Sony and T-Mobile have officially unveiled the Xperia Z1s. The slightly tweaked Xperia Z1 retains all of the great features of the original, while adding a few exclusive features into the mix as well. A T-Mobile exclusive for the US, the Sony Xperia Z1s will launch on January 22nd for $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $22.
The Xperia Z1s shares a majority of the specifications as the original. Specs include a 5 inch FHD Triluminos display, 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB RAM, 20.7 megapixel camera with Sony G lens, 32GB internal storage, micro SD card slot, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, and more. The Xperia Z1s, like several other Sony devices, is water-resistant. The Z1s ships with a IP58 rating, allowing the handset to be submerged in 4.9 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. And thanks to the dedicated camera button on the handset, you can even take photos underwater!
Starting today, you can pre-register to get in on the pre-sale that kicks off on January 13th. As a special pre-sale promotion running from January 13th to the 21st, customers who purchase both the Sony Xperia Z1s from T-Mobile and a Sony Playstation 4 will receive a $100 gift card. That’s not all, though. Even if you don’t opt for the Playstation 4 purchase, the Xperia Z1s still has a lot to offer you. New Xperia Z1s owners will receive 6 movies to download from Sony Video Unlimited, 10 free Playstation Mobile games, and a 60 day free trial of Sony’s Music Unlimited service.
Sony has been making some of the best smartphones around lately, and it’s latest entry for the T-Mobile portfolio continues to prove just that. The Sony Xperia Z1s is definitely a great looking handset that will succeed the Xperia Z on T-Mobile’s network perfectly. As the second US exclusive handset, the relationship between Sony and T-Mobile sounds like it’s getting serious.
What do you think of the Xperia Z1s? Sound off in the comments below!
Press release below:
Sony® Introduces Xperia® Z1?: Delivering the World’s Best Camera in a Sleek Waterproof1 Smartphone
- Exclusively available in the U.S. from T-Mobile starting January 22 on the nationwide 4G LTE network
- First waterproof U.S. Flagship Sony Smartphone
- Award-winning Sony camera hardware paired with Xperia Camera Apps push boundaries of what a camera can do
- First smartphone pre-loaded with the PlayStation®App enhancing gaming experience for PlayStation®4 and more
January 6, 2014, Las Vegas, USA – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today debuts its new U.S. flagship Android™ smartphone, the waterproof1 Xperia Z1s. Building on the success of Xperia Z, the new Xperia Z1s will be available as an exclusive to T-Mobile. Beginning today, consumers can pre-register to be the first to buy the device, with an online pre-sale kicking off January 13 and nationwide availability in participating T-Mobile stores and online starting January 22.
The latest addition to the ‘Z series’ is a slim yet durable smartphone, crafted with premium materials to withstand life’s surprises. Xperia Z1s has an IP58 rating, making the device Sony’s first waterproof flagship smartphone in the U.S. With a 20.7 megapixel camera, BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine, and Sony G
Lens as well as a 5-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display and X-Reality for mobile2, Xperia Z1s is a stunning, premium waterproof smartphone bringing together the best of Sony’s expertise across camera imaging, display and entertainment.
“As a waterproof smartphone complete with the best of Sony’s technology, Xperia Z1s breaks the mold of not only what you can do with a smartphone, but where you can take it,” said Ravi Nookala, President, Sony Mobile Communications U.S. “Building on the momentum of the successful partnership for the launch of Xperia Z, T-Mobile’s shared vision of delivering an uncompromised mobile experience makes them the perfect exclusive partner to bring Xperia Z1s to the U.S.”
Beginning January 13, T-Mobile customers can purchase Xperia Z1s online at www.T-Mobile.com for $0 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $223 with the Simple Choice Plan. As a special pre-sale promotion, Sony Mobile is providing customers with a $100 VISA gift card with purchase of a Sony Xperia Z1s and a Sony PlayStation®4 (“PS4”) for a limited time from Jan. 13 – 21.4 Additionally, every Xperia Z1s comes with a unique entertainment offer. You get six great movies to download from Video Unlimited including Sony Pictures’ critically acclaimed Captain Phillips on the day of its digital release, 10 preselected PlayStation®Mobile games, and a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited.
“We are excited to extend T-Mobile’s partnership with Sony and to build on our success with the Xperia Z,” said Jason Young, Senior Vice President of Marketing of T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, people can get unlimited talk, text and data with no annual service contract, nationwide 4G LTE coverage, unlimited data and texting in over 100+ countries and upgrades when they want. Now, with the exclusive addition of the Xperia Z1s people have yet another great reason to come to T-Mobile.”
