Nokia 5230 (RM-588) vs Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)

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Side by side comparison between Nokia 5230 vs Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

9/24/2012 3:51 PM, updated: 6/19/2025 7:30 PM

Compare Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc X Nokia 5230 (RM-588) 01Point

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

3.2"
TFT

360x640

2
MP

128MB
RAM

Single-core

1320
mAh

(Removable)

30Points Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a) Compare Nokia 5230 X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

4.2"
LED

480x854

8
MP

512MB
RAM

Single-core

1500
mAh

(Removable)

What's the better phone? Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

1 Advantage Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	vs	30 Advantages Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
+115 grams (4.03 ounces)2% Lighter	vs	117 grams (4.1 ounces)
434MHz 32bit Single-core	vs	+1GHz 32bit Single-core (45nm)142% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
128MB SDRAM	vs	+512MB LPDDR23 times More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
256MB (70MB available)	vs	+1GB (287MB available)3 times More internal storage for applications and files
Until 16GB microSD, microSDHC	vs	+Until 32GB microSD, microSDHC100% More external storage for files using memory cards
15.5 millimeters (0.61 inches)	vs	+8.7 millimeters (0.34 inches)78% Thinner
TFT LCD	vs	+TFT LED-Backlit LCDAdvantage TFT LED-Backlit LCD display is brighter and more vivid
360x640 pixels	vs	+480x854 pixels78% Higher resolution screen
229 PPI	vs	+233 PPI2% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
3.2"	vs	+4.2"31% Larger screen
(back) 2MP	vs	+(back) 8MP3 times Higher resolution main camera
Not supported	vs	+LED flashAdvantage The LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
Not supported	vs	+AutofocusAdvantage Best autofocus type for taking pictures
Not supported	vs	+EIS: Digital stabilizationAdvantage Image stabilization prevents blurry photos and helps in recording motion video
Not supported	vs	+BSI sensorAdvantage The BSI sensor allows the entry of more light generating photos with more detail and brightness
VGA (640x480)	vs	+HD (1280x720)2 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
50000 apps (Nokia Ovi Store)	vs	+3500000 apps (Google Play Store)69 times More apps available to download and use
3G HSDPA	vs	+3G HSUPAAdvantage The 3G HSUPA network is newer and faster
(3G HSDPA) 3.6 Mbps	vs	+(3G HSUPA) 7.2 Mbps100% Faster for surfing the internet and download files
Resistive	vs	+CapacitiveAdvantage Better touchscreen. The capacitive screen is much more sensitive.
Single	vs	+MultitouchAdvantage Better touch type. Multitouch allows to use more fingers at the same time.
Not supported	vs	+Ambient light sensorAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+ANT+Advantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+CompassAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
1320 mAh	vs	+1500 mAh14% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
Not supported	vs	+Active noise cancellationAdvantage More noise-canceling microphones allow for better quality in calls and audio for recorded videos
Not supported	vs	+Micro HDMI Type DAdvantage The TV-output lets you use your device on TV by cable
Not supported	vs	+802.11 b/g/n [wifi4]Advantage WiFi 802.11 b/g/n [wifi4] is newer and faster
Not supported	vs	+DLNAAdvantage With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.
2.0 + A2DP	vs	+2.1 + A2DPAdvantage Bluetooth 2.1 + A2DP is newer and faster
Not supported	vs	+Scratch-resistant glassAdvantage Protection against scratches on the screen lets you carry your phone with your keys

14 Common items in both devices

Plastic body / Plastic body, glass front

16 million

Only digital zoom

Accelerometer

Proximity sensor

Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Removable) / LiPo: li-ion polymer (Removable)

