Sony Xperia S launched at CES
Sony captured the headlines at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas when it unveiled the Xperia S. It is the first device to come from the technology giant’s rebranded mobile arm, dropping the Ericsson and going simply with Sony.
CES is the technology world’s biggest trade fair. The most famous names in the industry like Sony and Panasonic use it as a platform to unveil their latest products and designs. With a connected audience of industry experts, bloggers and writers it’s a great way to launch a new device and be sure of getting some reviews to raise publicity before launching the best mobile contract deals.
At this year’s event smartphone talk has been dominated by Sony and its new device. The Xperia S is the latest offer in its popular Xperia range of smartphones. While the design may look similar to its predecessors it is under the bonnet that it looks to impress. A 1.5 GHz processor with dual core makes it powerful and quick. It also has a1GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage.
The 4.3 inch Sony Bravia touchscreen comes with a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution which is crisp and bright and is one of the best on the market. An impressive 12 megapixel camera has won a great deal of interest along with a 1020p HD video recorder. Like the US only Sony Xperia Ion, the S can be connected wirelessly to other Sony products like a TV, computer and tablet. Other connectivity includes Bluetooth, 3G, Wi-Fi and NFC. It will run Android Gingerbread 2.3.7 at its initial launch but is expected to get an Android 4.0 Ice Cream sandwich along with the rest of the Xperia range at some point in 2012.
Journalists and bloggers have been able to get their hands on the device and have already posted reviews. Nilabh Jha says the Xperia S will “offer a good user experience” and says it is “no doubt very powerful”. It also scores well on the connectivity front but does add that they would have preferred a dual LED flash on the camera instead of a single. Kent German says the device has some stylish design features while another review notes the design “looks familiar” and critiques the invisible panel or strip at the bottom of the device that lights up when touched saying it doesn’t make the Xperia S “look particularly premium”.
They add is doesn’t feel “particularly revolutionary” but look forward to using it with an Android 4.0 update. It is a shame the device is not launching with Ice Cream sandwich but does acknowledge it has “ace content offerings” including a music, video and gaming package which includes a PlayStation crossover. In the telegraph, Matt Warman says the device feels solid and singles out the 4.3 inch screen for particular praise describing it as “probably the best feature of the phone”. It is, he adds, “a nicely designed, well specced device”. Again, he notes with disappointment that the Xperia S does not run Android 4.0 but adds they are not the only mobile manufacturers not launching with Ice Cream Sandwich and instead waiting for an update.
The positive reviews for the Xperia S bode well for Sony. Its takeover of Ericsson meant it had the capacity to build on a good brand in the smartphone market and has made impressive devices. Yet this seems to be a statement of intent to tackle for one of the topspots. It is the first in a new NXT range and it will have serious competition in 2012 as the smartphone market heats up. Samsung’s S3 will be eagerly anticipated and later in the year it is likely a new iPhone could be launched. However Sony’s ability to come out before its rivals ensures it gets top billing at the start of the year.
The Xperia S will be out in the UK in March. Prices are yet to be confirmed.