The long wait is over!!! Xperia Z1 will be available in the Philippines Officially on October 19, 2013

Xperia Z1 has been available in our country a few weeks ago. Those units are from the Grey market, meaning is that they are out of warranty from our local Sony Mobile stores. But good news! the long wait is over! Sony Mobile will officially launch it here in the Philippines on October 19, 2013. The SRP price is Php 34,990 (USD 811.84), do remember that price for cash payments might be cheaper. The cheapest price I saw was from CMK which is Php 32,800. For me its better to buy gadgets with official manufacturers warranty for your peace of mind. 

Just to refresh your memory, below are the Specs of the Z1:


Display
5.0 inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine

16,777,216 colours, 1920x1080 pixels

Camera

20.7 megapixel camera with Sony Exmor RS® for mobile image sensor

Durability
Waterproof (IPX5 and IPX8) ***

Dust-resistant (IP5X) ***

On the inside
Google Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

2.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad Core

Memory
RAM: 2GB
Flash memory: Up to 16 GB****

Expansion slot: microSD™ card, up to 64 GB (SDXC supported)

Xperia Z Ultra HSPA now available trough Official Sony Stores and Re-sellers, LTE variant available unofficially...

Xperia Z Ultra is the new Phablet from Sony Mobile. It is also the company's first product on the Phablet category.

Z Ultra is different from the competition because it has the biggest screen on a Smartphone with the size of 6.4 inches, it also has an advance screen technology wherein you can use an ordinary pencil as a stylus. Even with the big screen on Xperia Z Ultra, Sony still managed it to fit in a slim body of 6.5 mm.

Here is the rundown of the Xperia Z Ultra Specs:

On the inside:
Google Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
2.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad Core (Snapdragon 800)
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
Wi-Fi and WiFi Hotspot functionality

Display:
6.4 inches TFT
16 millions colours, 1920x1080 pixels

Camera:
8 megapixel camera fast-capture camera with Exmor RS
16x digital zoom with auto focus

Durability: Dust-proof and water-resistant (IP55 / IP58)**

Dimensions: 179 x 92 x 6.5 mm

Battery:
Talk time: Up to 16 hours***
Standby time: Up to 820 hours***
Music listening time: Up to 110 hours***
Video playback time: Up to 7 hours**

I can say that the Xperia Z Ultra has the best screen I have ever seen from a Sony Smartphone. I was able to see and experience it at the Sony Shop in SM Megamall. I hope Sony would continue on improving the quality of their screens for their next Smartphones.

The official SRP is 33,490, but of course you can have it cheaper if you pay in cash. The package includes a folder type case as a limited time offer.

For the LTE model kimstore is currently selling it for ₱29,180.

Do remember that most online sellers only offer service warranty, which means you pay for the parts in case of any replacement needed. Unlike if you buy it at Sony Official stores it includes a 1 year service and parts warranty.

Xperia Z1 now available in the Philippines Unofficially...

Sony Mobile's latest flagship is now available in the Philippines courtesy of online gadget stores Kimstore and Widget City.

Just a recap, here are the specs of the Xperia Z1:

On the inside:
Google Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
2.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad Core (Snapdragon 800)
RAM: 2GB
Flash memory: Up to 16 GB****
Expansion slot: microSD™ card, up to 64 GB (SDXC supported)
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
Wi-Fi and WiFi Hotspot functionality

Camera:
20.7 megapixel camera with Sony Exmor RS® for mobile image sensor

Durability:
Waterproof (IPX5 and IPX8) ***
Dustproof (IP5X) ***

Display
5.0 inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine
16,777,216 colours, 1920x1080 pixels

Weight: 169 grams

Dimensions: 144.4 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm

Battery:
Talk time: Up to 14 hours**
Standby time: Up to 880 hours**
Music listening time: Up to 110 hours**
Video playback time: Up to 6.6 hours**

As you can see Xperia Z1's spec sheet is impressive. It has the newest and fastest Processor available right now, Screen Technology found on High-end Sony Bravia TV's and of course a Camera that is found on Sony Cyber-shot Compact Cameras.  Xperia Z1 is really the best of Sony in a Smartphone and it can go head to head with any other Flagship Smartphones from other brands.

If you want to own one before Sony Mobile introduces it here in the Country please check the Online Stores stated above.

Widget City Price (as of September 25, 2013) :  PHP: 31,490.00
Kimstore: PHP 31,480.00

The best of Sony... Is it here?..

Hi Guys!

It's been a long time since I posted anything about Xperia Phones, I must admit that Sony Mobile did not produce phones that captured my attention last year (2012) after my Xperia S . However, this year Sony Mobile introduced new phones that really gained attention not just by me but also the tech industry.

My last Sony phone was an Xperia S, It was good at the beginning and I even sold my iPhone 4s to buy it. However, as I tested the phone I realized that I have problems with it. The camera was the worst problem I had with it specially the video recording, yes it can record in HD but it has auto-focus problems. Aside from that another problem was the slow software update Sony gave it, maybe because of the older SOC they used. If Sony only used newer SOC's before, they may have been the 3rd biggest Smartphone company as of today. Anyway, coming from an iPhone I was really disappointed with Sony. I eventually sold my Xperia S and bought an iPhone 5.

I did not lost interest on Sony Phones, I was just waiting for them to release a phone that could actually compete with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S series. Last January, Sony surprised us with the Sony Xperia Z and ZL, they were the 1st quad-core phones from Sony and they were also one of the 1st to offer Full HD screens. But again, they used an older SOC the Qualcomm S4 pro. Yes, it is almost the same as the newer Qualcomm S600 but still it's older. There are also reports that the Xperia Z/ZL has mediocre screens even if they were HD. Those comments made me hold on a bit to sell my iPhone 5 and replace it with an Xperia Z/ZL.

