The competition in the premium segment of mobile smartphone market is heating up with flagship devices being released left, right and center. A few weeks ago we attended the LG G-Flex Launch and recently the Samsung debut the new Galaxy S5. With all the latest and greatest talk going around Sony would not want to miss the boat. Sony revealed the Z2 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month and visited South Africa this week to let the press get their hands on the latest Xperia device.
The Xperia Z2 was launched alongside the Z2 tablet at the Auto & General Theater in the Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton on Monday the 3rd of March. As is custom with most mobile press launches everyone was treated to a drinks and canape socializing session before the official business started. Once everyone had their fill and said their hello’s we were escorted into the quaint little theater famous for being the spring-board of many an artist in South Africa.
Contrasting to most other mobile companies, Sony used professional MC’s to deliver their pre-prepared press release. The MC’s were accompanied by different groups of dancers which interacted with the presentation. I was a bit disappointed that there was no official speech given by a Sony executive as well as the fact that there was no Q&A session afterward.
That aside the whole performance showed of the new Z2 and Z2 Tablet in all their glory. Here are some of the main features and talking points:
Xperia Z2
- One piece aluminium frame encased in premium glass.
- IP58 rated dust resistant and waterproof design.
- Qualcomm 2.3GHz quad-core processor with 3GB RAM.
- 20.7MP Camera with 4K video recording (ne w image stabilization)
- 5.2inch FULL HD LED IPS Display.
- Life Log App (Keeps stats of your phone, health etc.)
- Android 4.4 KitKat
Z2 Tablet
- IP58 rated dust resistant and waterproof design.
- 10.1inch FULL HD LED IPS Display.
- PS Gaming controller connectivity.
- Magnetic charging dock.
- Converts into full functioning laptop with Sony’s Keyboard.
- Qualcomm APQ8074 2.3GHz quad-core processor with 3GB RAM.
After the presentation the press were allowed to handle and inspect both the Z2 and Z2 Tablet. The available Sony staff demonstrated all the talked about features including the noise reducing Sony headphones. Another amusing feature was the Playstation Dual shock controller demo with the Z2 Tablet. The experience brings a new meaning to mobile gaming.
After having a look at the devices up close and personal I was able to drop in on a conversation Andrew Fraser (Sony Head of Marketing) was having with a few press members. The most important revelations were:
- The Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet will be released in South Africa in the second quarter of 2014. Sony is aiming for April 2014.
- Release dates will be staggered across service providers.
- Depending on the exchange rate the Xperia Z2 will launch at the same prices as the Z1 in 2013.
The Xperia Z2 enters alongside a string of new premium devices. My first impressions of the smartphone indicate a good seller. The display, camera and waterproof features really stand out, but I guess only time and the consumers’ pockets will tell.
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