Sony's Xperia P has style galore (pictures)

Sure, it's unlocked and costs a steep $479.99, but the Sony Xperia P has more style than the company's Xperia S flagship phone.

More compact than many Android phones on the market, the Xperia P is easier to grip than its larger and heavier big brother, the Xperia S.

The Sony Xperia P sports the same clear bar at its base as Sony's other NXT series handsets. Its aluminum construction and properly functioning capacitive buttons, though, help this phone stand out from the crowd.

On the Sony Xperia P's left side are a Micro-USB port, HDMI connection, and Micro-SIM cart slot covered by a flap.

Crafted from premium-feeling aluminum, the Sony Xperia P comes in red (shown here), black, and silver.

The Sony Xperia P's right side is festooned with small buttons: volume, power, and a dedicated shutter key.

Here's a closer look at the Sony Xperia P's Micro-SIM card slot hidden under its removable flap.

In the top edge sits the Sony Xperia P's 3.5mm headphone jack.

Using a simple yet responsive keyboard, typing on the Sony Xperia P is a comfortable if small-screened affair.

The Sony Xperia P's 8-megapixel main camera offers a good number of scene modes, including multiple panorama functions.

On the Sony Xperia P's home screens are widgets for keeping tabs on social-media developments.