Even though Sony hasn't released the Xperia X, XA, or X Performance yet, it's still busy announcing new phones in the range. The latest to be unveiled is the Xperia XA Ultra, a phone with a curved glass screen and a 16MP front-facing camera.
The highlight here is obviously that front-facing camera. It has optical image stabilisation, like the HTC 10, and a wide angle 88 degrees lens. It's also got HDR, which is good for those low-light selfies. The rear camera isn't half bad either: 21.5MP, HDR, and 5x Clear Image Zoom, which presumably means digital zoom doesn't affect the image quality or something. Interestingly, there is no mention of OIS for the rear camera.
The second highlight feature is the 'razor-thin' bezels on either side of the phone. These are due to the curved glass edges Sony has used, which means that although the phone has a 6-inch screen, it fits in what would normally be a 5.5-inch frame. However, as per usual with Sony, the top and bottom bezels are pretty big, although I guess they need somewhere to put that 16MP camera.
Other specs include an octa-core MediaTek processor, 3GB RAM, 16GB of storage with microSD expandability up to 200GB, a 2700mAh battery that can go for 2 days, and a 1080p display. Pretty good specs for a phone that is being promoted as 'mid-range.'
The XA Ultra is due for release in certain markets. As Sony doesn't tend to focus on the US, it's unlikely to get released here, unfortunately. Color availability is the normal white and black, with a 'lime gold' option too. The price is unknown at the moment, but we'll keep you informed of any and all developments.
PRESS RELEASE
Create the Perfect Night-time Selfie with the New Sony Xperia XA Ultra
- Become the master of selfies with the 16MP front camera with super low-light capabilities for any situation
- See more clearly with a super narrow smartphone thanks to a stunning borderless 6inch display
- Stay powered for longer with up to two days battery life*
London, 17th May 2016, Sony Mobile Communications today announced a new addition to the revamped Xperia X series with the
stylish selfie-cam masterpiece, Xperia XA Ultra. With its large 6” screen, 16MP front camera, low-light sensor, up to two days battery life* and stylish thin design with borderless screen it is a fantastic mid-range smartphone for your every need.
Boasting an advanced selfie cam, you can create the perfect pose day or night, made possible by its 16MP front camera and Sony’s renowned low-light sensors.
Sony camera technologyused in Xperia XA Ultra helps you achieve sharp, bright, blur-free shots every time, it features a smart selfie flash to naturally illuminate your face for night scene selfies plus Optical Image Stabilisation to counter hand shake for both photos and videos. Taking your selfie is made even easier with the Hand Shutter feature, just raise a hand and the shutter timer will start to count down, leaving you time to make the perfect pout and strike a pose. Capturing the perfect spontaneous shot is also possible with the super-fast main camera featuring 21.5 megapixels, Hybrid Autofocus and quick launch and capture so you can go from standby to capture in a fraction of a second.
Fitting beautifully in your hand, the infinity-feel borderless 6-inch Full HD display with curved glass is encased by a metal surround that creates a seamless feel in your hand. Despite the large screen its
razor thin design and One-handed Operation Mode means you can still use it comfortably in one hand.
Xperia XA Ultra might have a big, bright display, but that doesn’t compromise the Sony battery standard. You still get up to 2-days of battery life* from a single charge, leaving you more time to chat, snap and watch. Need a quick battery top-up? Use XA Ultra together with Quick Charger UCH12 ** and get 5.5 hours of battery life in just 10 minutes. Additionally, with integrated
Qnovo adaptive charging technology the lifetime of your battery is extended so over time you get much more use out of your device.
Xperia XA Ultra is available in Graphite Black, White, or stunning Lime Gold from July in selected markets (please check with you local operators and retailers). A choice of stylish covers are available to complement and protect Xperia XA Ultra, including Style Cover Flip which offers an auto on/off for the screen when opening and closing the case in corresponding colours.
Source: Sony