CES 2013: Sony unveils Xperia Z and Xperia ZL

As widely predicted by rumours, Sony today unveiled its next flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z.

“With Xperia Z, we are bringing over half a century of innovation in TV, imaging, music, film and gaming to create a superphone experience that truly stands out,” said Kuni Suzuki, President and CEO, at Sony Mobile Communications. “With great specifications, Sony’s media applications, One-touch functions and outstanding battery life, Xperia Z is well positioned for leadership in the smartphone market. By putting smartphones at the heart of our strategy, Sony is enabling people to create, enjoy and share content and experiences like never before.”

Sony Xperia ZSony Xperia Z specifications:

  • Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro (MSM8064)
  • Operating system: Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA+/EDGE/GPRS
  • Other connectivity: A-GPS/GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, DLNA
  • Display: 5-inch Full HD (1920×1080) with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
  • Input: Capacitive touchscreen
  • Memory: 2GB RAM
  • Storage: 16GB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB
  • Rear-facing camera: 13MP with Exmor RS sensor and HD video capture
  • Front-facing camera: 2.2MP camera with HD video capture
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB 2.0 port
  • Battery: 2,330mAh
  • Dimensions / weight: 139 x 71 x 7.9 millimeters / 146 grams
  • Colours: Black, white and purple
  • Other: Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP57)

Sony also unveiled the Xperia ZL, a very similar device intended for a number of select markets, including Canada. It will share many characteristics with the Xperia Z but will be slightly smaller.

Sony Xperia ZLSony Xperia ZL specifications:

  • Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro (MSM8064)
  • Operating system: Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA+/EDGE/GPRS
  • Other connectivity: GPS/GLONASS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, DLNA
  • Display: 5-inch Full HD (1920×1080) with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
  • Input: Capacitive touchscreen
  • Memory: 2GB RAM
  • Storage: 16GB onboard and microSD cards up to 64GB
  • Rear-facing camera: 13MP with Exmor RS sensor and HD video capture
  • Front-facing camera: 2MP camera with HD video capture
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB 2.0 port
  • Dimensions / weight: 131.6 x 69.3 x 9.8 millimeters / 151 grams
  • Colours: Black, white

Both devices will launch with Android 4.1 but will be upgraded to Android 4.2 later on.

The Sony Xperia Z will launch globally later this quarter whereas the Xperia ZL will launch only select markets (including Canada). Pricing details were not provided.

Read more: Sony Mobile (Xperia Z) and Sony Mobile (Xperia ZL)