The Sony Xperia Tipo is the latest addition to the Xperia smartphone range, and it's undoubtedly the baby of the family. It comes in at around ￡100 (around $160), with an 800MHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 2.5GB of internal storage, a 3.2MP camera and a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 display.

The Sony Xperia Tipo is the latest addition to the Xperia smartphone range, and it's undoubtedly the baby of the family. It comes in at around ￡100 (around $160), with an 800MHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 2.5GB of internal storage, a 3.2MP camera and a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 display.

First of all, i don't want to compare this sony phone with some plastic toys available with big screen and 1ghz processors..nIt's like comparing mercedes with maruti suzuki...LOL!!nSony,Samsung,Htc,LG,Motorola..

Overall the Tipo is a bargain for what you get and what it can do. Running Ice Cream Sandwich is a huge plus point for the Tipo. Not many budget devices come out with virtually the most current version out of the box.

Sony was quite slow off the mark to release smartphones running the Android 4.0 operating system, failing to get the new software on to its first range of Sony Mobile devices launched after its split with Ericsson.

The NXT line gave Sony the strong start they needed after returning to the smartphone game on their own. The Japanese then focused on filling the lower ranks and, yet again, we see them look for inspiration in the old Sony Ericsson scrapbook.

As an entry-level Android smartphone, the Sony Xperia tipo has better specs including 512MB of RAM, 2.5GB of user memory and performs better than most of the phones in the range such has HTC Explorer, LG Optimus L3 and Samsung Galaxy Y.

Performance is smooth; Android 4.0 out of the box; Good build; Good Loudspeaker

Fixed focus camera; Low resolution display

The cheapest Xperia comes with its share of problems. But it definitely has some spunk It's been raining Xperias almost ever since Sony Mobile dropped the Ericsson suffix and went solo earlier this year.

Update, 12 September 2012: CNET UK originally published this review with a score of one and a half stars because of extremely poor software stability on the handset we were sent by Sony. We've since received a second device, which doesn't suffer from those major functionality flaws, so we've updated our review and increased the score to reflect the improved performance of this more stable phone.

The Sony Xperia Tipo delivers Android Ice Cream Sandwich to people on a tight budget. It's small in the hand and under the hood so it's only going to appeal to folk with fairly modest mobile needs. But it could be worth a look if you're after ICS on a budget. Just be aware there are more powerful Android phones with larger, clearer screens at this price.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich on a budget; MicroSD card slot.

Cramped, unresponsive screen; Creaky build quality; Poor camera.

There are other handsets like Karbonn A7 and Spice Mi-355 with the same specs (800 MHz + Adreno 200 GPU) for a much cheaper price. But for those who believe in the Sony Brand, the Tipo is here, with single or Double SIM options.