Sony announces Xperia Z2, Z2 Tablet and mid-range M2 at MWC 2014

Updated specs and a few interesting features highlight quick refreshes of three devices

Sony, as it often does, is iterating quickly on its leading devices with the release of the Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet and Xperia M2. These three devices take the same basic design from their previous-generation counterparts and upgrade a few of the key specs to keep things fresh in 2014 — and while the result isn’t revolutionary, all of the upgrades move these devices in the right direction.

The Xperia Z2 is a solid improvement over its predecessor, kicking things up a notch in multiple areas. The first big change is power — the Z2 is using the brand new Snapdragon 801 processor at 2.3GHz, paired with 3GB of RAM and a slightly larger 3200mAh battery powering it all. That’s all fitting underneath a larger 5.2-inch display, up from 5-inches, with the same 1080 x 1920 resolution and Triluminos display technology but also adding a new “Live Color LED” technology. The Z2 sticks with the same strong 20.7MP camera, but moves up to offering both 4K video and 120fps video for slow motion — paired with five new photo and video modes in the new camera app.

On the tablet front, the new Xperia Z2 Tablet replaces the old Tablet Z, moving in the same direction with updated specs and similar design. The Z2 Tablet also jumps to a Snapdragon 801 — a larger jump considering it previously had a Snapdragon S4 Pro — and 3GB of RAM. The refresh shaves down the thickness to just 6.4mm from 6.9mm and the weight to 426g (439g for LTE) from 495g. It also adds digital noise cancelation when paired with the right headset, as well as support for a range of new accessories including a keyboard cover.

For the lower end of the spectrum, the Xperia M2 follows up after the Xperia M that was released back in September. While it still isn’t a barn burner, the Xperia M2 bumps up to a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, a 4.8-inch 540 x 960 (qHD) display, 8MP Exmor RS camera (supporting HDR) and a 2300mAh battery. The original went on sale for $249 unlocked so it’ll be interesting to see if the price jumps at all with these more modern specs.

At its press conference today, Sony also revealed that its Smartband fitness accessory will be arriving in Europe from March, priced at €99. 

Sony isn’t spilling the details on pricing for the phones and tablet, but it is giving estimates of retail availability. The Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet are both expected in March 2014, with the Xperia M2 coming out in both single and dual SIM versions in April 2014. In the UK, Phones4u and EE have announced that they’ll range the Z2.

Sony adds new and innovative experiences to the premium Z series with Xperia™ Z2 – our best ever display, sound, camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone

• The world’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone1 with Sony’s proven camera technologies: Award-winning “G Lens”, 20.7 MP “Exmor RS for mobile” CMOS image sensor and “BIONZ for mobile” image processing engine
• Capture video in 4K resolution with SteadyShot™, complemented by new Xperia camera apps such as Timeshift video and new AR effect
• Our brightest and most vivid viewing experience ever on 5.2” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with Live Colour LED powered by X-Reality™ for mobile
• The world’s first smartphone with digital noise-cancelling technology2 for an immersive audio experience
• World’s most powerful waterproof smartphone3 with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance, 3GB RAM and high capacity 3200 mAh battery

24th February 2014, MWC, Barcelona – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Xperia™ Z2, Sony’s best ever premium waterproof smartphone combining its best display, sound, camera and camcorder experience as well as an exclusive entertainment offer and a growing ecosystem of companion products. Xperia Z2 is the newest addition to Sony’s premium Z series and will launch globally from March 2014.

“With Xperia Z2 we have taken our premium Z series to the next level, delivering unique experiences that only Sony can offer,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. “We have redefined the smartphone once again through our camera. Xperia Z2 offers an innovative experience that captures memories in stunning detail through 4K video shooting, or offers new ways to use the camera with our unique Xperia camera apps. Furthermore, the Best of Sony has been delivered in the sound quality and customers are now able to listen to their music even in noisy environments without interruptions thanks to our acclaimed digital noise cancelling technology.”

The world’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone1

Capture and relive every detail with Xperia Z2’s camera and camcorder. Xperia Z2 features Sony’s proven camera technologies to deliver the unbeatable combination of the world’s best mobile camera and our most advanced camcorder ever in and 8.2 mm slim smartphone. The 20.7 megapixel camera is matched with 1/2.3-type Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor, Sony’s award-winning G Lens and intelligent BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine resulting in superb photo and video quality.

