Sony Xperia S trumps iPhone 4S in screen pixel density
The iPhone 4 and 4S boasts the highest pixel density of any screen. That was before the Sony Xperia S came along. Pushing a resolution of 1280×720 pixels from the 4.3-inch screen, the Xperia S 338ppi pixel density trumps the iPhone’s 326ppi. Also, considering how vibrant the displays on the Xperia arc, arc S and the ray are, we’re expecting the Xperia S to be even more stunning and pin sharp, dare we say, much better than what the iPhone 4S can muster.
Here are PPI counts for some of the popular devices at the moment:
Galaxy Nexus – 316ppi @ 4.65-inch 1280x720pixels
Sony Ericsson Xperia ray – 296ppi @ 3.3-inch 854x480pixels
Samsung Galaxy Note – 284ppi @ 5.3-inch 1280x720pixels
Motorola RAZR – 256ppi @ 4.3-inch 960x540pixels
Nokia Lumia 800 – 252ppi @ 3.7-inch 800x480pixels
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S – 233pp @ 4.2-inch 854x480pixels
Samsung Galaxy SII – 218ppi @ 4.3-inch 800x480pixels
Of course numbers are just part of the equation, how the device looks, feel and performs are the things that make the difference. Sony Ericsson delivered a solid line up in 2011 and with the Xperia S, it looks like they’ve just only warmed up. The Xperia S has all the makings of a great phone and so we’re expecting a lot from this device and Sony for 2012.
We’re now in Shanghai for the Asian launch of the Sony Xperia S to see if the Sony smartphone can deliver the goods. The launch is happening tomorrow and we’ll deliver updates to you live via twitter so make sure you follow us to get the latest.
Thanks for the tip @luftihambalimr
Nokia unveils the US only Lumia 900
Nokia today announced its first LTE smartphone, the Nokia Lumia 900 running on Windows Phone 7.5. Other than the 4.3-inch 800×480 pixel AMOLED ClearBlack Display, a 1.3MP f/2.4 front camera and LTE connectivity, everything else about the Lumia 900 is pretty much identical to its smaller-screened stable mate, the Nokia Lumia 800, including the single-piece polycarbonate body and the 1.4GHz single-core processor with 512MB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. You also get the same 8MP with a 28mm f/2.2 Carl Zeiss camera as on the Lumia 800. Also, being a LTE device, the battery on the Nokia Lumia 900 has been beefed up to 1840mAh compared to the 1450mAh unit in the 800.
The Lumia 900 is scheduled to hit stores within this quarter and as the title suggests, the phone is for the US market only at the moment. Closer to home, we’ve gotten word that Nokia is currently gearing up to launch the Lumia 800 and 710 in Malaysia. No word on the exact date but the indication is that it will happen before the end of March.
Whatever it is, Nokia had better haul ass because the Lumia is going to face some tough competition from the Android camp especially from Sony Ericsson and Samsung looking to refresh their smartphone range with ICS-ready device right about the same time as Nokia is looking to launch Lumia in Malaysia.
Considering the choices available and soon to be available, would the Lumia series be a consideration for you?
Head on to after the jump for the full Nokia CES keynote launching the Lumia 900.
Sony unveils the Xperia S
Click for larger image
Ladies and gentlemen this is the Sony Xperia S (previously known as the Nozomi or the Xperia HD), the first smartphone from Sony’s Xperia NXT (next generation smartphones from Sony) series of devices.
Sony says:
Xperia S showcases a new design approach referred to as “Iconic Identity”. The design will be replicated across the Xperia NXT series and creates a simple strong look that is instantly recognizable. The transparent element at the base creates an iconic silhouette where the display is emphasized and underlined. In addition, it provides illumination effects and integrates the antenna components.
The user Interface has been redesigned to match the minimalistic design of the hardware. The home screen has a new colorful flow background making full usage of HD Reality Display and dual-core processing power.
Vital specs for the Xperia S include a 4.3-inch 1280x720p HD Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine, a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8260 processor and 32GB of on board storage. Additional connectivity includes DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync as well as NFC. Power is courtesy of a 1,750mAh battery pack.
Apart from the brilliant display, the other highlight of the Xperia S is the 12MP f/2.4 Exmor R camera with 1080p video capability. In addition to the 12MP rear camera the Xperia S features a 1.3Mp front camera that’s capable of shooting 720p videos. Like the Xperia ion, the camera on Xperia S also comes with Sony’s Fast Capture technology enabling the camera to go from standby mode to first shot in 1.5 seconds.
Knowing Sony Ericsson’s established reputation of making fine cameras on their mobile phones, we’re not expecting the Xperia S to disappoint. In fact we’ll go so far as to say that the Xperia S has all the makings of one of best camera phones for 2012. We can’t wait to get our hands on one.
The Sony Xperia S will be available to consumers globally from the first quarter 2012. At launch the Xperia S will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Sony says users can expect an Ice Cream Sandwich update within the second quarter of 2012.
More pictures and videos right after the jump.
It’s official: The Sony unveils the Xperia ion – its first LTE smartphone
The impressive hardware list continues with a 12MP Exmor R camera with 1080p video and Fast Capture technology enabling the camera to go from standby mode to first shot in 1.5 seconds. There’s also a 1.3MP front camera that’s capable of shooting 720p videos.
In addition, the Sony Xperia ion is PlayStation certified, and comes with DLNA and BRAVIA Sync as well as HDMI connectivity. There’s also NFC built-in. Unfortunately, the device runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread at launch. We expect the Xperia ion to be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as the hardware is more than capable but at the moment Sony has not revealed a timeline for the update.
The Xperia ion will go on sale in Q2 2012. Right now the Sony Xperia ion is US only but with those specs, there’s absolutely no reason why it won’t do well here. We’re hoping Sony will produce a GSM version for Malaysia. Update: It turns out there is a GSM version of the Xperia ion, it’s called the Xperia S.
A couple of videos featuring the Xperia ion available after the jump.