Picture Perfect: Sony’s new Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra bring superior camera quality to its mid-range line-up
This morning in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress, 27th February 2016 Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today unveiled two stunning super mid-range models in its refreshed “X” series, Xperia XA1, and its 6” screen big brother Xperia XA1 Ultra. Building on the success of last year’s XA models, the XA1 and XA1 Ultra feature a beautiful borderless design to make the most of the edge-to-edge screen, cameras that are worthy of a high-end premium status and octa-core processors.
Camera expertise are taken from Sony’s digital camera division to deliver a leading rear camera for both XA1 and XA1 Ultra that offers 23MP high resolution with a large 1/2.3” Exmor™RS for mobile sensor, bright F2.0 lens and superior lowlight capability. You’re guaranteed a superfast journey from launch to capture in 0.6s and incredibly fast and accurate Hybrid Autofocus, so even the most spontaneous moments are always in focus.
Front cameras are the backbone of the selfie world and the 8MP, 23mm wide-angle lens on Xperia XA1 will let you capture all the action even in a group selfie without missing anyone out. The XA1 Ultra features a 16MP front camera with Optical Image Stabilizer to eliminate the effects of handshake and improve low-light selfies, plus a smart selfie flash to naturally illuminate your face. Both models allow you to capture the perfect selfie easily with just a wave via the ‘Hand Shutter’ camera feature.
The beautiful borderless design introduced in 2016 has been refined to create the illusion of a seamlessly never-ending surface whose curvature aids the perfect fit in your hand. The edge-to-edge HD (720p) 5” screen on XA1 and Full HD (1080p) 6” screen on XA1 Ultra are supported by display technologies to deliver a crisp, sharp viewing experience.
Sony craftsmanship is clear to see with the diamond cut-like finish on top and bottom, along with the choice of materials such as the aluminium sides which create a rich feel in the hand.
With their power-efficient MediaTek Helio P20 octa-coreprocessors you get a quick and smooth experience, whether you browse the web, watch a video or play your favourite game.
Both XA1 and XA1 Ultra are designed to ensure a longer lasting performance over the smartphone’s lifetime. Qnovo Adaptive Charging monitors the battery’s health and adjusts charging current accordingly to avoid damage and maximise lifespan whilst Stamina Mode keeps your battery going for longer when you really need it the most by disabling some of the functions and extending the lifetime. Sony’s Smart Cleaner cleverly manages the performance and memory of your device by clearing the cache and unused apps automatically in order to attain the best speed and performance without degradation over time. Additionally both models support quick charging to give you hours of power in just a few minutes charging.
Xperia Actions is a new addition to the latest Xperia range including XA1 and XA1 Ultra that aims to learn your usage patterns to simplify your daily life by suggesting customisable settings and personalised recommendations. For example, when you go to bed your Xperia can learn your bedtime routine and automatically adjust the screen brightness and call volume.
Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra will roll out from Spring 2017 Availability varies by market, please check with your local operators or retailers with Android N at launch and come in a choice of contemporary finishes Colour variants may vary by market, please check with your local operators or retailer ; White, Black, Pink and Gold. Both models have matching Style Cover Stands available in White and Black along with a range of complementary accessories.
Joanne Carter
Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)
