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Sony announces the Xperia Z2, M2 smartphones and Z2 tablet

by Mark Tyson on 24 February 2014, 13:15

Tags: Sony (NYSE:SNE), PC

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Sony has just launched a range of new devices at MWC including the Xperia Z2 smartphone, the Xperia M2 smartphone and the Xperia Z2 Tablet. As you might expect, all three devices are derived from the design foundation set by their previous-generations, with upgrades to a few key specs.

Xperia Z2

First of all, the Xperia Z2 has been upgraded to offer Sony's "best display, sound, camera and camcorder experience". The device is now running on a new Snapdragon 801 processor at 2.3 GHz, alongside 3GB of RAM and a larger 3,200mAh battery. Other improvements include a slightly larger 5.2 inch 1080 display, instead of the previous 5 inch of the Z1, with new 'Live Color LED' technology, and the addition of front-facing 'S-Force Front Surround' stereo speakers. The whole package offers "The world’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone," asserts Sony.

Xperia Z2 Tablet

The tablet which replaces the Tablet Z contains basically the same internals as the Xperia Z2 smartphone, detailed above. Just like the new smartphone, the 10.1 inch Xperia Z2 tablet also jumps to a Snapdragon 801 from the previous Snapdragon S4 Pro, and 3 GB of RAM. The thickness of the tablet is decreased to just 6.4mm from 6.9mm and it weighs in at 426g (439g for LTE), 69g lighter than the Tablet Z, making it the world's slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet.

Additional functions include digital noise cancelation, when paired with the right headset, and the device also supports a new range of accessories including a keyboard cover. Sony has a number of bold claims for its new tablet including that it is; the world's most powerful, slimmest, lightest waterproof tablet offering an unbeatable viewing experience, best ever sound experience and the best ever entertainment… phew. It also "means business" thanks to the aforementioned keyboard cover and stand and the inclusion of OfficeSuite Pro 7.

Xperia M2

Lastly, following the Xperia M smartphone, the Xperia M2 is a mid-range device in direct competition to the Moto G according to AnandTech. The assumption is based on its platform and specs, mainly regarding the Snapdragon 400, a quad-core Cortex A7 running at 1.2 GHz, equipped in both devices.

Here is a comparison of key specs, adapted from Anandtech:

 

Sony Xperia M2

Moto G

Display

4.8-inch qHD (960 x 540)

4.5-inch 720p

SoC

MSM8926, Quad Core 1.2 GHz Cortex A7

MSM8226, Quad Core 1.2 GHz Cortex A7

Connectivity

4G LTE, Wi-Fi

3G, Wi-Fi

RAM

1 GB

1 GB

Rear Camera

8MP, Exmor RS for Mobile

5MP

Storage

8 GB, microSD card up to 32 GB

8/16 GB

Thickness

8.6mm

6-11.6mm

     

The main difference between the two devices is that Sony's Xperia M2 has LTE and expandable memory. The Sony Exmor RS camera is also better at 8MP and the device also allows a dual-SIM variant (without LTE). Originally priced at $249, it will be interesting to see if the price increases with the improved specs or it boldly takes the fight to its Moto G competitor.

Details on pricing for these new devices has yet to be announced but estimates of retail availability for the Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet are both around March with the Xperia M2 coming out in April 2014.



HEXUS Forums :: 8 Comments

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Tablet Z2 *drool*

Next iteration should break the 400g barrier…awesome.
I want the Z2, but I've got a Z1, so there isn't really much improvement, except 4K video, which should be possible through an update for the Xperia Z1 (which they won't do because it'll be one reason less to get the Z2).
MrRockliffe
I want the Z2, but I've got a Z1, so there isn't really much improvement, except 4K video, which should be possible through an update for the Xperia Z1 (which they won't do because it'll be one reason less to get the Z2).
Isn't that 5.2“ screen a good reason to prefer the Z1 - because the smaller screen on the Z1 would make it more comfortable to hold?

That said, I'm still in mourning - remembering when Sony were able to design attractive phones with flowing curves (Arc S) rather than the slab-o-plastic that they seem to want as a ”design" these days. :(

At this rate I'll be keeping my old Galaxy S3 for another year.
The M2 should be a worthy competitor to the Moto G in the mainstream market - the micro-SD card is a welcome addition, although the lower-resolution screen is a bit of a shame.
So much for the Z1 remaining the sony flagship during 2014! It lasted 9 weeks.
Sony need to release half as many phones a year and concentrate on perfecting what they have. Rather than irritating users by releasing a new phone every 6 months that does what the previous model should have done. You don't expect to be 3rd in line for updates after just a year (Xperia Z owners aka soon to be forgotten)

4k video might be possible on the z1 if it has enough ram, it may not as most 4k phones have 3gb (there is one with 2gb)