Last week a leaked event invite from Sony revealed that the company will be launching a new large phone/tablet device that will rival Samsung Galaxy Note range of smartphones. The Sony Xperia ZU (or ‘Togari’, as it’s been codenamed) is looking set to be unveiled at a July the 4th press event.
To back up this launch date, today a few images of the ZU have surfaced online showing of the mammoth 6.44-inch device in it full glory. The Xperia ZU is said to feature many of the same features as the Xperia Z flagship smartphone but with an extra 1.44-inches of extra screen.
Word is that the U in ZU is for ‘Ultra’ and the smartphone will be running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and will use a Full HD 1080p display. To power this we would expect a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz quad-core processor and the latest Triluminos, X-Reality and Mobile Bravia Engine 2 tech all on board to make the visual performance of the phone absolutely tip-top.
It’ll also have 2GB of RAM, a digital camera of the 8MP Exmor RS variety, coupled with a second 2.2MP front camera and ships with 16GB of internal storage expandable via a micro SD slot.
The leak comes from French Site nowhereelse.fr where they have leaked a few more images too.
What’s more, the handset is rumoured to have IP58 certification and will therefore work underwater – 30 minutes at up to 1 metre depth, just like the waterproof Xperia Z is (check out our underwater test here!)
The ‘Phablet’ phone craze is really taking off in 2013 with Samsung working on its third Note branded handset, Nokia looking to get into the space with a Windows Phone 8 device and even rumours of a larger Apple iPhone all in the works. It seems that bigger is better in 2013.
If the rumoured specifications turn out to be accurate then the Xperia ZU is going to be a real beast. We can’t wait to get our hands on it!