Barcelona — Sony brought a new Xperia flagship and two mid-rangers to MWC 2019, continuing with its modest design and a media-driven focus for all of the devices. All three smartphones feature a 21:9 aspect ratio for enhanced viewing for video and gaming. This aspect ratio is quickly becoming the new standard for many content providers, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube as well as Sony Pictures. It also slims down the bezels on Sony’s latest devices.
4K Widescreen
The premium model Sony Xperia 1 features a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display and adopts technologies from the manufacturer’s Bravia TV line to enhance the mobile cinematic experience. The smartphone introduces the latest Gorilla Glass 6 for heightened screen protection and is rated IP65/68 for water and dust resistance.
The Sony Xperia 1 is running the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip; however, it features gigabit LTE as opposed to 5G at this point. Other hardware includes 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage with microSD expansion up to 512GB. The device features a 3,330 mAh battery, for which Sony promises a satisfying battery life. Its power port is USB-C, but it loses its headphone jack. For software, the device runs Android 9 Pie.
Colors and availability
Color options for the Xperia 1 include black and purple for the U.S., as well as gray and white for international markets. Current availability details indicate a late spring launch in the U.S.
The Sony Xperia 10 and Sony Xperia 10 Plus also have the 21:9 aspect ratio but on Full HD+ displays. The Xperia 10 has a 6-inch screen, while the Xperia 10 Plus has a 6.5-inch screen. Both devices are protected by Gorilla Glass 5.
Camera focus
The Xperia 10 runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chip. For hardware, it includes 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage with microSD expansion up to 512GB, and a 2,870mAh battery. Sony promotes the bokeh artistic effect for the Xperia 10 dual rear camera system, which includes 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel lenses. Its front camera is 8-megapixels.
The Xperia 10 Plus runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chip. For hardware, it includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage with microSD expansion up to 512GB, and a 3000mAh battery. Sony promotes 2X optical zoom for the Xperia 10 Plus dual rear camera system, which includes 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel lenses. Its front camera is 8-megapixels.
Both models have USB-C ports and retain their 3.5mm headphone jacks. For software, the devices run Android 9 Pie.
Colors and availability
Color options for the Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus include black and silver in the U.S., as well as navy, pink (exclusive to the Xperia 10) and gold (exclusive to the Xperia 10 Plus) for international markets. The devices are set to release on March 18 in the U.S. with the Xperia 10 selling for $349.99 and the Xperia 10 Plus selling for $429.99.
