Sony’s big reveal at this year’s Mobile World Congress centred around two key products: the new mid-range Xperia M4 Aqua smartphone and the Z4 Android tablet, which promises a laptop-like experience.
Both devices, which run on Android 5.0 Lollipop, are the first to feature Sony’s octa-core 64-bit processing power, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with integrated 4G LTE.
The mid-range M4 Aqua, which will retail for around €299, is extremely light to hold and dazzles with a large 5-inch screen.
The device has a 13MP rear camera powered by Sony’s Exmor RS mobile sensor with a large F2.0 aperture and ISO 3200 sensitivity. A Superior Auto Mode senses up to 52 different scenarios for quality shots in low-light settings.
The screen quality is incredible and is optimised for use in strong daylight conditions.
For those of you who love your selfies the front-facing camera is a 5MP lens that can capture an 88-degree field of view and Portrait Retouch capabilities.
The device also packs an incredible battery that guarantees two-day battery life and can run for seven days in Stamina Mode, a feature that turns off background fucntions to extend battery life.
Another intriguing but useful innovation is a waterproof cap-less micro USB port that will protect the device’s interior if exposed to water.
The new smartphone will launch in 80 countries worldwide across more than 100 carrier partners.
The phone will be available in classic white and black but also fresh coral and silver.
“Xperia M4 Aqua represents our renewed mid-range focus – with no compromises” said Dennis van Schie, senior vice president, head of Sales and Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications.
“Offering the most popular standout features made famous by our Xperia Z Series; camera capability, two-day battery life and waterproofing – Xperia M4 Aqua brings a proposition and price, products in this section of the market simply cannot match
The Xperia Z4 – the power of a laptop in an Android tablet
The new 10.1-inch Xperia Z4 tablet will surprise you because of how slim and light it is. The device, which has a stunning 2K display, weighs just 392 grams for the Wi-Fi only version and 396 grams for the LTE version.
The device is just 6.1mm thick and includes front stereo speakers for a surround-sound experience. It is also intelligent enough to sense the type of headset you use and can adjust settings accordingly to get the best sound experience.
The tablet comes with an 8MP main camera and a high quality 5.1MP wide-angle front camera for those crazy selfie lovers.
The device is optimised to enable PlayStation 4 gamers to play remotely in any room in the home, connecting with the DualShock 4 wireless controller.
Like the M4 Aqua smartphone, the Z4 tablet is powered by an octa-core 64-bit processor, in this case the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. It comes with 32GB of internal memory.
The Z4 tablet also comes with Stamina mode to enable 17 hours of video playback.
The tablet can be converted into a laptop type device by connecting with Sony’s BKB50 Bluetooth keyboard, for which there is a dedicated slot. The tablet also comes with printer and projector outputs to make it possible to work from anywhere.
As well as security mechanisms to keep data safe on the internet, in VPNs and on Wi-Fi networks the device is also waterproof and dust-tight. And like the M4 it too comes with the new Sony’s new waterproof capless USB connector technology.
The Z4 tablet will launch globally in June.
“Building on the success of its predecessor, we wanted to take all of the qualities that consumers loved most in Xperia Z2 Tablet and enhance them for Z4 Tablet,” van Schie said.
“Consumers appreciate innovation most when it can bring real value to their lives, so we have carefully crafted and considered every aspect of Z4 Tablet to meet even the most demanding lifestyle. Sleek and lightweight, yet incredibly powerful, with standout entertainment and smart productivity features, Xperia Z4 Tablet is an extraordinary tablet that fits perfectly into your day-to-day life.”