These features work together to bring you sharp, vivid and beautiful photos and videos no matter what the circumstances. With new enhanced video mode, you can now capture memories in stunning detail in 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels/30p) at four times the detail of Full HD, delivering the world’s best camcorder in a waterproof smartphone1. Plus, SteadyShot™ image stabilisation technology ensures your footage will stay smooth even if you are walking. The new Movie Creator allows you to trim and crop your videos so that you can easily pick out what you want to share. Insert dramatic slowdown effects at one or more places on the timeline of the video, then preview the results before you save and share your video.

The best video deserves the best sound. The compact and innovative STM10 Stereo Microphone offers high quality stereo audio recording. Compact and easy to carry, it’s the perfect match for Xperia Z2’s 4K video recording.

The smartest smartphone around with a growing ecosystem of Xperia camera apps

Enhance your mobile experience with a growing range of innovative Xperia camera apps. In addition to Info-eye™, Social live and Timeshift burst, Xperia Z2 also comes pre-loaded with new Xperia camera apps for both photo and video.

• Timeshift video: To relive every moment of the action in slow motion detail, the new Timeshift video mode lets you shoot in 120 frames per second and select scenes to slow the playback speed for dramatic slow motion effects exactly where you want, even underwater.
• Creative effect: Use a range of new creative effects for your photos and videos. Available in real-time for video, these adjustments enhance your clips with a range of effects such as colours, image trails, mirror and motion effects.
• Background defocus: This new camera app simulates a shallow depth of field. Capture two photos at different focus settings and blend together the different depths, leading to a blurred out background for more professional looking photos.
• AR effect: Now available for video recording, have some fun with your photos and videos with new augmented reality animations, including sound effects for video.
• Vine4: Create short, beautiful, looping videos in a simple and fun way for your friends and family to see – all from your camera’s viewfinder. Plus, using the dedicated camera button, you can capture Vine videos underwater as well.

In addition to these fun and useful pre-loaded Xperia camera applications, there’s a whole range of extra apps for you to enjoy including Wikitude Places, Evernote, VI Sports and more.  Simply go into your camera viewfinder, tap the camera mode icon and then click on ‘+Apps’ to see all the latest apps available on Sony Select to enhance your smartphone experience. 

Our best design with our highest level of waterproofing

The Xperia Z2 Android smartphone is designed with the user in mind, drawing on Sony’s expertise in premium craftsmanship. Evolving Sony’s stunning OmniBalance design, Xperia Z2 has a slimmer, and more comfortable feel by having the glass panels encased in a single, solid aluminium frame with smoother edges. This dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58) powerhouse blends beauty with function. The dedicated camera button means that you’re ready to capture the action wherever you are – both in and out of the water. Plus, the stunning 5.2” display, balanced with symmetry in design, provides a natural feel when held in your hand.

Bringing the viewing experience to life in bright and vivid detail
To enjoy the latest content in stunning quality and vivid colour, Xperia Z2’s screen is built using the latest BRAVIA® TV technologies optimised for mobile. The 5.2” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile with Live Colour LED provides the widest palate of rich natural colours for the sharpest images and a viewing experience that is as close to reality as possible.

Natural colours true to life can be difficult to reproduce on a display. TRILUMINOSTM Display for mobile with brand new Live Colour LED uses red & green phosphor with blue LEDs and customised colour filters to produce a brighter and more uniform light. The result is richer colours on the screen for all of your smartphone viewing without the risk of saturation.

X-Reality for mobile analyses each image to optimise colours, sharpness and contrast while also reducing noise. The super resolution function reproduces lacking pixels for spectacular clarity and detail.

Entertainment without interruption

To enjoy with the best display and a wide range of entertainment, Xperia Z2 also offers amazing sound quality with stereo speaker output and Sony’s digital noise cancelling technology.

Whether you’re on a plane or in on the bus, enjoy music on the go without the interruption of background noise. Our digital noise cancelling technology and dynamic sound in Xperia Z2 helps reduce up to 98% of ambient noise, when used with the compact in-ear MDR NC31EM Noise Cancelling Headset. Or, immerse yourself in entertainment with S-Force Front Surround™ to enjoy the latest movies, gaming and music on your Xperia Z2.

Music, movies and more – out of the box and at your fingertips

With Xperia Z2, you also get a range of entertainment right from the moment you turn your smartphone on. Xperia Z2 owners will have access to an exclusive content offer that includes six blockbuster movies from Sony Pictures, including Captain Phillips, as well as 30 days free trial of Music Unlimited4.

