision for the XPERIA™ X1 is to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design,” said Rikko Sakaguchi, Head of Portfolio and Propositions, Sony Ericsson. “XPERIA™ is our promise to think foremost of user experience and to deliver the premium experience – anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone.”

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 – energised communication, the premium experience.

• Convergence of multimedia entertainment and mobile Web communication
• Unique arc slider with wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard
• XPERIA™ panels - arrange as you want for easy access
• Enjoy multimedia entertainment on bright wide VGA display
• Windows Mobile® capabilities

XPERIA™ panel interface – experiences just the way you want them

Enjoy access to different experiences – Web, multimedia, applications – from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA™ panels just the way you want them.

Multiple navigation – the choice is yours

XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact with your phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.

Arc slider design – makes it stand out

The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.

Ultimate mobile experience – performance on the move

With Windows Mobile®, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi™ support, you can enjoy your favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. aGPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA™ X1 is a premium mobile experience.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X1 release date is scheduled for the second half of 2008.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Specifications

Brace yourself - we're going in!...

Camera

• Auto focus
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Photo light
• Video recording

Music

• Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
• Media player
• Music tones
• PlayNow™
• Windows Media Player Mobile
• 3D games
• FM radio
• Java
• Video streaming
• Video viewing

Internet

• Internet Explorer® Mobile
• RSS feeds

Communication and Messaging

• Polyphonic ringtones
• Speakerphone
• Vibrating alert
• Video calling
• Email
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Predictive text input
• Text messaging (SMS)

Design

• XPERIA™ panels
• Optical joystick navigation
• Navigation key
• Picture wallpaper
• Touch navigation

Organiser

• Alarm clock
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Document editors
• Document readers
• Flight mode
• Handwriting recognition
• Notes
• Phone book
• Tasks
• Touchscreen

Connectivity

• aGPS
• Bluetooth™ technology
• Modem
• Synchronization
• USB support
• WLAN

Windows® Mobile® Operating System

• Microsoft® Outlook Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks
• Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Internet Explorer® Mobile
• Windows Media™ Player Mobile
• Windows Live™
• Exchange ActiveSync®
• Voice control
• Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

• Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
• Weight: 145 grams

Available colours

• Black
• Silver
• Main screen: 65,536 color TFT
• Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels
• Size: 3 inches

Memory

• Phone memory: up to 400 MB
• microSD™ memory card support

Availability and versionsNetworks

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
• UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz