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CES 2013: Water resistant Sony Xperia Z with HDR video announced

Sony makes some high quality devices, but it's been a few years since I found one compelling enough to purchase. The upcoming Xperia Z looks to be one of the best Android devices ever.
Written by Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
CES 2013: Water resistant Sony Xperia Z with HDR video announced

The last time I owned a Sony Xperia smartphone was in 2009 with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1a, but I think I finally may have found another one to purchase thanks to Sony's latest announcement at CES. Yesterday, Sony announced the Sony Xperia Z (no pricing or availability information was yet provided) and in addition to the top-of-the line specifications, it has a couple additional unique features that appeal to me and look to set the bar high for Android smartphones.

My old Xperia X1a was an excellent Windows Mobile device and while it was quite expensive, you couldn't argue that the hardware was top notch. I read the SlashGear Xperia Z hands-on and was pleased to read the device is built as good as it looks in photos. I switched to using the HTC Droid DNA on Verizon and am getting spoiled by the absolutely gorgeous 5 inch 1080p display. The Sony Xperia Z also has a 5 inch 1080p display, along with the following:

  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 1.5 GHz Qualcomm quad-core processor
  • Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB integrated memory with microSD card
  • HSPA+ and LTE support, dependent on launch market
  • 13 megapixel camera with HDR video support (this is a first)
  • HD voice
  • Battery stamani mode
  • Water and dust resistant (can stay submerged for 30 minutes)
  • Anti-shatter glass on front and back
  • Glass fiber polyamide (metal-like) material frame

The camera specifications, with the Exmor RS technology, looks pretty amazing and since I no longer carry a point-and-shoot this could be a great device to carry around. I hope we see the Sony Xperia Z launch on a US carrier in the next few months and imagine we may see more of it at MWC as well.

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