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Sony Xperia L: a budget Android device with a focus on imaging and style

The days of the new Sony Mobile are now long past. Two years in, and the company appears to have hit a stride with its smartphone portfolio, churning out new Xperias on a consistent basis. And today is no different with the unveiling of the Xperia L, a mid- to low-end effort that places a heavy emphasis on the camera experience. Carrying on the Arc's legacy, this 4.3-inch handset packs an FWVGA display, dual-core 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, 1,700mAh battery, 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), NFC and an 8-megapixel rear shooter with Exmor RS sensor into a conspicuously curved body rounded off with that signature Xperia power key.

Though it lacks the greater resolution and screen size of its 720p sibling the SP, this more budget-friendly device does enjoy an exclusive perk: HDR stills and video. A feature Sony's included to make the L an attractive point-and-shoot option for budget-minded consumers concerned with style points and not LTE or raw performance. Unsurprisingly, it comes pre-loaded with a trio of Sony's own media apps -- Walkman, Movies and Album -- a precedent it set at IFA last year.

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Sadly, Sony's "transparent element" (that see-through, illuminated bar which hides the antenna) won't be making a comeback on the L -- that's solely for the SP. But users will enjoy notifications via an LED strip near its base, just without the color customization options of its sibling. Still, even without that design gimmick, the L comes across as a refreshingly well-crafted device, especially given its market positioning. Weighing 137 grams and measuring in at 9.7mm thick, it's pleasing to hold and well-suited to the palm. Certainly that screen size, a sweet spot for most users, combined with arch of its build reinforces that ergonomic ease. It also helps that Sony's chosen three flashy finishes for it: white, black and (a satiny) red.

Performance was right on par with what you'd expect from an S4, handling Android Jelly Bean (4.1) capably and devoid of any apparent navigation or UI hiccups. That's not to say you'll see applications launch with an exceptional briskness -- there is a noticeable delay -- but we can't fault the modest L for it. It's not aspiring to be best-in-class, just a great lowlight shooter for those with social media heavy leanings.

Sony's yet to confirm pricing for the Xperia L, but given its mild specs and market perch, don't expect it to break your wallet. The L is a smartphone compromise Sony's well-suited to deliver: sleek styling with the best of its imaging and all on a budget. Look for it to hit Q2 of this year.

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Sony Mobile adds two new Xperia smartphones to its Spring line up, bringing best of Sony experiences to a broader device range

Two new models added to the Xperia™ range of premium smartphones with Xperia™ SP and Xperia™ L offering unique Sony features at new price points
Xperia SP offers a high quality HD experience, LTE 4G and easy connectivity with One-touch function in a beautiful cutting-edge design

· Xperia L provides a stylish design with best in class Sony camera experience for perfect pictures and videos every time

18th March 2013, London, United Kingdom – Sony Mobile Communications ("Sony Mobile") today announced two new Xperia smartphone models to join its 2013 line up - the Xperia SP and Xperia L. The Xperia SP delivers 4G LTE performance and an exceptional viewing experience, with a razor sharp HD screen housed in a beautiful design. The Xperia L provides class leading camera technology with HDR for both photos and videos complemented by a high quality screen.

Both the Xperia SP and Xperia L offer the best of Sony with stunning premium designs and a range of technologies including a high quality screen for the ultimate viewing experience; the latest camera features for impressive pictures and videos; NFC connectivity for One-touch function; Battery STAMINA Mode for extended battery life; and Sony's signature media apps for enjoying photos, music, movies and games on the go.

"Xperia SP and Xperia L are ideally suited for those seeking stylish class-leading smartphones that don't compromise on features", said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. "Both of our new models benefit from Sony's proven innovation and engineering expertise – whether you want to enjoy premium HD quality entertainment over 4G LTE on our mid-range Xperia SP or capture every moment in perfect detail with our more affordable Xperia L."

Xperia SP – High Definition brilliance in a premium design

The Xperia SP utilises expertise from Sony's BRAVIA® TV engineers to create its stunning 4.6" HD Reality Display for razor sharp pictures and superior brightness. The latest Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2 delivers an even better viewing experience by analysing your content type and adjusting the image automatically, making it one of the most intelligent smartphone screens around. The engine will make the adjustment by adding new real-time contrast optimisation to the sharpness enhancement, high-quality colour management and noise reduction.

As well as delivering brilliant experiences, the Xperia SP looks beautiful too with a precision-crafted co-moulded aluminium frame, for a seamless look that is both sleek and solid. Adding to the unique design innovation is the colour-changing 'transparent element' with customisable illuminations which you can personalise to alert you of incoming calls and text messages. And you can even set the illuminations to pulse to the beat of your favourite music.

Key features for Xperia SP

· Precision crafted co-moulded aluminium frame

· Super-bright 4.6" 720p HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2

· One-touch functions with NFC to display content on your TV or to share music and photos between devices

· 4G LTE for superfast entertainment and browsing

· Unique 'transparent element' can be personalised to change colour when notifying you of all your incoming messages and calls. Or simply set it to pulse to the beat of your music to stand out from the crowd.

· 8MP fast-capture camera with "Exmor RS for mobile", HDR and Superior Auto for the best photos, even at night or against a strong backlight

· Battery STAMINA Mode for optimum battery life

· Available in white, red and black colour variations

Xperia L – the perfect smartphone camera experience

The stylish and functional Xperia L features an 8 megapixel camera with Sony's unique "Exmor RS for mobile" sensor technology for vivid colours and stunning clarity. HDR (High Dynamic Range) ensures that both your photos and videos are captured clearly, even at night or against a strong backlight. And with the dedicated camera key that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second even from a locked screen, this fast-capture camera will ensure that you'll never miss another moment. Get the most out of your viewing experience with the high quality 4.3" FWVGA screen that is ideally suited to enjoy all of your content.

Key features for Xperia L

· 8 megapixel fast-capture camera takes sharp pictures in any light

· Enjoy all your content on the generous 4.3" FWVGA display

· One-touch functions with NFC to display content on your TV or to share music and photos between devices

· Fast performance with dual-core processor

· Battery STAMINA Mode for optimum battery life

· Available in white, red and black colour variations

Sony entertainment on the go

Both Xperia SP and Xperia L benefit from Sony's media applications offering a consistent entertainment experience across the range. The "WALKMAN", "Album" and "Movies" apps, provide online and offline content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content. The "WALKMAN" application provides access to all your downloaded music, plus Music Unlimted* with over 18 million songs to explore from, and Facebook social integration. The "Movies" application gives consumers access to over 100,000 movies and TV series from Video Unlimited* while the "Album" application enables easy access to Facebook friends' photos as well as browsing photos by location.

One-touch functions for easy content sharing

Also featured on both models are Sony's One-touch functions, allowing you to easily and instantly enjoy music and photos across an array of devices, such as Sony's SRS-BTV5 speaker and latest range of NFC-enabled BRAVIA TVs, with just a single touch. It's sharing made easy with no wires, cables, or fiddling with settings necessary.

The new Xperia SP and Xperia L from Sony Mobile will both be available worldwide from Q2 2013.