After a series of delays due to a shortage in components, Sony is finally all set to launch the Xperia Z2 in India on Wednesday, May 8, well ahead of the summer release of its flagship smartphone in the United States.
The Economic Times cites sources familiar with Sony's plans that the company has sent out invitations to members of the local press to a New Delhi-based event where the company will unveil its latest offering to the smartphone market.
Sony has yet to announce the price of the Z2 in India, but the company is already taking pre-orders on Amazon UK for £545. This is roughly equivalent to Rs 56,000, making the Z2 the most expensive Android phone in India. Samsung's Galaxy S5 retails at Rs 43,000 while HTC sells its One M8 at Rs 49,000. It is still unclear whether Sony will drive down the price of its flagship smartphone in the Indian market, though.
The Xperia Z2 was launched at the Mobile World Congress in February and quickly gained a reputation of being one of the world's best smartphones of 2014.
"The Sony Xperia Z2 combines blistering performance, a stunning display, an excellent camera and cutting-edge Android software into a body that's gorgeous to look at and waterproof too. It's a superb all-around performer, but it will set you back a hefty wodge of cash," writes CNET's Andrew Hoyle in a detailed review of the handset.
When it comes to performance, the Z2 shoots up to the top with the current crop of high-end Android smartphones. It runs on the latest Android OS Kitkat and a robust 2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor to keep it butter-smooth and lag-free.
However, what makes the Z2 interesting is its 20.7-megapixel camera with 4K video resolution that can shoot up to four times the detail of regular high-definition camcorders, as well as its noise cancelling sound system that promises to reduce 98% of background noise when used with its headset. The handset is also waterproof and dustproof.
"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," says Sony president and CEO Kunimasa Suzuki. "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 Sony Xperia Z2 has the following specs:
- Android 4.4.2 Kitkat
- 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 801 processor and Adreno 330 GPU
- 3 GB RAM
- 16 GB internal memory, expandable to 32 GB
- 3200 mAh battery with Battery STAMINA Mode
- 5.2-inch 1080p Triluminos display
- 20.7-megapixel rear camera, with Timeshift video, Creative effect and AR effect
- 2.2-megapixel front-facing camera
