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Sony unveils Xperia T3

Tyson Ngubeni
By Tyson Ngubeni
Johannesburg, 07 Aug 2014
At just 7mm thin, Sony bills the Xperia T3 as the slimmest smartphone on the market.
At just 7mm thin, Sony bills the Xperia T3 as the slimmest smartphone on the market.

Sony Mobile SA yesterday launched the Xperia T3 handset, part of its mid-range smartphone offerings and targeted towards South African consumers with a keen eye on fashion trends.

Billed as "the perfect companion for style-conscious consumers", Sony says the T3's ultra-slim design does not compromise on aesthetics or technology. At just 7mm thin and weighing 148g, the company tips it as the "slimmest smartphone" on the market.

Speaking at the launch event, Andrew Fraser, marketing manager at Sony Mobile SA, said the device fits comfortably into the "lifestyle product" category, while it forms part of the company's mid-range smartphone offerings. "Although it's ultra-slim, it remains a well-built and robust device with high clarity in its display."

Marvin Louw, marketing development manager at Sony Mobile, noted its light weight differed considerably to competitor devices with similar screen sizes. "Compared to some of the other devices in our portfolio, the T3 is also thinner and lighter."

It features a 5.3-inch high-definition Triluminos display with Mobile Bravia - Sony's image processing algorithms which are applied to the rendering process when drawing an image or video on the smartphone screen. The 8MP camera features Exmor RS technology that Sony says can take pictures in challenging light conditions.

Prioritised battery use

The T3 supports long-term evolution networks and runs a quad-core CPU with a 1.4GHz processor. The 2 500mAh battery can also run in Sony's Stamina Mode - which helps prolong the phone's activity by determining what functions should be prioritised.

Louw noted stamina mode "can increase the battery life up to four times when turned on". While the user can determine the parameters, he said, the feature can cut off data use and Bluetooth connectivity in a bid to preserve battery life.

According to Sony, the steel used in the frame ensures the T3's slim design is sturdy and durable, while at the same time functioning as an antenna - a component that combines form with function. "The back cover is designed with matte material, which helps Xperia T3 feel slim and light in your hand, despite its robust build."

Fraser said the T3 will be available to the local market towards the end of August, with MTN expected to be the first operator, and others following shortly afterwards. He said the operators would set a retail price for the device.

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