Then they released the Xperia Z Ultra and the Z1. They were both game changers. They have the newest SOC from Qualcomm the S800, heck they were even the 1st manufacturer to launch with it. The Xperia Z Ultra was the 1st Phablet from Sony and it is also the Biggest Phablet available. It is also the 1st to even use a pencil as a stylus, that's how unique it is. The Z1 is the best camera on an Android, It combines a large 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor, Sony’s award-winning G Lens and intelligent BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine. So it was really something new from Sony, I was not used to see them with newer technology than the competition.They were also very fast on updates now. All of the mid-range to high-end phones for 2013 has been updated to Android 4.2.2, that may not be the latest release from Android but only Nexus phones has the current 4.3 version. They already promised an update for the Z series and the SP for 4.3.

I just hope that they released the replacement for the Xperia Z Ultra and the Z1 after a year. Consumer's don't want to feel that they have an outdated cellphone specially if they bought it for a large amount of money. Consumers are wiser now. The reason consumers did not buy Xperia phones  before is because they were just outdated and not a good value for money. I have seen the Xperia Z Ultra in the flesh and I must say that it is really stunning. The Screen was the best display I ever saw on a Mobile Device. I hope Sony would continue doing this. With continuous Software support and the best Hardware specs I know Sony can overshadow it's competitors. Who knows I might even sell my iPhone to buy the Xperia Z Ultra and the Z1.

PS. Sony Mobile Philippines please send me Sony Phones so I can review them on my blog.

Personalize your Xperia™ smartphone

Hi Guys!!!The reason why I bought an iPhone 4 and 4s before was because of the availability of accessories for the device. When I buy a phone I want to protect it from scratches and the keep it in pristine condition. That's why Phone Cases and Screen Protectors are the most important accessory for me. For a while Xperia users were just contented with the cheap TPU or silicon cases available on the "tiangge's", but that is about to change as SONY Mobile is partnering with Top Case Manufacturers to offer cases for our beloved Xperia Phone. Please read the announcement below from SONY Mobile:

"Personalize your Xperia™ smartphone

Hello everyone – today we bring you some exciting news!

As you know, design, hardware as well as software, is a key part of the Xperia smartphone and Smart accessory creation and development process. However, we don’t manufacture the cases and shells that can give your smartphone that extra cool individual look. 

So today, we’re excited to announce new partnerships with leading accessory brands, to enable true personalization of your Xperia smartphone.

We know that when you look to buy a new smartphone, the quality and choice of accessory on offer is important. So, we’re keen to ensure that our consumers get the very best selection of cases and shells for their favorite smartphone.

To make this happen we have created a new partnership program with case and accessory manufacturers. The market leading brands that have joined us so far are: CaseMate, AGF, Incipio, Krusell, Dicota, Copter,Muvit, Roxfit, Orbyx and Shinnorie.

Our new friends will announce exciting and stylish products for Xperia smartphones from mid-May.

We hope you’re looking forward to enjoying them as much as we are and we’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!"

Hope that the cases would be available on our Local Sony Mobile stores soon.

Your's Truly,

Frog Prince

Source: Sony Mobile Product Blog

Official 2012 Sony Mobile Philippines Price and Availability

Hi Guys!

Below are the Availability, Price List (Please be advised that the amount provided is an SRP - authorized dealers may sell the phone at a slightly higher or lower price.) and Standard Kit Contents of the XPERIA PHONES in the Philippines:

Model: XPERIA SOLA

Availability: Mid May

SRP Price: Php 16,990

Kit Contents:

• Handset

• Two (2) NFC Smart Tags

• Screen protector

• A set of earphones

• Charger

• Manual

Model: XPERIA P

Availability: Mid May

SRP Price: Php 22,990

Kit Contents:

• Handset

• Two (2) NFC Smart Tags

• HDMI cable

• Screen protector

• Fast charger (80% faster than regular charger)

• Manual

Model: XPERIA U

Availability: Mid May

SRP Price: Php 13,990

Kit Contents:

• Handset

• A set of earphones

• Screen protector

• An extra exchangeable colored cap

• Manual

• Charger

Model: XPERIA S

Availability: Available

SRP Price: Php 27, 990

Kit Contents:

• Handset

• 2 NFC Smart Tags

• An HDMI cable 

• Screen protector and 

• A fast charger

• Manual

• Charger

So there you have it guys, hope you could find an XPERIA that is right for you. After all, It’s not a Phone, It’s an XPERIA…

Regards,

Frog Prince

Welcome!!!

This Blog is dedicated to all the XPERIA users and fans in the Philippines. My goal is to keep you guys updated with everything about XPERIA. I have been a Sony Ericsson user ever since, and the brand has a special place in my heart since my very first phone was a Sony Ericsson T300i. After that all my phones were from them namely k508i, s700i, k600i, k750i and P990i. (some of them were from my family member's I just used them for some time... hehe!!!) I stopped using the brand after P990i since I lose hope with the brand. I used Nokia and recently Apple which I loved. But now when Sony divorced with Ericsson and launched the XPERIA S, I sold my iPhone 4s and bought an XPERIA S as my love affair with the brand reawakened. Like when Sony Ericsson releases a flagship model before and I used to visit their store just to have a glimpse of their new phone, imagining I could have it. LOL!!!  So join me in rediscovering the Brand. After all, it’s not a Phone... It's an XPERIA...