Sony Xperia Z2 Release Date Approaches: Waterproof Flagship Records In 4K, Announced At MWC 2014

Sony says it has applied the engineering know-how from its camera, camcorder and television divisions for the release of the Xperia Z2, a new waterproof flagship smartphone capable of recording video content in Ultra HD, or 4K resolution. Sony announced details about the Xperia Z2 on Monday at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), a trade event in Barcelona.

Sony did not announce a release date for the Xperia Z2, which is expected later this year. The company often releases its flagship devices in the U.S. months after other it goes on sale in other parts of the world.

Sony says that engineers from the company’s Bravia television division worked on the Xperia Z2’s display, allowing it to reproduce colors more vividly than other devices. A new noise cancelling feature on the Xperia Z2 works with a pair of headphones, sold separately for 82 euros or $60 USD.

The Xperia Z2 features the same 20.7-megapixel camera sensor found in the earlier Xperia Z1 and Z1s. In contrast, the iPhone 5S features an 8-megapixel camera, and the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S5 camera can take pictures with up to 16 megapixels of resolution.

However, Sony has struggled to gain worldwide market share for smartphones in a market dominated by its competition. The company recently announced a sale of its Vaio computer business, and announced it would make Bravia a subsidiary company.

The Sony Xperia Z2 specs a 5.2-inch display in full HD (1080p x 1920). The Xperia Z2 also features 3GB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage, in addition to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 main processor, clocked at 2.3GHz.

Sony says the Xperia Z2 will run on the newest version of Android, KitKat 4.4.2, upon its release. The Xperia Z2 also features an FM radio and WiFi compatible with the newest standard (802.11ac).

Sony claims the Xperia Z2 can last for a month on standby battery power. It also boasts an IP58 rating, which means the Xperia Z2 is dust-proof and can withstand submersion in water, a feature found in the last few flagship smartphones released by the company.

Sony also announced a tablet called the Xperia Z2, with a 10.1-inch screen. The Xperia Z2 tablet is also waterproof, and lighter than the Apple iPad Air (9.7-inches), despite having a larger display.

Follow Reporter Thomas Halleck on Twitter @tommylikey.