Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini

Mini by name and by nature, this is a refresh of the concept behind Sony Ericsson's X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro, the pint-sized and ultraportable handsets launched in mid-2010.

It packs a new 1GHz processor, and a bigger 3-inch screen with the Bra via Engine Reality Display tech used in the Xperia Arc (read: you get a 320x480 resolution touchscreen that's a bit brighter at times).

The user interface has received an overhaul too, so on paper the new Xperia Mini looks like a big leap forward for the tiny form factor.

And so it proves to be, offering a very usable – dare we say, pretty – interface that makes the small screen totally workable. Social media integration is great too.

The story's not perfect, though, with less-than-brilliant video codec support and a weak camera offering. The tetchy screen won't suit gamers either, but those after a great little phone that won't keep their hands full with glitches and faffing about could be in for a treat.