The stream of new phones being announced at Mobile World Congress continues this afternoon. Sony just wrapped up its MWC press conference, where it announced a pair of new handsets dubbed the Xperia P and Xperia U. First up is the Xperia P, which features an aluminum unibody design that'll be available in three finishes when the device launches in mid-Q2. The Xperia P packs a 4-inch 960x540 display with Sony's WhiteMagic tech that promises an "ultra-bright and power efficient" screen that's easy to view in sunlight.
Also included with the Xperia P is a 1GHz dual-core processor, 8-megapixel camera with HD video capture, VGA front-facing camera, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, and HSPA connectivity. Android 2.3 Gingerbread will be loaded onto device initially, but Sony says that an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will be provided in Q2 2012. Sony also detailed a SmartDock for the Xperia P that can be used to connect the Xperia P to an HDTV using HDMI, and can also be linked up with a mouse and keyboard.
Moving on, we've got the Sony Xperia U, which is the smaller of the two devices announced today. The Xperia U's got a 3.5-inch 854x480 touchscreen as well as a VGA camera on its face, as well as a 5-megapixel camera with 720p video capture on its backside. Inside the Xperia U you'll find a 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 8GB storage (6GB available to the user), and HSPA connectivity. The Xperia U also has pink and yellow user-replaceable caps at its bottom so that owners can customize their own handset a bit. Like its bigger Xperia P brother, the Xperia U will come to market with Android 2.3 in tow but will be updated to Android 4.0 in Q2 2012.
So there's the latest additions to Sony's Xperia lineup. I've liked the look of the Xperia S since the device made its official debut back at CES, so it's nice to see that the Xperia P and Xperia U feature similar looks but in slightly smaller packages. It's kind of a bummer that the two new handsets won't come with ICS out of the box, but at least Sony has promised updates to Android 4.0 in the second quarter. We'll be sure to bring you more information on the Xperia P and Xperia U as we get it, including good old-fashioned hands-on action. Until then, check out a couple of Sony introduction videos down below.
Sony Mobile Communications introduces Xperia P and Xperia U - smartphones for connected entertainment experiences
26 February, Mobile World Congress, Barcelona – Sony Mobile
Communications today unveiled the latest additions to its Xperia™ NXT series – next generation smartphones from Sony, the new Xperia P and Xperia U. In addition, Xperia S, the ultimate HD smartphone, is now shipping to markets across the globe, with first sales in the Sony Style store in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress. Xperia P and Xperia U will be available to consumers globally in the second quarter of this year.
Xperia NXT series – a connected entertainment experience
Incorporating the best of Sony technology and premium entertainment, the Xperia NXT series is a cornerstone of Sony’s connected experience. With easy connectivity, consumers can enjoy and share content on whichever screen best suits them, whether it’s their smartphone, TV, laptop or tablet.
With the next generation of smartphone design from Sony, the Xperia NXT series has a look that is instantly recognisable. These smartphones have intriguing design features including the “transparent element”, a band that encircles the base of the phone and also integrates invisible antenna components. The transparent element illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.
The new User Interface (UI) follows the same design principles and enhances the Android™ experience – offering rich applications and content with a simple and clean look. A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen.
Xperia P and Xperia U boast Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine for razor-sharp clarity, along with fast capture to take the camera from sleep to snap in little over a second with a single key press. Both smartphones come with powerful 1 GHz dual-core processors for super fast performance.
As with Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U connect consumers to premium entertainment experiences with access to the Sony Entertainment Network*. Out of the box, consumers can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters on Video Unlimited or listen to millions and millions of songs** through Music Unlimited.
Xperia P
With a full aluminium unibody design, Xperia P debuts WhiteMagic™ display technology from Sony for the first time on a smartphone. WhiteMagic technology delivers the brightest viewing experience; whether at the beach or on the ski slopes. Smart power efficiency automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen to the surroundings to conserve battery life.
Xperia P – ultra-bright viewing experience
The new SmartDock, exclusively for Xperia P, offers simple connectivity to multiple screens, turning the smartphone into an entertainment hub for the living room. Using a TV remote control, consumers can easily navigate their smartphone’s media content to watch their HD videos, the latest movies or favourite TV shows on the big screen. With USB support in the SmartDock, they can also use a wireless keyboard and mouse to write emails, browse and post on Facebook or watch videos from YouTube on their TV.
Key features for Xperia P
Xperia U - powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design
Xperia U combines powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design that consumers can personalise inside and out. With xLoud™ and Sony 3D surround sound audio technology integrated into the music player, consumers will enjoy a crisp and loud sound experience. They can also stream music from their Xperia U to wireless speakers with a touch using DLNA.
In Xperia U, the transparent element illuminates to match the colour of photos viewed in the gallery or the album art of music tracks currently playing. Xperia U can also be personalised with exchangeable caps and themes to reflect consumers’ personality and mood.
Consumers listening to music on their Xperia U can also enjoy improved sound quality with the stylish new Smart Headset for Android smartphones, which features SmartKey – a dedicated application launch key that consumers press once to launch a favourite app.
Key features for Xperia U
