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Sony unveils the Xperia M2, joins the ‘new’ mid-range

By Chris P.

Published: Feb 24, 2014, 1:46 AM

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Android Sony

Sony unveils the Xperia M2, joins the ‘new’ mid-range

The new mid-range is a fact, and Sony wants a part of it. The just-unveiled Xperia M2 reads like the result of months of observation and picking up feedback cues, as it integrates what has been cemented as the core of what makes a smartphone desireable. Quad-core processor? Check. Decent camera? You got it. 4G LTE? Yep. Price tag that won't break the bank? Probably -- Sony doesn't like sharing that part of the equation before it absolutely has to.

But lets talk facts. The successor to the 4-inch Xperia M takes a brave step forward (or backwards?) in one particular regard: screen size. Unlike last year's model, the M2 has grown considerably, and its display now measures in at 4.8-inches. In comparison, the amount of pixels went through only a minor update -- a 540x960 qHD resolution up from 480x854. Sony is boasting that this is the "largest qHD display in its class", though, if you're good with numbers, you'll know that this is actually a small hit in terms of pixel density, which now sits at about 229 ppi. Hardly a selling point, or perhaps that's just us. The processor, now a respectable 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400, has also seen an upgrade, and allows the Xperia M2 to hook up to a 4G LTE network. While on the topic of connectivity, its worth pointing out that the M2 will also come in a dual SIM version.

The rest of the hardware highlights include an 8-megapixel camera, with Sony's proven Exmor RS sensor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (no word on microSD slot, but it's likely), and a fairly large, 2330mAh battery. The M2 will come in the three signature Xperia colors: black, white and purple, and will see a global launch starting April 2014. Exact market availability, and more importantly -- price -- hasn't been ironed out just yet, though it's probably safe to assume that if your area had access to the 2013 Xperia M, it'll also get access to the Xperia M2.

There's a lot to like about the Xperia M2 -- the time-tested (but also somewhat tired now) OmniBalance design is still appealing, and the specs are definitely up to standard. However, we're a tad apprehensive to hear about the final, perhaps most essential bit of information -- price. Asking for a handsome sum is not how Sony usually goes about their products, and this could be a problem now that phones like the Motorola Moto G have shown what value really is. But hey, who knows? Perhaps Sony will surprise us!

Press Release

IntroducingXperia™ M2, the best smartphone technology in its class¹

The slimmest 4G smartphone² with the best smartphone camera³ and largest qHD display⁴ in its class
Sony’s premium experiences, including the OmniBalance design, stunning processor performance, 4G speed and a long-lasting battery in a mid-range smartphone
Razor sharp photos and video with the 8MP Exmor RS™ for mobile, HDR camera, and Xperia camera apps for live video broadcasting and sharing
A unique entertainment package of 3 blockbuster movies and 30 days free trial of the Music Unlimited service available out of the box

24^th February 2014, Barcelona, Spain – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Xperia™ M2, the 4G LTE smartphone that offers blockbuster entertainment and flagship experiences at a mid-range price point, thanks to a best-in-class processor, our display expertise, a razor sharp 8MP camera with Exmor RS for mobile and Sony’s music and video entertainment.

“Xperia M2 is an ultra fast smartphone that offers brilliant specs and performance, reaching new audiences with a mid-range price. This is a great device for the customer looking for a smartphone that has it all,” says Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. “It combines the best of Sony, bringing you our latest technologies complimented with a one of its kind, unique entertainment offer never before seen on a mid-range smartphone.”

A mid-range smartphone with the best technology inits class¹

Xperia M2 showcases high quality technology at an affordable price. Sony’sOmniBalance design as found on Sony’s premium smartphone range, an ultra-fastprocessor and a large qHD display, combine to create brilliant all-roundperformance, whilst the unique Xperia camera, music and movie apps offerstunning entertainment experiences.

Entertainmenteverywhere, right out of the box

Xperia M2 offers a world of media apps for seamless entertainment, onlineand offline with Sony Entertainment Network⁵,paired with the best content offer available for a mid-range smartphone. XperiaM2 users will have the chance to enjoy the latest films out of the box withthree digital downloads of the hottest blockbusters from Sony Pictures, such asCaptain Phillips and White House Down. Through the Music Unlimited service,Xperia M2 users can access a catalogue of 25 million songs for free for 30days, while the Video Unlimited service offers instant movie blockbusters on asmartphone⁶.

The bestsmartphone camera in its class³

With the highest resolution camera in its clas⁷, the stunning8MP camera with Exmor RS for mobile comesarmed with Autoscene Recognition and HDR. Using the expertise and technology ofSony’s Cyber-shot cameras, Xperia M2 is perfect for capturing all of yourfavourite moments in brilliant quality.

For even more fun, unique Xperia camera apps such as Social live, Timeshiftburst and Picture Effect help users to get the most out of Xperia M2’s quality8MP camera.

To offer a unique and seamless experience direct from the camera’sviewfinder, Sony is also working with third party developers to offer a growingrange of new Xperia camera apps. To download more Xperia camera apps such asVine, V1 Sports and FX Guru, simply go into your camera viewfinder and then click on ‘+Apps’ to see allthe latest apps available on Sony Select to enhance your smartphoneexperience.

Brilliantperformance and speed that goes on forever

Sony’s engineering expertise in display and camera technologies collideto create Xperia M2. The large 4.8” qHD display, carefully crafted withour display expertise is perfect for enjoying entertainment content on thelargest qHD display in its class⁶.

