Earlier this month we noted that some of Sony's Xperia handsets were being offered to U.S. customers in unlocked form, and now Sony has made the news officially official. The company is now offering the Xperia S, P and U in its online store, all of which are unlocked and come without any carrier commitment or branding. Of course, an unlocked, carrier-free device means you'll be paying an unsubsidized price. The Xperia S is the priciest of the bunch, set at $559.99, while the Xperia P costs $479.99 and the Xperia U will set you back $299.99.

Customers interested in this trio of Sony NXT devices should note that while they'll all work with AT&T and T-Mobile here in the U.S., you'll need to be on AT&T if you want anything more than 2G speeds (unless you're in one of the select areas where T-Mobile has refarmed its 1900MHz spectrum for HSPA+ use). As we mentioned before, these devices will mostly garner interest from folks that are specifically hunting for an unlocked Sony handset thanks to their unsubsidized prices, but it's still nice to at least have the option to easily purchase an unlocked Xperia handset directly from Sony. If you're thinking about pulling out your credit card for one of these phones, you can find listings for all three at Sony's online store right here.

Sony Mobile Communications Expands Smartphone Portfolio Bringing Xperia™ NXT Series to the US

Xperia™ NXT series launching as next generation smartphones from Sony Mobile includes Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U.

Xperia S offers an all-around HD experience

Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony WhiteMagic(TM) display technology

Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design

What: To continue offering customers the best connected entertainment experiences, Sony Mobile Communications (USA), Inc.  brings the next generation smartphones from Sony - Xperia NXT series – comprised of the Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U.

Incorporating the best of Sony technology and premium entertainment, the Xperia NXT series provide easy connectivity. These smartphones also have an instantly recognizable design with 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.

Xperia S combines an amazing HD experience with an impressive viewing experience through the high resolution 4.3 inch display with Mobile BRAVIA® engine, a 12 MP camera that takes pictures in just 1.5 seconds from standby.

With a full aluminum 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 U combines powerful Sony entertainment with a stylish and compact design that consumers can personalize inside and out. In Xperia U, the transparent element illuminates to match the color of photos viewed in the gallery or the album art of music tracks currently playing. Xperia U can also be personalized with exchangeable color caps and themes. 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 speaks using DLNA.

Pricing & availability:

The Xperia NXT series is now available in the US at Sony stores nationwide and sony.com/NXT, Newegg.com and other online retailers. Please check with each retailer for additional pricing and availability.

Xperia S – MSRP $559.99, unlocked, in black or white

Xperia P – MSRP $479.99, unlocked, in silver, red or black

Xperia U – SRP $299.99, unlocked, in black or white

Network compatibility:

The Xperia™ NXT series are compatible with the network bands below.

Xperia S

UMTS HSPA 850, 900, 1900, 2100

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Xperia P

UMTS HSPA 850/900/1900/2100

GSM GPRS EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

Xperia U

UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100

GSM GPRS EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

Via Android Central