xperia u is good phone for the price you should get it for 15-15.5k depending on location.
only downside i can see in the phone is no external card slot.
total memory is 8gb which is divided in 2gb for android,2gb for app and 4gb for you music,photo,videos etc.
so if you find this much sufficient you can go ahead.
also to mention it comes with 50gb cloud storage and OTG support as well.
i feel its a good phone for the price and should be good for 1st time user.
regarding ICS you will get the update in sept 2012, dont ask when will you get jellybean