The Xperia go is coming to Australia, and is heading to Optus. The phone, which claims to be scratch resistant and somewhat waterproof, features a 3.5-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera and will not at launch feature Android Ice Cream Sandwich. Instead, it will use Gingerbread, or Android 2.3.
However, Sony says that the phone should receive an upgrade by the end of the year. The phone also features a dual-core 1GHz processor, 8GB of internal storage and the usual GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and promises to have up to 6 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, and 520 hours of standby time.
The phone will be available at Optus (and through their dealers such as Telechoice and AllPhones) from September 1, for $0 upfront on its $30 Optus Plan. Press release below:
Sydney, August 30, 2012 – Sony Mobile Australia today announced Xperia go, the solution for consumers seeking premium durability, whilst maintaining quality specifications and a beautiful sleek design.
Combining stylish design with scratch resistant mineral glass and wet finger tracking, Xperia go has the highest industry level of dust and water resistance in a smartphone with a rating of IP67* (International Protection).
“Sony has answered the needs of consumers with a busy and active lifestyle by delivering the best looking durable smartphone on the market that is designed to resist life’s challenges,” said Sean Coulson, Marketing Manager, Sony Mobile Oceania.
Dedicated to the hardworking Australian, multitasking parent, adventure seeker, and the accident prone, Xperia go breaks the mold of the traditional rugged looking smartphone. Protecting against dust and the effects of immersion in water up to one metre deep for 30 minutes, there is more than enough protection to safe guard against accidents around the house, at work and on the go.
Industry research demonstrates that consumers consider durability and water resistance as important features when purchasing a smartphone. A study conducted in Japan by Mobile Marketing Data Labo** highlighted water resistance in the top three most important features for smartphone buyers. In a recent poll*** on Sony Mobile’s Facebook community, more than a third of participants stated durability as the most important feature when choosing a smartphone.
With a Mobile BRAVIA Engine powered display, consumers can watch the latest movies and TV shows in razor sharp quality with super fast performance. Integrating powerful Sony entertainment, Xperia go connects consumers to premium entertainment experiences with access to the Sony Entertainment Network, allowing consumers to watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters on Video Unlimited or listen to millions and millions of songs through Music Unlimited.
Xperia go enables easy connectivity of its entertainment services to share and enjoy content from your smartphone with a TV, laptop or tablet, and further features a battery-saving (standby) mode for those moments when you’re running late. At just 9.8 mm thin, Xperia go is a smartphone that is as stylish as it is durable.
Key features for Xperia go
- 3.5” Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine gives razor sharp clarity
- 5MP fast capture camera goes from sleep to snap in just over a second
- Scratch resistant mineral glass display with wet finger tracking
- Highest level of dust and water resistance in a smartphone – IP67 Rating
- 1Ghz dual core processor gives consumers super fast performance
- Launching on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) by the end of the year
- Available in black and yellow colours
Xperia go – pricing and plans
- The Sony Xperia Go will be available through Optus from 1st September for $0 upfront on the $30 Optus Plan (total minimum cost over 24 months is $720).
- Both consumer and business customers can pick up the Xperia Go from Yes Optus stores, Optus dealers such as Telechoice & All Phones, online and telesales
*IP67 Rating = Protected against dust and the effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes
IP55 Rating = Protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits) and water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects
IP57 Rating = Protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits) andthe effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes
** Japanese research conducted by Mobile Marketing Data Labo (October 2011)
*** 33% stated durability as the most important feature when choosing a smartphone – based on a survey of 1,477 Facebook users through the global Sony Mobile Facebook fan pageas of Friday 25 May 2012