This exclusive out of the box content offer is available on Xperia Z2 through Sony’s range of integrated entertainment apps with a new and intuitive user interface:

• “What’s New” app helps you discover new and recommended movies, music, games and apps for enjoyment on your Xperia Z2 – all accessible from an informative and interactive widget on the home screen.
• “WALKMAN®” and Movies applications provide access to a global catalogue of more than 25 million songs on the “WALKMAN®” app through Music Unlimited5 and tens of thousands of movies and TV series on the Movies app through Video Unlimited5 from Sony Entertainment Network.
• PlayStation® App gives you the chance to enjoy an enhanced gaming experience – keeping you connected to your gaming friends and the games you love to play.
• PlayMemories Online6 – a cloud-based image and video service that is integrated into the Album application. A new ‘All Sync’ feature enables users to instantly auto-upload all of their photos without storage limitation5 to enjoy on all your devices.
• TrackIDTM TV7 – enhances your TV-viewing experience as it lets you search, share and explore information from broadcasted TV shows such as cast & crew, biographies, filmography or show related Tweets.

Enjoy ultra-fast performance with a battery you can rely on

Xperia Z2 is armed with the power to multi-task and enjoy everything from super-fast web surfing to video streaming without the wait. With the fully integrated Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and 4G LTE, Xperia Z2 offers ultra-fast performance for the apps and entertainment you want to enjoy, without the interruptions. The Snapdragon 801 also features the Adreno™ 330 GPU for rich graphics and gaming and a dual ISP for a seamless camera, camcorder and display experience.

Xperia Z2 also includes a large 3200 mAh battery which provides outstanding, class-leading battery performance. Plus, with Sony’s Battery STAMINA Mode, you can stay connected even longer, as it automatically turns off the functions you don’t need to save power when your display is inactive. As soon as you press the power button to wake up your screen, everything is up and running again.

Unrivalled ecosystem of companion products and smart accessories, including SmartWear

Sony offers the most comprehensive range of innovative companion products and accessories to give you new ways to use and enjoy your smartphone. With 154 NFC enabled one-touch connected products – including TVs, headphones, audio speakers, tablets, and more – it has never been easier to connect and enjoy your content across multiple devices.

The SmartBand SWR10 works with Xperia Z2 to log your life in partnership with the Lifelog application, creating an automatic 24/7 diary of your activities, entertainment and memories. Plus, with SmartBand you’ll never need to worry about losing your phone or missing a call with a series of customisable smart notifications delivered straight to your wrist.

The Xperia Z2 will launch globally from March 2014.

Sony introduces its most innovative tablet yet with Xperia™ Z2 Tablet – the world’s slimmest & lightest waterproof1 tablet

• The world’s slimmest, lightest and only waterproof tablet for ultimate portability
• The world’s first tablet display with Live Colour LED2 for the best entertainment viewing experience
• The world’s first digital noise cancelling technology built into a tablet3 for a truly immersive sound experience
• The world’s fastest processor in a tablet4 featuring the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 processor combined with Sony’s leading battery performance
• Unique accessories to further enhance your tablet experience for work and play

24th February 2014, Mobile World Congress, Barcelona – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today set a new standard in tablet innovation with the Xperia Z2 Tablet – the world’s slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet with Sony’s best ever entertainment experience.

“The Xperia Z2 Tablet represents the pinnacle of tablet innovation and is a true flagship in our premium line. We have evolved our cutting-edge design to create the slimmest lightweight tablet matched with Sony’s latest technologies to deliver a unique user experience.” said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. “And with our new range of dedicated accessories, you can further now enhance your tablet experience whether for work or play, at home or on the go.”

Unbeatable viewing experience

The Xperia Z2 Tablet is the world’s first tablet display with Live Colour LED display, providing bright natural colours and perfectly sharp images in any light thanks to Sony’s latest BRAVIA TV technology expertise. The 10.1” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile is matched with Sony’s new Live Colour LED technology resulting in colours that have never been so real, more natural or so true to life. Add to the Sony’s unique X-Reality™ for mobile intelligent engine that analyses each image for optimal colour, sharpness and contrast while super resolution reproduces lacking pixels to ensure you get the ultimate viewing experience every time.

