Sony today announced that a trio of its Xperia NXT series of Android smartphones is now available in the United States. Offered as unlocked GSM models, the three models span entry-level to high-end and come in a variety of colors.
Starting at the bottom, the Xperia U provides users with a dual-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory, a 5-megapixel rear camera with 720p HD video recording, and a front-facing camera. Powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Xperia U features a 3.5-inch (854×480 pixels) Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine, the standard fare of connectivity, and comes with a reasonable $299.99 price tag.
The Xperia P has a larger 4-inch qHD (960 x 540 pixels) Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine and is the first to feature WhiteMagic (brightest viewing) technology. Though the handset also features a dual-core 1GHz processor, it benefits from 1GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. Additional specifications for the $479.99 smartphone include an 8-megapixel camera with Exmor R and 1080p HD video recording, HDMI with Bravia Sync, DLNA, and NFC support.
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On the higher end, the Xperia S has all the aforementioned features plus a bit more. Standout details include a 4.3-inch (1,280×720 pixels) HD Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, and 32GB internal storage. What’s more, the Xperia S packs a 12-megapixel primary camera with Exmore R, Fast Capture, Aperture f/2.4, and 16x digital zoom.
As is the case with its NXT series brethren, the device includes a 3.5mm audio jack, aGPS, Wi-Fi, USB Host, DLNA, and Bluetooth. While all three models offer the transparent element that encircles the base of the phones, only the Xperia U version illuminates to match the color of photos or album art from music tracks. Priced at $559.99, the Sony smartphone is a well-rounded, if not sexy, Android handset.
The three Xperia NXT models are now available in the U.S. at Sony retail stores, online, and through a number of Internet retailers. Sony advises that pricing and color options may vary by outlet so keep that in mind should you wish to pick one up. It’s also worth pointing out that while each model comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, all are expected to see 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich down the road.