Sony is stepping up its camera and battery technologies in the first Xperia X series of smartphones, which were unveiled at the Mobile World Congress.
The three LTE/W-CDMA models are the Xperia X Performance, Xperia X and opening-price Xperia XA. Shipments start in various countries in early summer, and U.S. availability is planned, the company said.
The top two models feature Predictive Hybrid Autofocus, which predicts the motion of a photo-shoot subject to capture the action without blur. The top two models also feature 23- and 13-megapixel cameras. And all three feature Sony’s previously available SteadyShot technology to remove shakiness from on-the-move videos.
To boost battery life, the X series adds Qnovo’s adaptive charging technology to double the battery’s lifespan.
All three also feature a curved glass display within a rounded frame for a more comfortable grip. The Xperia XA adds a borderless display.
Games and music: For media enthusiasts of different types, the Xperia X Performance and Xperia X both feature PS4 Remote, which lets consumers walk away from their PlayStation 4 console but continue game play on their phone’s screen while on their home network.
Like other select Xperia phones, the top two models play high-resolution audio playback of DSD, PCM, FLAC and ALAC music files. The two also feature stereo speakers. The top model adds proprietary LDAC technology, which sends near-high-res music over Bluetooth to LDAC-equipped Sony headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and home A/V receivers.
All three new models will come with a selection of four finishes.
The top model adds IP65/IP68 waterproof and dust-tight rating.
Performance measures: The top two models feature 3GB RAM and 5-inch 1080p displays with 443 PPI. The opening-price model features 5-inch 720p display with 294 PPI, 2GB RAM, and 13- and 8-megapixel cameras.
The top model features Category 9 LTE (453Mbps down/51Mbps up), while the X features Cat 6 (302Mbps down/51Mbps up). The opening model features Cat 4 (151/51Mbps).
Battery ratings are 2,700mAh, 2,620mAh, and 2,300mAh, respectively.
Information on processor speeds was unavailable.
