Sony has gone for a much less square look with the Sony Xperia tipo when compared to the recent NXT range and its models such as the Sony Xperia S. All corners are rounded off nicely, as is the rear cover, giving it a pebble-like shape similar to the HTC Desire C.

Just when the phones borrowing the design of the XPeria S were starting to be more than they should be, Sony created a different device, at least design wise, and we are presented with the ST21i.

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.

It's great but only missing is front camera, if it was in it then it would be a complete package. Other features are great and Sony always gives best electronics

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.

Despite its faults, I would happily recommend the Sony Xperia Tipo to users considering upgrading to a smartphone but not willing to break the bank. For what you pay for, the Tipo delivers, and I think it would be tough to find better performance at such a low price.

Xperia Tipo is one of the best entry level android smartphone. It is one of the few smartphones in this price range which comes with Android Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone has good build quality and great design. The phone has decent hardware which can handle your most of the daily tasks.

Android ICS; Good build Quality; Great Battery backup; Good loudspeaker

Fixed focus camera

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 old classic by Sony, the Sony Xperia Tipo still sells and sells great! It has been a year since its release and it is still going great. The Xperia phone really kicked off last year with great sales and their profit comes from this lower price tag wonder the Sony Xperia Tipo.

A glance of the expert's eye might miss that the Sony Xperia Tipo is an Android Ice Cream Sandwich handset, but it seems that Google's most recently released mobile OS version is everywhere these days - even in a handset preparing to hit the shelves at under £100.