Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V breaks cover, 2011 Xperia lineup getting Gingerbread 2.3.4 in October

The Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V was officially announced by SE today, but it’s a new phone with a catch as it actually closely resembles the Xperia neo, save for the fact that it runs with an updated version of Android Gingerbread, 2.3.4. Designwise the device is virtually the same, but when it comes to the specs it looks more like a downgrade as the camera now only has 5 megapixels with support for 720p videos on the neo V, while the original Sony Ericsson Xperia neo featured an 8-megapixel snapper.

The novelties arriving with Gingerbread 2.3.4 will hit all 2011 Xperia models in October. They include Google Talk with video chats, Facebook inside Xperia, 3D sweep panorama, swipe input and support for screenshots, all of which we’ll see on the Xperia neo V as well. The update also brings extended connectivity with USB peripherals as well as the Sony Ericsson LiveDock station.

In terms of pure dimensions, the Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V packs some bulk with its .51” (13 mm) profile and 4.44 ounces (126 g) of weight. Under the hood, the familiar 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255 chip processor powers the device, while the screen is the same 3.7-inch 480x852 pixel Sony Reality Display display enhanced with Mobile Bravia for punchier colors.

The Xperia neo V will hit shelves in the last quarter of the year in three different colors - white, blue or silver. The price was not yet announced, but in a much more competitive environment this fall, the neo V, which arrives with downgraded specs will surely have to rely on a lower price tag to get noticed, don’t you think?

source: Sony Ericsson