Earth said:
Looking at either Xperia P or Lumia 800 (design = appealing).
Need it last, without slowing down or breaking.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
I don't like the Xperia P, a low capacity non removeable battery (1305mAh), which drains even faster because of the WhiteMagic screen. But the aluminium body is very impressive, it also has scratch resistant glass. Sony is going to release waterproof phones with better specs than Xperia active, called Xperia Go: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_go-4782.php
I think it is going to be durable and survive some falls. Sad to see the battery of same capacity, but I hope its removable.
A much more impressive one is the Xperia arco S (not to be confused with Sony Erricson's Xperia Arc S), with shatter proof and scratch resistant glass, as well as being water proof and 1900 mAh battery. Looks to be a high end phone, going with the same way as Xperia S, don't know if you can afford it: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_acro_s-4781.php
Hope I helped you.
Anyway, if you want to see an Xperia active test
: