When Sony first launched the Xperia Tablet Z, we must admit that we were pretty bummed that it was bound to the Japanese market at the time. Luckily, it didn’t take the company too much longer to announce its best tablet to date to the rest of the world. The Xperia Tablet Z certainly has what it takes to go toe to toe with any Android tablet (and then some) on the market today.
The Xperia Tablet Z rocks a 10.1 with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, bringing you a very beautiful display that also takes advantage of Sony’s Bravia tech found in its TV sets. You’ll also get a 1.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB/32GB of internal storage that’s expandable via a micro SD card slot, NFC, IR sensor, and 6,000 mAh battery. Like the new Xperia Z smartphone, the Tablet is is also dust and water resistant, which will extend the durability of the device.
What makes the Xperia Tablet Z standout even more is just how thin and light it is. Thinner than even the Xperia Z handset, the Tablet Z is only 6.9mm thin, and weighs only 495 grams.
Starting at $499 for the 16GB version ($599 for 32GB), the Xperia Tablet Z will be a great addition to your living room, or just about anywhere else you’d want to put it. Not to mention, it will look great next to your Xperia Z smartphone!
Check out our hand-on with the sexy tablet here!
Press release below!
Sony’s New Xperia™ Tablet Z Packs Powerful Specifications into a Slim and Sleek Design
The Premium Android™-powered device features the best of Sony technology, entertainment, design and connectivity in the world’s thinnest 10.1” tablet
SAN DIEGO, February 25, 2013 (12:00 AM PST) – At Mobile World Congress, Sony announced today the launch of the Xperia Tablet Z, a premium 10.1” Android tablet that is also the world’s thinnest.* The new device joins Sony’s flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z, in offering consumers premium specifications with the best of Sony technology, entertainment, design and connectivity.
Premium Tablet Design
Xperia Tablet Z is the most premium, high performance 10.1” Android tablet available. Built from quality materials and featuring the same stunning OmniBalance design as the Xperia Z smartphone, Xperia Tablet Z is also the slimmest 10.1” tablet in the world at 6.9 mm* and lightweight at 495 grams. It is the first tablet to run on the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 Pro asynchronous quad core processor and has the highest levels of water resistance (IP55 & IP57) ever seen in a tablet, making it immersible in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes.**
”Xperia Tablet Z sets new standards in entertainment by matching premium specifications and Sony technology with cross-device connectivity and a consistent user-experience,” said Kaz Tajima, corporate vice president, head of UX creative design and planning, at Sony Mobile Communications. “Xperia Tablet Z reinforces our intention to be a leading player in the premium Android device market, by building on the principles established by Xperia Z and perfectly optimizing them for the tablet form factor.”
Integrated Sony Technology
Xperia Tablet Z includes the very best of Sony technology. With a 10.1” full-HD Reality Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2, it delivers enhanced color reproduction for a brilliant TV-like viewing experience. By offering the widest spectrum of color on any tablet, the Xperia Tablet Z provides a vivid, life-like display. It also draws upon Sony’s camera expertise with an 8MP HD rear camera featuring the Exmor® R for Mobile image sensor and a 2 MP HD front-facing camera for capturing the best images in any condition, including low light. Sony’s S-Force Front Surround 3D provides superior audio performance while Sony’s Clear Audio+ mode and the innovative use of two built-in speakers with four ‘speaker halls’ on the left and right corners help the tablet deliver amazing sound no matter how it is held. Xperia Tablet Z also includes Battery STAMINA mode, Sony’s unique battery management technology that can improve standby time. The Xperia Tablet Z also offers a microSD card slot for up to 64GB of expandable storage.
Seamless One-touch Connectivity
Xperia Tablet Z is available in a WiFi version in the US and includes more connectivity options than any other tablet, placing it at the heart of the connected home experience. It includes Sony’s Near Field Communication (NFC) One-Touch functions which allow users to transfer content among compatible devices, including audio, video and images, seamlessly from tablet to TV, tablet to speaker or phone to tablet just by touching them together. One-Touch functions are a key component of Sony’s device range this year and no other consumer electronics company today is bringing as many NFC-enabled products to market. The tablet’s Universal IR Remote allows users to control their TV and other Sony devices – as well as products from other manufacturers – directly from the tablet. Additionally, TV SideView is a new application, available from the Google Play store, that gives users an entirely new way to interact with the TV: Discover content via the interactive and visual TV guide, change channels, share with your social networks and cross-search other TV application listings like Netflix®, Video Unlimited™ and YouTube™ in your home network for additional content.
“The living room continues to be the number one location for tablet usage in the US. Consumers are using their tablet as a second-screen companion while watching TV, which is why we packed the Xperia Tablet Z with more connectivity options than any other tablet on the market,” said Phil Lubell, vice president of networked technologies and services at Sony Electronics. “The Xperia Tablet Z makes it easier than ever to connect, share and discover content across all your devices in the home.”
Sony’s Media Applications
Sony’s signature media applications – Walkman®, Movies and Album – allow users to enjoy, control and view content. The Sony Entertainment Network ecosystem is also integrated into the application experience and includes Music Unlimited™ which provides subscribers with access to 18 million songs and Facebook® social integration, Video Unlimited™ with access to over 100,000 movies and TV series and PlayStation® Mobile.
Xperia Tablet Z Accessories
Xperia Tablet Z will launch with a number of accessories including a Cradle, an LCD Screen Protector and a Leather Carrying Cover that comes in Black, White or Red. These will be available from Sony stores and registered retailers.