The world’s best camera in a waterproof smartphone1
Whether it’s braving the rain to get front row shots of your favorite band or taking the “selfie” to a whole new underwater level, Xperia Z1s makes fear of using your phone around water a thing of the past. Further developing the water-resistant capabilities of Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1s can be completely submerged in freshwater up to 4.9 feet for 30 minutes, making it waterproof1 (as per IP58 rating) and with its physical camera key, you can even use the device to shoot photos and videos underwater. It also incorporates wet finger tracking technology, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or your fingers are wet.
Whether above or below water, Xperia Z1? leverages Sony’s best digital imaging technology to capture compact digital camera quality 20.7 MP photos and Full HD videos. For the first time in a U.S. flagship smartphone, Sony has added its BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine – the ‘brain’ of the camera, which together with the sensor, produces images with less noise or blurring, better auto-focus and white balance, and clear image 3x zoom. Sony’s camera expertise also extends to the lens, with Sony’s award-winning G Lens (F2.0), which incorporates the brand’s unique optical design technology and quality control.
More than just photos and video
Innovating on what’s expected of smartphone camera capabilities and overall experience, the Xperia Z1s comes preloaded with a unique suite of applications called Xperia Camera Apps. Making their debut on a U.S. flagship smartphone, these applications include Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effects, Social live, and as an exclusive to Xperia Z1s, Background defocus.
Info-eye™: Perform a visual search that provides related information on items like wine, books, and landmarks, simply by capturing them with the camera
Timeshift burst: Capture 61 images within two seconds – a second before and after pressing the shutter – so you can scroll back and forth to find the perfect image.
AR effect: Overlay a selection of fun, customizable animations to create pictures with playful touch using the “SmartAR” augmented reality technology developed by Sony. The animations include dinosaurs, ocean-life and more.
Social live: Broadcast memories in the making to friends and family on Facebook™, live from your Xperia Z1?. Moments such as your best friend’s wedding to your child’s very first recital, are not only shared while you record, but are also made interactive as you receive your friends’ responses right on your screen to keep the conversation going in real-time.
Background defocus: Adjust the blur in the background for more artistic, professional-looking photos, once only achieved by using top of the line D-SLR cameras or specific lenses, with this exclusive camera app for your Xperia Z1?.
A gamer’s handheld companion
The Xperia Z1s brings an entertainment experience that only Sony can offer including free content as well as integration of Sony media apps with Sony entertainment services, including the new PlayStation®App for the connected gamer.
The PlayStation®App allowsdirect access to various PlayStation®Network features and information such as profiles, trophies, messages, notifications and game invitations, as well as news and blogs from the official PlayStation website. The app is also a companion app to the PS4™, allowing for a Second Screen feature in supported games, the use of the Xperia Z1? as a remote control to the PS4, and the ability to watch friends’ PS4 game play. Users can even purchase PlayStation®Store game content from the device and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3™ or PlayStation®Vita5 while on the go. Beyond the app, Xperia Z1? supports the DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller, bringing a console-like experience to PlayStation®Mobile games.
An immersive viewing experience
Xperia Z1? features a 5-inch Full HD display incorporating Sony’s intelligent TRILUMINOS Display technology powered by X-Reality for mobile picture engine2. The TRILUMINOS for mobile display creates a wide palette of rich natural colors reproducing 130% of the natural color gamut and contrast for an immersive viewing experience thanks to Sony’s BRAVIA® expertise. Paired with Sony’s intelligent display technology – X-Reality for mobile2, which analyzes each image to optimize resolution and sharpness – the display delivers an unmatched viewing experience.
Key features for Xperia Z1s
• Waterproof1, rated IP55/58
• Sony G Lens, 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor and BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine
• Preloaded Xperia camera apps including: Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effect, Social live, and Background defocus
• 5-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with X-Reality™ for mobile2 picture engine
• PlayStation®App – Connect to your PS4™ system and PSN friends, use your smartphone as a second screen and manage your game downloads
• Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 quad-core 2.2 Ghz processor, 3000 mAh battery, 4G LTE
1 In compliance with IP57 and IP58, Xperia Z1s is protected against the ingress of dust and is waterproof. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.5 meter (approximately 4.9 feet) of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP57 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty will being void.
2 This is turned off by default and must be turned on in settings in order to experience.
3 If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone becomes due. Total $528. 0% APR O.A.C. for well-qualified buyers
4 The Sony Mobile $100 Visa Gift Card offer is sponsored by Sony Mobile USA and redemption of the offer is provided through mail-in rebate. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older. Begins
1/13/14 at 9AM ET & ends 1/21/13 at 11:59PM ET. Void where prohibited. For official terms and conditions, visit www.sonymobile.com/xperiaz1s-exclusive-offers
5 Video contents cannot be purchased through PlayStation®App. A User must be a member of PlayStation®Plus to download content directly to a PS Vita system.