After being shown off at CES this past January, we have been patiently awaiting details on when the Xperia ZL (hands-on video here) from Sony would make its way to the States. It has finally been announced that the ZL will come to the U.S. unlocked, in both an HSPA+ and 4G LTE versions. Since it is not being launched through a carrier, you will be looking to spend quite a bit, with the LTE variant costing you $760. If you are only needing HSPA, then take off $40 from that. 

Both the Xperia Z and ZL have been the first two smartphones from Sony that both Kellen and myself have been actually impressed with, at least in terms of design, custom OEM skin, and specifications. While that price tag is something to possibly lose sleep over, we have discussed before the benefits of leaving carrier subsidies in the dust.

Thinking about picking one up?

Via: Sony

Sony Announces Xperia ZL U.S. Pricing and Availability, Will Come Unlocked is a post from: Droid Life

Add another good looking Sony device to the list of phones that Verizon will never see according to a new listing on Sony’s web store. The Xperia ZL has been confirmed by Sony to be hitting our shores sometime in the near future, the only problem is that it will be SIM-unlocked. This means that AT&T and T-Mobile customers can pick up this 5″ full-HD device and swap out their SIM cards if they wish. 

Sony didn’t come out and announce a price or a release date for this phone, but Xperia Blog has reason to believe that we could see it going on sale before the end of this month. The phone comes unlocked, but supports LTE bands 1, 2, 4, 5 and 17, not Band 13 which Verizon uses. In addition to black and white, customers will even be able to buy a red version of the device that has been hard to find up until this point. We’ll be keeping an eye out for this device as it makes its way to our shores.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Xperia Blog

Xperia ZL Confirmed By Sony for US Launch, Elusive Red Version Coming Soon is a post from: Droid Life

Yes, this will only be relevant to the handful of people with Sony PlayStation certified devices, but hey, we figured we should spread the love. Starting today and for the following six weeks, PlayStation Mobile is handing out a free game every seven days for anyone rocking a certified device.

This week’s game is Samurai Beatdown, so I will continue to feel justified in not owning one of these devices. On the other hand, I really wouldn’t mind getting my hands on the Xperia ZL. I want it now.

If you want your free game, go here.

Via: Sony Mobile

PlayStation Mobile Hosting Six Weeks of Free Games, Kicks It Off With Samurai Beatdown is a post from: Droid Life

Last night during their CES press event, Sony announced two new phones, the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL. Both are extremely high-end phones, sporting 5″ 1080p displays and quad-core processors, however, they differ slightly in form factor. 

I spent a couple of minutes with the Xperia ZL, the slightly smaller of the two, but came away more impressed because of that lesser bulk. The frame and body are small enough that the entire front of the phone is almost all display – gorgeous 443ppi display. It flies thanks to the Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2GB RAM. The custom UI that Sony has been tweaking over the years is actually pretty fluid and fine-tuned. And the camera at 13MP with an Exmor RS sensor is insanely good.

Both the Z and ZL will launch in Q1 of this year. The Z will launch globally and the ZL will only hit select markets.

For the first time in years, I will admit that I’m impressed by a Sony phone. Check out video of the device below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: Hands-on With the Sony Xperia ZL [CES 2013] is a post from: Droid Life