The mid-range market continues to expand into larger and larger handsets, and Sony doesn't want to be left behind. To that end, they've announced the Xperia T3, a 5.3-inch Android phone with an awesome industrial design, but internals that will leave hardware buffs wanting more. The star of the show is an all-steel body that's admirably thin at just 7mm. It will be available globally in late July.

Move past the admittedly pretty body (available in white, black, or purple), and you'll see hardware that's shooting for the bottom of the mid-range. First, the large "Triluminous" LCD screen is only 720p, meaning it will be noticeably less sharp (227 PPI) than most of the other phones at that size. Inside is a 1.4Ghz quad-core processor with just 1GB of RAM, a paltry 8GB of storage space plus MicroSD card slot, and a 2500mAh non-removable battery, which is impressive given the skinny body. The rear camera and front-facing cam are 8MP and 1.1MP, respectively. Don't look for any of the water resistance found on the more high-end Sony models.

Software is KitKat with Sony's usual additions, mostly focused on various camera tricks and the company's gaming and media empire. The phone is a looker, to be sure, as are most Sony designs. That and the large screen could mean good sales, if the price is appropriate for the mediocre hardware. We'll see when it comes to market.

Update: In retrospect, this is the "next big thing" that Sony teased yesterday.

Source: Sony

3rd June 2014, London Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introducesXperia T3, the stunning new smartphone created exclusively for those looking to stand out from the crowd. Beautifully crafted in a stainless steel frame, the Xperia T3 is a light and ultra-slim sensation that’s just as pleasing to hold, as it is to look at.

“Xperia T3 has been crafted with attention to detail for those who know how to appreciate distinctive design in their everyday life. The T3 is packed with the latest beautiful technology from Sony – including leading digital imaging expertise and a vivid HD display – all within a stylish, stainless steel frame. The combination of this beautiful technology and the premium design ensures the T3 immediately stands apart from the competition,” says Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications.

Designed with attention to every detail

Despite being crafted with high-end materials, the super-slim Xperia T3 remains light at a mere 148 grams, offering freedom and ease for life on the go. The gorgeous, stainless steel frame ‘mirrors’ the world around you. T3 comes in three stylish colours making it a real eye-catcher: white, black and purple.

The steel used in the frame ensures its slim design feels sturdy and durable, while at the same time functioning as an antenna, combining form with function. The back cover is designed with matte material, which helps Xperia T3 feel slim and light in your hand, despite its robust build.

Enjoy every shade of colour

Built with Sony’s BRAVIA technologies, the Xperia T3 has an impressive screen with a high-resolution 5.3″ HD TRILUMINOS display for mobile with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2. The result is a viewing experience that offers redder reds and bluer blues, and an IPS display that you can enjoy from any angle – perfect for creating a superior entertainment experience on the go.

Sony camera expertise, at your service

The Xperia T3 is packed with Cyber-shot leading camera expertise and comes with an 8MP camera featuring Exmor RS™ for mobile, allowing you to take exceptional pictures even in challenging lighting conditions. And HDR for video means you can shoot beautiful films, even when backlit. Thanks to SteadyShot™, all your photos will come out smooth and distortion-free.

Super-fast speed for superior surfing

Xperia T3 supports super-fast 4G networks, allowing you to share every highlight of your day, anytime and anywhere. With its Quad-core CPU with 1.4 GHz processor, Xperia T3 comes with ultra-fast performance and breath-taking graphics, ideal for entertainment on the go. In addition to its long-lasting 2500 mAh battery, the Battery STAMINA Mode also helps you enjoy your entertainment experience for longer.

The combination of its powerful processor, super-fast4G networks, and extensive battery life, shows the Xperia T3 truly combines style with power – allowing you to consume the latest entertainment through the Sony Entertainment Network, browse the internet or share pictures and videos instantaneously.

Impressive apps that your social world will enjoy

The Xperia T3 features camera apps designed to enhance the way we create and share images socially.

  • Social live – lets you broadcast every precious moment as it happens live via Facebook and lets you see and share comments in real time on the phone’s screen
  • AR effect – switch your camera to AR effect mode to add new sound effects and fun animations to your photos and videos. Ranging from dinosaurs to ocean-life, these fully customisable themes can be easily edited as you go.
  • Timeshift burst – if you’re afraid you’re going to be too late on the shutter, don’t be. Timeshift burst takes 31 frames within just two seconds. Starting even before you press the shutter, Timeshift burst can make sure you capture the perfect picture.
  • Creative effects – to give your pictures an artistic edge apply a wide selection of looks to your photos and videos with creative effects; change colours, add image trails or apply mirror effects. Available in real-time for video, these adjustment enhance your clips and open up a world of possibilities.
  • Portrait Retouch - style your close-ups. Portrait Retouch makes sure you’re always captured looking your best with features including real-time makeup, deco frame and other options. You can also see changes in real time, before capturing the shot to ensure a photogenic finish.

Sony has committed to continuously improve its selection of camera apps, with more apps constantly available to download and new ones continuously released.

Easy transfer

Xperia™ Transfer is an ultra-easy, safe and simple app that’ll help you move your contacts, photos, bookmarks, apps, music, messages and much more from your old Android or iOS device to your new Xperia T3. Furthermore, Xperia Transfer Mobile2 makes the switch even easier – no need to use your PC or Mac, you can transfer directly from phone to phone. Moving from an iOS or Android phone to Xperia has never been easier or faster.

The perfect companion for style conscious consumers looking for a phone that doesn’t compromise on design or technology – the new Xperia T3 will launch globally from the end of July 2014.

For the full specifications, please visit: www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/phones/xperia-t3/specifications