Hands-free calling

+7 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	5230 (RM-588)	Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Other model names	Nokia 5230-2, Nokia RM-588	Sony Xperia Arc LT15, Sony Ericsson X12, Sony Ericsson Anzu
Country or region available	(Global, International)	(Latin America), Brazil, Canada, USA
Brand	Nokia	Sony Ericsson
Release date	11/10/2009, Announced: 8/10/2009	3/1/2011
Depth	15.5 millimeters (0.61 inches)	8.7 millimeters (0.34 inches)
Size (width x height)	51.7 x 111 millimeters (2.04 x 4.37 in)	63 x 125 millimeters (2.48 x 4.92 in)
Weight	115 grams (4.03 ounces)	117 grams (4.1 ounces)
Build, materials	Plastic body	Plastic body, glass front
Protection against water and others	Not supported	Not supported
📲 Display
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Display type	TFT LCD	TFT LED-Backlit LCD
Screen size	3.2" inches	4.2" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~49.2% (screen-to-body ratio)	~61.7% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	360x640 pixels (16:9)	480x854 pixels
Touchscreen	Resistive Single touch 1-point	Capacitive Multitouch
Pixel density (dot pitch)	229 PPI	233 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Not supported	Scratch-resistant glass
Refresh rate	feature not registered	60Hz
Display features	Not supported	Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine
🤖 Operating System
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
System version	Symbian 9.4 S60 5th Edition Symbian^1	Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Firmware update	feature not registered	Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich ICS
User Interface	Series 60 UI	feature not registered
⚙️ Processor
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Chipset	32bit: ARM 1136JF-S	32bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 (MSM8255) (45nm)
CPU	Single-core, 1 processor: 1x 434MHz ARM11 (Single-core)	Single-core, 1 processor: 1x 1GHz Scorpion (Single-core)
GPU graphical controller	feature not registered	Qualcomm Adreno 205 (266MHz)
Performance (benchmark)	feature not registered	feature not registered
💽 Memory and storage
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
RAM memory	128MB SDRAM	512MB LPDDR2
Internal storage	256MB (70MB available) Flash (EEPROM)	1GB (287MB available)
External storage	Until 16GB microSD, microSDHC (dedicated slot)	Until 32GB microSD, microSDHC (dedicated slot)
📶 Mobile networks
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Dual-SIM	Not supported	Not supported
SIM card	1 slot (Single-SIM) Standard mini-SIM (2FF)	1 slot (Single-SIM) Standard mini-SIM (2FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	3.6 Mbps	7.2/5.76 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G	2G, 3G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 900/2100	UMTS 800/850/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary 5G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary data network	CSD, HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA	CSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary data network	Not supported	Not supported
📷 Camera
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Back camera (main camera)	2 megapixels	8 megapixels
Main camera resolution	1600x1200 pixels	3264x2448 pixels
Video recording (primary)	VGA (640x480) 30 fps	HD (1280x720) 30 fps
Flash	Not supported	LED flash
Focal aperture	feature not registered	feature not registered
Focal length	feature not registered	feature not registered
Sensor size	feature not registered	feature not registered
Pixel size	feature not registered	feature not registered
Autofocus	Not supported	Autofocus
Touch focus	Not supported	Supported
Image stabilization	Not supported	EIS: Digital stabilization
Zoom	Only digital zoom	Only digital zoom
Face/smile detection	Not supported	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Not supported	Supported
HDR	Not supported	Not supported
Camera extras	feature not registered	feature not registered
📸 Front camera
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Front camera (secondary)	Not supported	Not supported
Front camera resolution	Not supported	Not supported
Video recording (secondary)	Not supported	Not supported
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	feature not registered	feature not registered
Focal length	feature not registered	feature not registered
Sensor size	feature not registered	feature not registered
Pixel size	feature not registered	feature not registered
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Loudspeaker	Mono sound (not stereo)	Mono sound (not stereo)
Active noise cancellation	Not supported	2 microphones
Radio	FM (RDS)	FM (RDS)
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, WMV, H.264, H.263	MP4, H.263, H.264, WMV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+	MP3, eAAC+, WMA, WAV
🔌 Connectivity
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
USB	MicroUSB 2.0	MicroUSB 2.0
Audio output	3.5mm jack	3.5mm jack
TV output	Not supported	Micro HDMI Type D
Bluetooth	2.0 + A2DP	2.1 + A2DP
WiFi	Not supported	802.11 b/g/n [wifi4] (2.4GHz) WiFi hotspot
DLNA	Not supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging
NFC	Not supported	Not supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Sensors	Accelerometer Proximity sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor ANT+ Compass Proximity sensor
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Removable) BL-5J	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Removable) BA750
Battery capacity	1320 mAh	1500 mAh
Charger, watts	Wired charging	Wired charging
Inductive / wireless charging	Not supported	Not supported
Talk time autonomy	4.3 hours	7 hours
Standby	458 hours (19.1 days)	430 hours (17.9 days)
➕ Other features
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Not supported	Not supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	WAP, HTML, Flash player	HTML, XHTML, Flash player
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Black, White • 4GB microSD included • Handwriting recognition on screen Nokia Maps 3.0 Java framework	• Colors: Midnight Blue, Misty Silver • 8GB microSD included Open ES 1.1 • SE Timescape Java framework
☢️ Radiation rate
	Nokia 5230 (RM-588)	Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15a)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	1.01W/kg (head), 0.91W/kg (body)	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	1.08W/kg (head)	0.66W/kg (head)