Remember the days when slide-out keyboards were cool and BBM was the ultimate status symbol? Fast forward to 2025, and we’re taking a wild ride down memory lane. We dug out two iconic devices from the tech archives, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and the BlackBerry Evolve, to see how they hold up in today’s world of 5G and foldable screens.
If you’re a nostalgia lover, a retro tech enthusiast, or just curious about how these classics perform in a modern context, you’re in the right place. We’ve put them through a series of real-world tests to see which one might still have a little life left in it. Think of this as a friendly throwback battle, like finding an old CD player and a vintage Walkman and seeing which one still plays your mixtapes best.
Setting the Scene: Why Test These Phones in 2025?
Let’s be real, these phones aren’t competing with your iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. But they represent two different approaches to mobile tech from a bygone era. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, with its sleek curves and Bravia display, was the media lover’s dream. The BlackBerry Evolve, with its hybrid keyboard and focus on productivity, was for the busy professional.
Testing them now isn’t about declaring a winner; it’s about celebrating their legacy and answering the question: Could you actually use one of these as a backup phone today?
Design & Build: A Tale of Two Eras
Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo: The Entertainer: The moment you hold the Xperia Neo, you’re transported back to 2011. That 3.7-inch Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine feels tiny but surprisingly sharp for its time. The curved back fits perfectly in your hand, and the signature transparent strip at the bottom still looks slick. It’s lightweight, compact, and oh-so-pocketable, a far cry from today’s phablets.
BlackBerry Evolve: The Workhorse: Launched in 2018, the Evolve feels more modern with its sleek, rubberized texture and carbon fibre-inspired back. It’s a bit larger, thanks to its 5.99-inch display, but still lightweight. The highlight? That iconic BlackBerry keyboard, though it’s a touch-sensitive version rather than a physical one. It screams “productivity” even before you turn it on.
Performance & Speed Test: Can They Keep Up?
We booted both phones side-by-side, and here’s what we found:
Boot-Up Time
-
Xperia Neo: Took a solid 45 seconds to get to the lock screen. The classic Sony Ericsson boot animation brought a smile to our faces.
-
BlackBerry Evolve: Surprisingly quicker, around 25 seconds. The BlackBerry logo felt like a nod to simpler times.
App Launch Speed (Basic Apps)We tested with pre-installed apps like Contacts, Messages, and the Calculator.
-
Xperia Neo: Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, it struggled a bit. Apps took 3-5 seconds to open, and multitasking was practically nonexistent.
-
BlackBerry Evolve: With Android 8.1 Oreo, it felt snappier. Apps opened in 2-3 seconds, and switching between them was smoother.
Gaming Performance (Yes, We Tried!)We installed Angry Birds on both, because if you remember these phones, you remember Angry Birds.
-
Xperia Neo: The game ran, but with noticeable lag. It was playable but not enjoyable.
-
BlackBerry Evolve: Handled it much better. Gameplay was smoother, though don’t expect to run Genshin Impact on this thing.
Battery Life: The Surprise Winner
-
Xperia Neo: The 1500mAh battery managed about 4 hours of light use (calls, texts, some music).
-
BlackBerry Evolve: With a 4000mAh battery, it lasted a full day with moderate use. This was the biggest surprise, it could still function as a reliable backup.
Camera Showdown: Nostalgia vs Practicality
Sony Ericsson Xperia NeoThe 8MP rear camera with Exmor R sensor was top-tier in its day. In 2025, photos look dated—soft, with muted colours. But there’s a certain charm to them, like using a vintage filter. The front-facing camera? Basically for mirror selfies.
BlackBerry EvolveThe dual 13MP+13MP setup takes decent shots in good lighting. They’re not going to win any awards, but for quick social media posts or document scans, they’re perfectly usable. The Evolve wins this round for practicality.
Software & Usability: Time Capsule Experience
Xperia Neo: Android Gingerbread feels ancient. The UI is simple, but app support is nonexistent. Most modern apps won’t run, so you’re stuck with basics like calling, texting, and that classic Snake game.
BlackBerry Evolve: Running Android Oreo, it’s far more usable. You can still install lightweight apps like WhatsApp Lite, Google Maps Go, and Spotify. The BlackBerry Hub is a nice touch for managing notifications.
The Verdict: Who Wins in 2025?
If you’re looking for a functional backup phone, the BlackBerry Evolve takes the crown. Its larger battery, more modern software, and smoother performance make it the more practical choice in 2025.
But if you’re all about nostalgia and want to relive the glory days of mobile tech, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo is your go-to. It’s a time capsule that reminds us how far we’ve come.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Can I still use the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo for calling and texting in 2025?
Yes, absolutely! As long as your carrier supports 2G or 3G networks, you can make calls and send texts. Just don’t expect any smart features.
Q2: Is the BlackBerry Evolve good for email and messaging today?
Definitely. With Android Oreo, it supports apps like Gmail, WhatsApp Lite, and Telegram. The physical keyboard-like experience makes typing a breeze.
Q3: Which phone has better battery life in real-world use?
Hands down, the BlackBerry Evolve. Its 4000mAh battery can still get you through a day of light use, while the Xperia Neo needs frequent charging.
Q4: Can I play games on these phones in 2025?
You can play lightweight classics like Angry Birds or Temple Run, but don’t expect to run modern games. The hardware just isn’t built for it.
Q5: Are these phones worth buying in 2025 for nostalgia?
If you’re a collector or love retro tech, go for it! But for daily use, they’re more of a fun novelty than a practical choice.
Final Thoughts
Testing the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and BlackBerry Evolve in 2025 was like opening a time capsule. These phones may not keep up with today’s flagships, but they remind us of an era when phones had personality. Whether you’re Team Sony or Team BlackBerry, one thing’s for sure, they don’t make ’em like they used to.
