Sony Mobile Communications, has announced the launch of Xperia ion smartphone, its latest offering from the Xperia range, in the Middle East region.

A 12MP HD camera allows users to watch, communicate and share in razor sharp clarity on a 4.6” reality display – Sony’s largest for a smartphone, a statement from the company said.

Designed for sophisticated smartphone users looking for the ultimate user experience, the Xperia ion offers powerful processing capability, fast internet speed, and innovative design, with the ultimate HD experience, the statement said.

Rüdiger Odenbach, vice president, Sony Mobile Communications, Middle East and Africa, said: “The Xperia ion, like its predecessor the Xperia S offers the most impressive display of any smartphone on the market, thanks to Sony’s mobile Bravia Engine technology.”

“This is also our largest display on a smartphone, further enhancing the user experience. Add to this Sony’s xLoud technology and Exmor R Bravia Engine for mobile, and the Xperia ion delivers our most powerful package yet.”

Xperia ion delivers a stunning viewing experience with powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor for faster performance and 12MP HD camera with fast capture letting users take pictures in above one second from standby mode, he said.

The smartphone also integrates easy HDMI connectivity for one touch sharing with DLNA, and is near field communication (NFC) enabled, allowing users to content with each other and enjoy an increasing number of NFC applications and services as well as Xperia SmartTags.

Accessories are also available for Xperia ion including the SmartDock for Xperia ion which transforms the phone into a multimedia hub, it said.

“Xperia ion users will also be able to take advantage of our ‘connected entertainment experience’, offering seamless connectivity between all devices whether smartphone, TV, laptop or tablet and PlayStation – ideal for consumers looking to share and enjoy content,” Odenbach said.

Available officially in the Middle East from September for Dh2,299 ($625.23), Xperia ion will run on Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). – TradeArabia News Service