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.
