The 12-megapixel rear camera is a different beast altogether. I was very pleased with the pictures I took with it: Colors and details looked crisp and vibrant. The Ion's camera app includes many extra features, including a panoramic mode and a mode that detects smiles before it takes a picture. You can also instantly launch the Camera app and take a picture while the device is still sleeping, by holding down the camera button. It's a nice touch--and a great way to ensure that you'll never miss a photo-worthy moment.

Though I was a fan of the Ion's picture-taking capabilities, I can't say the same about the phone's video-recording feature. The Ion can record in 1080p, but the test video I shot didn't look very sharp. A distinct jelly effect appeared whenever I moved the phone around, and the onboard microphone was terrible at recording voices. When I played back the footage I shot, voices sounded as though they were coming from inside a distant tin can--definitely not the audio quality you want when capturing precious family moments.

The Xperia Ion is a mix of good but poorly implemented ideas. It's a shame that the Ion suffers from nonresponsive navigation buttons and poor video recording. I'm also still bitter that Sony didn't release the phone running Android Ice Cream Sandwich, though I continue to hope that, sometime before the end of the summer, the company will release an update to the OS that addresses the issues I encountered with the handset. But even with those problems, the Ion should satisfy anyone looking for a smartphone to replace their iPod, handheld gaming system, and point-and-shoot camera.