Best ever sound experience

The Xperia Z2 Tablet offers the clearest sound quality with Sony’s Front Surround™ audio technology that lets you enjoy dynamic sound. And now you can enjoy uninterrupted audio when you’re on the move, even on noisy trains or planes, thanks to the world’s first digital noise cancelling technology built into a tablet that reduces ambient noise by up to 98% when paired with the MDR-NC31EM Noise Cancelling headset.

The world’s slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet

With Xperia Z2 Tablet, Sony has developed a tablet that is both beautifully sleek and portable. Using premium materials, every single detail has been carefully crafted to create the world’s slimmest (only 6.4mm) and lightest (only 426g for Wi-Fi model and 439g for LTE/3G model) waterproof tablet on the planet, making it extremely portable and comfortable to hold, even with just one hand. Sony’s acclaimed OmniBalance design creates an elegant shape that is delightfully slim yet reassuringly solid, providing balance and symmetry in all directions for a comfortable hold and beautiful look from all angles. And as you would expect from Sony, this lightweight beauty is also entirely waterproof taking every day life in its stride.

Best ever tablet entertainment

“What’s New” app helps you discover new and recommended movies, music, games and apps for enjoyment on your Xperia Z2 – all accessible from an informative and interactive widget on the home screen.

• “WALKMAN®” and Movies applications provide access to more than 25 million songs on the “WALKMAN®” app through Music Unlimited5 and tens of thousands of movies and TV series on the Movies app through Video Unlimited5from Sony Entertainment Network.
• The Album app with PlayMemories™ Online6 makes it easy to securely upload, share and enjoy all of your photos and videos across your favourite Sony devices.
• Exclusive entertainment content offer6: Get 6 blockbuster movies from Sony Pictures including Captain Phillips and 30 days free trial from Music Unlimited.

Further enhance your entertainment experience with the latest tablet accessories. Create a Full HD TV style viewing experience with your tablet with the BSC10 Bluetooth® Speaker dock with Magnetic Charging Pad that lets you enjoy all your online and offline entertainment content with superior sound – all whilst charging. The BRH10 Bluetooth® Remote with Handset Function adds full multimedia remote control functionality to your movie and gaming experience, as well as easy call handling via IP telephony or voice calling (LTE/3G variant only). Turn your tablet into a gaming console experience with Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3), which brings the most intuitive PlayStation® style game play entertainment straight to your tablet.

The world’s most powerful tablet3

The Xperia Z2 Tablet features the fully integrated Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 processor with 2.3 GHz processor quad-core Krait CPU that delivers high performance without draining the battery. Enjoy immersive multimedia experiences with stunning visuals and 3D gaming thanks to the enhanced graphics capabilities of the latest Adreno™ 330 GPU.

Xperia Z2 Tablet can also spend less time charging with the integrated Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology, which enables devices to charge up to 75 percent faster than devices without the fast charging technology. The large 6000mAh lithium polymer battery, together with Sony’s leading Battery STAMINA Mode, provides up to 10 hours of uninterrupted multimedia usage and more than 100 hours music playback without having to recharge your battery.

A tablet that means business

Turn your tablet into a laptop with the BKC50BT Bluetooth® Keyboard and Tablet Cover Stand that connects to your tablet for the ultimate laptop experience.

The inclusion of OfficeSuite Pro 7 means you can view, edit and share native Microsoft Office files giving you the flexibility to work where and when you need to. The robust security architecture of the Xperia Z2 Tablet safeguards both your corporate and personal data, while at the same time providing support for multiple accounts that are quick and simple to set up. And if you’re new to Xperia or simply upgrading, then Xperia Transfer is the simple and easy way to seamlessly transfer your contacts, photos, bookmarks, apps, messages and much more from your existing Android or iOS tablet, swiftly and securely.

High quality photos and videos with integrated Xperia camera apps

Capture HD photos and videos in any light condition with the Xperia Z2 Tablet’s 8.1MP camera with Exmor RS™ for mobile. Superior Auto mode combines Scene Recognition with high quality and high performance image processing technology such as HDR and noise reduction to automatically capture the moment with the optimal settings. Perfect for video calling, the 2.2MP front-facing HD chat camera is ideal for catching up with family and friends. The pre-loaded suite of Xperia camera apps adds an extra dimension of fun and creativity to the camera experience.

