May 14, 2013 03:19 PM
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(Updated May 14, 2013 03:30 PM)
Sony began the year with a blast after releasing the Sony Xperia Z and ZL. Though the Z has got some flak for its mediocre display, the water proof phone has gained a cult status among the techies. Sony had claimed earlier this year that they are looking forward to release a host of new devices this year modeled around the Sony Xperia Z. Sony seems to be in a very aggressive mode as we have already seen two other devices the Sony Xperia SP and the Xperia L recently, both of which has seen quick releases throughout the world. This device also looks like a winner. I'm going to dissect its specifications for you!
Disclaimer - This is a specs review and not a customer review. The device has not released yet and it is likely to be released by the end of June this year.
Dimensions - The device measures 131 x 67.4 x 10.4 mm which is smaller than the Xperia Z in size but thicker than it by a huge margin. It looks compact for it size though. It weighs around 140 gms and which makes it slightly lighter than the Xperia Z.
Build Quality - Sony has been traditionally known for its design and it is same with this handset as well. It is not the omni balance as in the Xperia Z and follows Sony's conventional design trends. It is both Water proof and dust proof like the Z but is shorter and feels a little bulkier given its form and thickness. Other than that the build quality remains top notch.
Display- The device has a 4.55 inch TFT Display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels giving it a pixel density of 323 ppi which gives it a very crisp screen. The screen is a 10 point multi touch screen. Moreover the display is equipped with a Sony Mobile Bravia 2 engine which makes the screen much more vibrant. The viewing angles is not as mediocre as in the Z giving it a edge ebove Sony's falgship. The display is made of Shatter proof and scratch-resistant glass.
Processor and Chipset - The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 chipset and a 1.5 Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor which has become somewhat a standard for devices these days finds its place in this device as well. Apart from that the device is also equipped with an Adreno 320 GPU. Nothing spectacular? You might wonder, but given that it is touted as a mid range smart phone it is great to see specs that can challenge high range devices.
Memory - The device has an internal memory of 8 GB which is a shame and is expandable upto 32 GB using a micro SD card. The device has 2 GB of RAM (brilliant ! ) and runs on Android Jellybean 4.1 which is expected to be upgraded to Android 4.2 Jellybean by the time of its release. Out of the internal memory of 8 GB only 5.2 is available for the User.
Battery - The device has a 2300 mah li-Ion battery which is pretty good and it is expected to last atleast a day and half when fully charged. It also has the famed STAMINA mode of the Xperia Z.
Camera - Sony has always stressed on a better camera and given that the device also has a 13.1 MP camera with the XMOS RS sensor. Moreover it can shoot bothe Video ans still photos under water where as the Z is not capable of underwater video shooting. It is the camera that carries it miles ahead of the other phones in its range.
Price and Availability - The device will be priced at a range of Rs 28000 - 30000 and it will face the likes of the LG Optimus G, the Nexus 4 and higher end devices like the Galaxy S4, HTC one and its own sibling the Xperia Z. The device will be available by the end of June this year.
Verdict - The device as I have earlier mentioned is the best given its range and is a safe bet for Sony to gain some ground in the Smartphone race. Definitely worth your bucks if you dont have the money to buy an S4, HTC One or the Iphone 5 and even if you are a Xperia Z lover and sad that it does not fit your budget !
Please give me your feedback. Criticism is also appreciated !
Thanks and Regards,
SlightlyDrunk