Xperia Active

Sony Ericsson's ruggedized Xperia Active smartphone has walked away with a top honor at this year's iF (International Forum) design awards in Munich, and there were also nods for some other 2011 Xperia handsets. The Xperia Active received the top-level gold award in the telecommunications category, while the Xperia Ray, Xperia Mini Pro and Mix Walkman (a non-Android device) received product design awards.

The iF design awards are held annually, and honor the best in product design quality. The gold award given to the Xperia Active is considered to be the "Oscar" of product design.

“We warmly congratulate Sony Ericsson for its first iF gold award.  Xperia active is a very functional smartphone with a highly elegant design. Especially for sport users,  it is the number one choice  and the water and dust-resistance make it a very special product – a symbiosis of functionality and elegance,” said  Ralph Wiegmann, Managing Director of iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hannover.

As we noted in our review, the Xperia Active has a solid aluminum construction and a unique profile with the wrist strap catch at the bottom of the device. While some earlier SE devices have been decidedly plasticky, recent phones like the Xperia Active, Ray and Ion have opted for a more solid aluminum chassis.

We've got the celebratory press release in full after the break.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ Smartphones Receive Four iF Design Awards

Xperia™ active, Xperia™ ray, Xperia™ mini pro and Mix Walkman™recognised for innovative design and high-end functionality

The Xperia™ active smartphone receives highest level gold

award

14 February 2012, London, UK – Sony Ericsson today announced it has received four 2012 iF product design awards in the telecommunications category. Xperia™ active received the highest level of recognition, the gold award. The iF jury’s comprehensive judging criteria included quality of design and finish, choice of materials, environmental impact and functionality. The ceremony took place in Munich, Germany on February 9. 

“The Xperia active smartphone reflects our commitment to offer handsets for active consumers with stunning design inside and out,” said Jeanna Kimbré, Director of Creative Product Design for Sony Ericsson. “Design has always been a cornerstone of how we approach innovation and we will continue to build on this success with the new iconic design language introduced as part of our 2012 portfolio.”  

Special gold recognition for Xperia™ active 
 
The iF product design gold award recognises the very best designs in the telecommunications industry. Xperia™ active boasts a scratch resistant touch display that can be used even when fingers are wet and boasts technology that enables the display to be seen in bright sunshine.

“We warmly congratulate Sony Ericsson for its first iF gold award. Xperia active is a very functional smartphone with a highly elegant design. Especially for sport users,  it is the number one choice  and the water and dust-resistance make it a very special product – a symbiosis of functionality and elegance,” said  Ralph Wiegmann, Managing Director of iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hannover.

Sony Ericsson carefully chose the materials for Xperia ™ active to ensure the best aesthetics were used and that the smartphone is durable, sustainable and functional. A sturdy aluminum frame surrounds and protects the display and embodies the essence of Xperia active – utilitarian elegance.

Xperia™ range – award winning designs
 
The iF awards recognised the wider Xperia™ range and awarded Xperia™ ray, Mix Walkman™ and Xperia™ mini pro with product design awards. The breadth of awards demonstrates Sony Ericsson’s commitment to create beautifully designed smartphones across the portfolio without sacrificing functionality.
  • Xperia™ ray offers a slim, yet dynamic shape which can perfectly fit into the palm of a consumer’s hand. The aluminum sides give the product a premium expression and a positive tactile experience. 
  • The interchangeable band on Mix Walkman™ allows consumers to express themselves and their personality via their handset. The precision of the clean front surface together with the soft curvature on the back creates a product with a distinct feeling.
  • Xperia™ mini pro boasts a QWERTY keyboard to enable fast typing and the fusion of exquisite lacquers, reflective metal and colorful accents create a stylish, fresh and energetic look.
The iF product design awards are an internationally recognized label for award-winning design and a symbol for outstanding achievements in design.