We’ve already given you a video overview of the Sony Xperia S, the latest 3G Android smartphone from Sony during CES 2012. This new breed from Sony has now shed the Ericsson branding, instead opting to display only Sony as the name to appear on the design. More importantly, Sony is also taking a new direction with their first in-house-built device. Long gone is the curved plastic shelling from the previous models and, instead, a new sturdy and solid design in a slightly curved back panel. Those with a keen eye will also notice a clear bar towards the bottom of the screen, indicating the end of the multitouch screen. A closer look will reveal tiny lines criss crossing each other which is actually wiring for the antenna, a clever design choice by Sony. Besides a new design, Sony didn’t forget to bring all new firepower for under the hood. Some of the Sony Xperia S specs include:

• 1280 x 720 4.3-inch display
• 1.5GHz CPU
• 1GB of RAM
• 12 megapixel Sony’s Exmor R backlit sensor
• 1.3 megapixel front facing camera
• 1080p video recording
• HDMI out
• 16GB and 32GB models
• Black and White
• PlayStation Certified
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Don’t worry too much about that last spec as Sony has assured us that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is right around the corner (Q2 2012) for the Xperia S, which is set to launch in Q1 2012. No specific partners have been announced for this 3G-enabled phone but pricing is expected to land in the $199 range. After the jump, additional pictures and an official press release await you.

As a reader on Engadget said:

 sickstysicks
Proof positive that you can design a touch screen phone without looking like a iPhone. Looking at you Samsung. 

 First smartphone from the new Xperia NXT series – next generation smartphones from Sony

9 January, 2012, Las Vegas, Nev.

Xperia™ S, the first smartphone from the new Xperia NXT series – next generation smartphones from Sony*, was today announced at Sony’s press conference ahead of the 2012 International CES show in Las Vegas. The new Xperia S is an Android™ smartphone that delivers a stunning viewing experience with a high resolution screen, Sony HD experiences and a 12MP camera that takes pictures in just 1.5 seconds from standby. Xperia S also comes with a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor for faster performance.

Xperia S within the world of Sony

The new Xperia S enables easy connectivity with multiple screens for consumers looking to share and enjoy content on whichever screen best suits their situation, whether it’s TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet. Consumers can watch their favourite content from the Sony Entertainment Network by connecting their Xperia S through HMDI to TV or share photos wirelessly with just one touch. Xperia S is also NFC (near field communication) enabled to allow consumers to share content with each other as well as enjoying an increasing number of NFC applications and services.

Biggest and best entertainment experiences from Sony

Xperia S will be able to access the richest entertainment experiences from Sony Entertainment Network**. Music Unlimited offers a global catalogue of 12 million unique songs while Video Unlimited has the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from all major studios***.
Xperia S is also PlayStation™ Certified, guaranteeing a high quality smartphone gaming experience and access to the PlayStation® Store.

Instantly Recognizable Design

Xperia S showcases a new design approach referred to as “Iconic Identity”. The design will be replicated across the Xperia NXT series and creates a simple strong look that is instantly recognizable. The transparent element at the base creates an iconic silhouette where the display is emphasized and underlined. In addition, it provides illumination effects and integrates the antenna components.

The user interface has been redesigned to match the minimalistic design of the hardware. The home screen has a new colorful flow background making full usage of HD Reality Display and dual-core processing power.

Availability

Xperia S will be available to consumers globally from the first quarter 2012. Launching on Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread) Xperia S will be upgraded to Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) during the second quarter 2012. 

Discuss:

Do you like the new direction Sony has gone in with the Xperia S?