Sony Launches Waterproof Xperia ZR - Features and Specifications

Sony Xperia ZR

Sony launched the much debated and leaked Xperia ZR after launching their flagship phone Sony Xperia Z earlier this year. Just like the Sony Xperia Z, the Xperia ZR too is waterproof as well as dust-resistant. The Xperia ZR can be called the Xperia Z Mini considering it packs most of the features of Xperia Z in a compact form.

Xperia ZR comes with a 4.5-inch HD Reality LCD screen. The resolution is 1280 x 720 pixel. Sony Xperia ZR comes with a new display technology named 'OptiContrast' panel. The new display removed the gap between the screen and the touch sensor by integrating the sensor on the main panel itself. The result is a slimmer display with better touch-feedback. Like most Xperia series phones, the Sony Xperia ZR will come with the mobile BRAVIA display.

Under the hood Sony Xperia ZR runs a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor. The phone comes with an internal memory of 8 GB which is expandable to 32 GB using a MicroSD card slot (up to 32 GB). The phone comes with a 2 GB RAM. The specifications are all in keeping with the Sony Xperia Z and Sony has not skimped on the processor or the RAM with the Xperia ZR. The features sound impressive and coupled with the water-proof and dust-proof tag, the phone seems like a winner on the specification front.

While the specifications match other phonemakers' flagship models, there is one stark difference which sets the Sony Xperia ZR apart and might make it a winner. The camera. Sony Xperia ZR comes with a 13 MP rear end camera with Exmor RS. The camera comes with 16x digital zoom with auto-focus. The front-camera is a basic VGA resolution camera. Like the Xperia Z, Xperia ZR also comes with a dedicated camera shutter button on the side of the camera.

Sony Xperia ZR

However, it is not the high-end camera that has grabbed our attention. While Sony Xperia Z was sure water-proof and you could practically wash your phone like a utensil, the Sony Xperia ZR takes it a step further. You can click pictures and record underwater! Or atleast that is the claim Sony makes. According to the Press Release: You can keep it submerged in 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Combined with its dedicated camera key, the waterproof capabilities let you shoot videos in Full HD or snap pictures underwater, capturing the sharpest visuals. Sure sounds exciting!

The phone runs on Android Jelly Bean ver.4.1. The phone comes with regular connectivity options like NFC, USB port, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPRS, EDGE, etc. The battery power is still unknown but Sony claims that the phone comes with 'Stamina' mode which retains battery for a longer period of time.

According to Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications, "The Xperia ZR pushes the boundaries on where and how consumers can use the full potential of their smartphone. By combining Sony's leading camera technology with the highest level of water-resistance, you will never miss another moment. Bringing together the best of Sony's leading technology, media applications and easy one-touch connectivity with the largest ever range of NFC-enabled accessories, the Xperia ZR delivers the unique smartphone experience that people can expect from Sony."

The phone does sound impressive and the underwater feature is sure to win hearts! However, the availability and pricing will also matter. The phone is expected to release this quarter and will be available in two colours: Black and White. The pricing is still under wraps by Sony. However, Sony is pretty level-headed when it comes to pricing and with a winner of a phone, the Sony Xperia ZR will be able to crack the market code with strong pricing.

Sony has slowly but surely revamped themselves and if their latest launches are anything to go by, we can say it's time competitors gear up for challenge. The Japanese manufacturer is here to once again make its mark!

Sony Xperia ZR