Xperia Z2 Tablet key features summary:

• 10.1” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with Live Colour LED powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine delivers a superb viewing experience
• S-Force Surround™ Sound and Digital Noise Cancelling for unrivalled audio quality
• World’s slimmest (6.4mm) and lightest (426g for Wi-Fi / 439g for LTE/3G)  waterproof (IP55/IP58) tablet for ultimate portability
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs, 3GB RAM,  4G LTE and Battery STAMINA Mode for fast, lasting performance
• Available in black or white colour variants

The Xperia Z2 Tablet will launch globally from March 2014.

Introducing Xperia™ M2, the best smartphone technology in its class1

• The slimmest 4G smartphone2 with the best smartphone camera3 and largest qHD display4 in its class
• Sony’s premium experiences, including the OmniBalance design, stunning processor performance, 4G speed and a long-lasting battery in a mid-range smartphone
• Razor sharp photos and video with the 8MP Exmor RS™ for mobile, HDR camera, and Xperia camera apps for live video broadcasting and sharing
• A unique entertainment package of 3 blockbuster movies and 30 days free trial of the Music Unlimited service available out of the box

A mid-range smartphone with the best technology in its class1

Xperia M2 showcases high quality technology at an affordable price. Sony’s OmniBalance design as found on Sony’s premium smartphone range, an ultra-fast processor and a large qHD display, combine to create brilliant all-round performance, whilst the unique Xperia camera, music and movie apps offer stunning entertainment experiences.

Entertainment everywhere, right out of the box

Xperia M2 offers a world of media apps for seamless entertainment, online and offline with Sony Entertainment Network5, paired with the best content offer available for a mid-range smartphone. Xperia M2 users will have the chance to enjoy the latest films out of the box with three digital downloads of the hottest blockbusters from Sony Pictures, such as Captain Phillips and White House Down. Through the Music Unlimited service, Xperia M2 users can access a catalogue of 25 million songs for free for 30 days, while the Video Unlimited service offers instant movie blockbusters on a smartphone6.

The best smartphone camera in its class3

With the highest resolution camera in its clas7, the stunning 8MP camera with Exmor RS for mobile comes armed with Autoscene Recognition and HDR. Using the expertise and technology of Sony’s Cyber-shot cameras, Xperia M2 is perfect for capturing all of your favourite moments in brilliant quality.

For even more fun, unique Xperia camera apps such as Social live, Timeshift burst and Picture Effect help users to get the most out of Xperia M2’s quality 8MP camera.

To offer a unique and seamless experience direct from the camera’s viewfinder, Sony is also working with third party developers to offer a growing range of new Xperia camera apps. To download more Xperia camera apps such as Vine, V1 Sports and FX Guru, simply go into your camera viewfinder and then click on ‘+Apps’ to see all the latest apps available on Sony Select to enhance your smartphone experience. 

Brilliant performance and speed that goes on forever

Sony’s engineering expertise in display and camera technologies collide to create Xperia M2. The large 4.8” qHD display, carefully crafted with our display expertise is perfect for enjoying entertainment content on the largest qHD display in its class6.

Being the world’s slimmest 4G smartphone in its class2, Xperia M2 combines the ultra-fast Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 processor with 1.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance and a 2300mAh battery with STAMINA Mode 3.0. Ideal for long days of heavy usage, Xperia E3 provides speed and durability for users on-the-go.

The slimmest 4G smartphone in its class2

All this premium technology is housed in a thin and light smartphone that fits perfectly in your hand. Xperia M2 is available in three distinct colour options: black, white and purple.

Dual SIM, no compromise 

Xperia M2’s dual-SIM variant, Xperia M2dual8, is a fast mobile phone that offers a new experience through the incorporation of Sony’s latest generation of dual-SIM technology. Users can set up both SIM cards independently with custom ring tones and easily choose between SIMs before making calls or sending texts, whilst Sony’s dual SIM management technology means that users can keep both SIMs active and never miss a call, even when talking on one of them.

Perfect partners

Xperia M2 connects users via Bluetooth to Sony’s extended ecosystem of 154 one-touch compatible products with NFC technology. Music enthusiasts can enjoy tunes wirelessly via NFC using SBH20 Stereo Bluetooth Headset or plugged-in with part in-ear and water-resistant Stereo Headset STH30.

Whichever accessories you choose, Xperia M2 remains at the heart of your connected entertainment experience.

Xperia M2 will launch globally from April 2014.