During yesterday’s general Sony keynote, the conglomerate announced the latest version of the Z1 in the Z1S for T-Mobile USA. The phone is slightly modified from the international Z1S model launched a few months ago to meet T-Mobile’s requirements.
The Xperia Z1S features a 20.7-megapixel camera that features the BIONZ for mobile image processing engine, G Lens designation for the front element, and a 1/2.3-inch camera sensor. The camera software also features a burst mode than shoots 61 images: 30 before the shutter button is pressed, 1 when the shutter button is pressed, and 30 more after the shutter button has been pressed. Additional camera software features include an augmented reality mode that puts subjects in themed locations.
Hardware specifications for the Z1S include a 5-inch full HD display with TriLuminos and X-Reality processing engines, a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. Like the rest of the current high-end Xperia line, it is waterproof and can withstand up to 30 minutes in 4.9 feet of water. Onboard radios include Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth 4.0LE; the phone runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
T-Mobile has announced that new and current customers can preorder the Xperia Z1S beginning on January 13 and will be available online and in stores beginning on January 22. T-Mobile will be offering the device for $0 down with 24 monthly payments of $23 on the Simple Choice Plan line up, with pricing for outright purchases yet to be announced.
Sony will also be offering customers who buy the Xperia Z1S and PlayStation 4 from the pre-order campaign a $100 Visa gift card in a special offer. Finally, six free movie downloads from Sony’s Video Unlimited service as well as a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited will be included for customers buying the phone from either T-Mobile or the SonyStyle online store.
Sony also announced a smaller version of the Z1S in the Compact during its keynote, which carries over key features from the Z1S such as the 20.7-megapixel Exmor camera sensor with G Lens, IP58 rating for water resistance/immersion, with all Sony applications and services such as Video and Music Unlimited.
Hardware specifications for the phone consist of a 4.3-inch 720p HD TriLuminos display with Sony’s mobile Bravia Engine and a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor with 2GB of RAM. Like The Xperia Z1S, the Compact runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and supports various HSPA+ and LTE bands for international roaming. The phone will also be available in multiple colors as seen in the above image.
