Jan 8, 2011 04:07 AM EDT by 
The ultrathin design grabs you–measuring .34 inches at its thinnest point–but it’s the camera and screen that keep you coming back for more. In fact, Sony Ericsson is so proud of the new Xperia arc that the company showed us a photo book comparing shots taken by its new Android 2.3 handset against the most popular (unnamed) mobiles on the market. In each case the Exmor sensor inside the arc allowed the 8-megapixel device to take more attractive photos, especially in dim lighting conditions
Photos and videos looked stunning on the arc’s Reality Display (854 x 480 pixels), which leverages Bravia engine technology from Sony TVs to deliver a sharp and rich picture that looks painted on. Gone is the confusing Mediascape UI on the disappointing X10, replaced by simpler widgets that provide quick access to media. As you’ll see in the video, you can also output video to a big screen with ease via HDMI, and even control playback with a remote.
While it’s not a dual-core uberphone on the order of the Droid Bionic–and we would like to see a dedicated search button added–the Xperia arc is remarkably capable given its ultraslim profile.
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