Being the world's slimmest 4G smartphone in its class²,Xperia M2 combines theultra-fastQualcomm^®Snapdragon™ 400 processor with 1.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance anda 2300mAh battery with STAMINA Mode 3.0. Ideal for long days of heavy usage, XperiaE3 provides speed and durability for users on-the-go.

The slimmest4G smartphone in its class²

All this premium technology is housed in a thin andlight smartphone that fits perfectly in your hand. Xperia M2 is available inthree distinct colour options: black, white and purple.

Dual SIM, nocompromise

Xperia M2’s dual-SIM variant, Xperia M2dual⁸, is a fastmobile phone that offers a new experience through theincorporation of Sony’s latest generation of dual-SIM technology. Users can setup both SIM cards independently with custom ring tones and easily choose betweenSIMs before making calls or sending texts, whilst Sony’s dual SIM managementtechnology means that users can keep both SIMs active and never miss a call,even when talking on one of them.

Perfectpartners

Xperia M2 connects users via Bluetooth to Sony’sextended ecosystem of 154 one-touch compatible products with NFC technology. Music enthusiasts can enjoytunes wirelessly via NFC using SBH20 Stereo Bluetooth Headset or plugged-inwith part in-ear and water-resistant Stereo Headset STH30.

Whichever accessories you choose, Xperia M2 remains atthe heart of your connected entertainment experience.

Xperia M2 will launch globally from April 2014.

For the full list of Xperia M2 specifications,please click here.

- ENDS –

1“Class” is defined byStrategy Analytics as 4G smartphones less than 220 Euro MSRP/RRP at launch onglobal distribution. The XperiaTM M2 is powered by the Qualcomm^®Snapdragon™ 400 processor with 1.2GHz quad-core CPUs,4G LTE, 1GB RAM, 8GB NAND Flashmemory, a 4.8-inch qHD display, 8MP camera and a 2330mAh battery, all in a slim8.6mm design. XperiaTM M2 is best in class on device thickness, display size,camera resolution and processor cores. XperiaTM M2 specifications were verifiedagainst all other smartphones in the same class. Source: Strategy Analytics'SpecTRAX and PriceTRAX services, 29th January 2014. For more information onStrategy analytics results visit www.sonymobile.com/testresults/.

2 “Class” is defined byStrategy Analytics as 4G smartphones less than 220 Euro MSRP/RRP at launch onglobal distribution. The Xperia^TM M2 is only 8.6mm thick. XperiaTM M2 specifications were verified against all other smartphones in thesame class. Source: Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX and PriceTRAX services, 29thJanuary 2014. For more information on Strategy analytics results visit www.sonymobile.com/testresults/.

3 “Class” is defined byStrategy Analytics as 4G smartphones less than 220 Euro MSRP/RRP at launch onglobal distribution. The Xperia^TM M2 has an 8MP camera resolution and more enhanced camera and imaging functions than LG Optimus F5, Samsung GalaxyAce 3 and Samsung Galaxy Express 2. Competitor devices were defined by StrategyAnalytics as the top-selling smartphones globally in 2013 within this class.Source: Strategy Analytics, January 2014. For more information visit www.sonymobile.com/testresults/

4 “Class” is defined by Strategy Analytics as4G smartphones less than 220 Euro MSRP/RRP at launch on global distribution.The Xperia^TM M2 has a 4.8-inch qHD display. XperiaTM M2specifications were verified against all other smartphones in the same class. Source:Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX and PriceTRAX services, 29th January 2014. Formore information on Strategy analytics results visit www.sonymobile.com/testresults/.

5SonyEntertainment Network services are subject to availability by region. Pleasevisit www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com for more details. The number oftracks available from this catalogue varies by country and may be fewer thanstated.

6 Content offer subject to market availability.Movies offer available in 40 markets.

7 “Class” is defined by Strategy Analytics as4G smartphones less than 220 Euro MSRP/RRP at launch on global distribution.The Xperia^TMM2 has an 8MP camera resolution, equal best in itsclass. XperiaTM M2 specifications were verified against all other smartphonesin the same class. Source: Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX and PriceTRAX services,29th January 2014. For more information on Strategy analytics results visit www.sonymobile.com/testresults/.

8 Available in 3G variant only

FOR MEDIAINFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

For more information, images and videos pleasevisit: http://blogs.sonymobile.com/category/press-releases

Sony Mobile Communications, Global Communications & PR department

General Press: +44 208 762 5858

About Sony MobileCommunications

Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based SonyCorporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications,key device and information technology products for both the consumer andprofessional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment andonline businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronicsand entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphoneand tablet portfolio, as well as innovative SmartWear products, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology,premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world ofnetworked entertainment experiences. For more information: www.sonymobile.com

Legal

1) Factsand features may vary depending on local variant. 2) Operational times areaffected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories andvarious activities e.g. playing games. Kit contents and colour options maydiffer from market to market. The full range of accessories may not beavailable in every market. 3) Icons displayed are for illustrative purposesonly. The homescreen may appear different in your product. Some features maynot be available in your country or area.

“Sony”,“WALKMAN”, “VAIO”, “Cyber-shot”, “Handycam”, “α”, “BRAVIA” and “Xperia” areregistered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarksor registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Additional information regarding trademarks may be located on our website at: www.sonymobile.com/global-en/legal/trademarks-and-copyright/

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Chris Panayotov is a former mobile tech reviewer of phones, tablets and wearables at PhoneArena. However, his contribution to PhoneArena content includes not just reviews, but all kinds of regular and experimental features, such as news stories, buying guides, and an exclusive column on the most notable phones out of Asia.

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Sony unveils the Xperia M2, joins the ‘new’ mid-range

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