Cheaper Sony Xperia phones are coming, but they’re not for US

By Trevor Mogg Published January 13, 2014

sony new handsets xperia t2 and e1 big — Image used with permission by copyright holder

CES ain’t over till it’s over. The biggest electronics show of the year happened last week, but today Sony is expanding its line-up of Xperia handsets with the launch of two new devices: the Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia E1. Both devices appear to run on modest, but okay specs. Just don’t expect to see them on Western shelves anytime soon.

Xperia T2 Ultra

First up, the 6-inch, Android-powered Xperia T2 Ultra, which launches with a dual SIM card option, allowing you to set up each card independently with custom ring tones and one-touch switching between cards before making calls or sending texts.

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The Japanese tech giant is aiming the T2 Ultra chiefly at emerging markets – specifically China, the Middle East, Africa, and locations in Asia – and looking to score big in the fast-expanding phablet sector.

The new device incorporates a 720p HD Triluminos display and packs a 1.4GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of on-board storage (expandable up to 32GB via a MicroSD slot). It also comes with an impressive 13-megapixel rear camera and modest 1.1-megapixel front.

Sony’s pushing its entertainment offerings on the new phone, with Album, Walkman, and Movies apps all integrating out-of-the-box; Sony Entertainment Network content is also available to users straight from set up.

To ensure owners get a decent amount of use out of the T2 Ultra before having to worry about charging the thing, it’s included a hefty 3000mAh battery. Combined with Sony’s Battery Stamina Mode, which automatically turns functions on and off to save power, we imagine users will get more than enough play time with the T2 Ultra before levels start to run low.

There’s no word yet on pricing or release date but we’ll be sure to update as soon as we know.

Xperia E1

Next up is the mid-tier, Android-powered Xperia E1, featuring a far more modest spec list: a 4-inch (800 x 400 pixel) screen, a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm (maybe a Snapdragon?) processor with 512MB RAM, and 4GB of storage. Sony is aiming the E1 at music lovers, with its built-in “super clear” 100dB speaker and 30 days free access to millions of songs via the Sony Entertainment Network.

Commenting on the new device, Sony’s director of Xperia marketing Calum MacDougall said the E1 “combines the best of Sony’s audio technologies with a premium design and great hardware,” adding, “It’s a new, music-focused player in our Xperia line-up that is underpinned by the best of Sony’s design, display and content offers.”

As with the T2 Ultra, the E1 also comes with a dual-SIM card alternative, the cleverly named E1 dual.

The E1 launches with three color options – white, black, and purple – though as with the T2 Ultra smartphone, we’re waiting for pricing and release date details.

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Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

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