Sony Unveils New Z3 Series Xperia Smartphones, Tablet, Smart Wearables at IFA 2014

Mobile arm of the Japanese technology giant, Sony has launched the long rumored flagship Z3 series Xperia devices, as well smart wearables at the ongoing international electronics trade show – IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin) 2014 at Germany.

"Sony is relentless in its pursuit of innovation and we believe that consumers shouldn't settle for good experiences, but demand great ones. It's this spirit of customer focused innovation that drives us to deliver great products and experiences, with the widest ever choice and flexibility, without compromise," said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communication.

First up, the flagship smartphone, Xperia Z3 resembles its predecessor in terms of outlook and packs pretty much same internal hardware sans a couple of features. It boasts of thinner body (1mm slimmer than Z2) with curved corners and an Aluminum frame on the edge.

Under the hood, the clock rate of Snapdragon 801 series processor has been increased to 2.5GHz. It is backed by 3GB RAM, 16GB inbuilt memory (expandable up to 128GB) and 3100 mAh battery.

On camera front, it boasts of 20.7 megapixel camera (with auto-focus, Exmor RS sensor, pulsed LED flash, 4K resolution video recording) and 2.2-megapixel snapper on the front.

Only difference between Z2 and Z3 is that it boasts of IP65/IP68 water and dust resistant certifications, highest rating in the smartphone industry. Users can take the new Sony phone for a dip in the swimming pool (or any other water-body), 1.5 meter (five feet) under water for close to 30 minutes, provided all the open ports are closed by the flaps provided in the package. Z3 also comes with PlayStation certification enabling users to use their smartphone as a controller on PS4 console and also play games on the smartphone. 

On the other hand, Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is just a mini version of the flagship smartphone; it boasts same internal hardware sans the display specifications. It sports 4.6-inch HD screen with TRILUMINOS and X-Reality display technology. [Scroll down to know detailed features].

Xperia Tablet Z3 features 8.0-inch full HD display and is powered by Android v4.4 KitKat backed by 2.5GHz Qualcomm processor, 3GB RAM, 16GB memory (expandable) and a high-capacity 4500 mAh, which can keep the device running for close to 1,220 hours under standby mode.

Besides the high-end devices, Sony also unveiled a budget smartphone Xperia E3. It sports a 4.5-inch FWVGA screen and comes packed modest internal hardware such 1GB RAM, 4GB memory (expandable), 5.0-megapixel camera and VGA camera on the front.

Sony also pulled the wraps-off the third generation flagship SmartWatch. Sony is the fifth tier-1 firm to join the club to offer the Android Wear powered smartwatch (other three are Samsung, LG, Motorola and Asus). The digital smartwatch is powered by 1.2GHz Qaud-core ARM A7 CPU with 512MB RAM and 4GB eMMC memory. It also boasts of IP68 water-proof certification.

Other smart wearable device includes a smart fitness tracker dubbed as SmartBand Talk. It features a curved 1.4" e-paper display that is highly visible and clear, giving you always-on updates of your Lifelog activities, notifications and to tell the time at a glance. A built-in microphone and speaker, combined with a short call function, lets you talk into it and hear your caller. And the new built-in accelerometer and altimeter sensor technology provide an accurate overview of your daily physical activity. It also boasts of IP68 water-proof certification.

Key specifications of Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and E3:

Key specifications of Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact: