Way back in May, thanks to FCC documents, we learned that the Xperia Z, a true flagship Android smartphone from Sony would be headed to T-Mobile. Despite the phone not having arrived yet for the carrier, those interested in the phone could still get their hands on an unlocked version of the phone from Sony retail stores and Sony’s online portal. Now, T-Mobile has announced that the Xperia Z is coming exclusively to their network in the coming weeks.

While a specific timeframe was not given, US customers lusting for the Xperia Z with 4G LTE can only look forward to T-Mobile as their carrier. Besides a lack of concrete release date, we still don’t have a price to go off of though it should be noted that with the new UnCarrier initiative from T-Mobile, phones will no longer be subsidized which is intended to make them cheaper in the long run.

If AT&T is your network of choice, remember that Sony will continue to offer unlocked versions. Once released, the Xperia Z will be available in black and for a limited time in purple. While certainly not as good as having support from AT&T or Verizon, this is a good first step for Sony who holds no measurable presence in the US mobile market.

Discuss:

With the Sony Xperia Z headed exclusively to T-Mobile, will you finally be lining up for one?

[Via T-Mobile]

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Xperia® Z from Sony to Make a Splash at T-Mobile this Summer

T-Mobile is the only U.S. mobile provider of Sony’s flagship water-resistant smartphone

BELLEVUE, WA – June 18, 2013 – Continuing to offer customers a wide selection of hot 4G LTE smartphones, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) today announced it will be the exclusive U.S. wireless company to carry the Xperia® Z from Sony.

The Xperia Z packs the best Sony has to offer into a premium Android-powered smartphone. T-Mobile will offer the device on its Simple Choice Plan with no annual service contract plus unlimited talk, text and Web on a screaming fast, nationwide 4G network with 4G LTE rolling out across the country.

“T-Mobile customers traveling this summer will love the Xperia Z with its big, beautiful HD screen, water-resistant design and advanced camera features,” said Jason Young, vice president of product marketing, T-Mobile. “This is an outstanding combination: a premium 4G LTE smartphone with Sony’s best features coupled with T-Mobile’s unlimited data and speedy nationwide network.”

Simple Choice Plan

With T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan, Xperia Z customers design their plan based on the number of lines and amount of high-speed data they want. Unlimited talk, text and Web with up to 500MB of high-speed data is $50 per month (plus taxes and fees) for the first line. Customers can add another 2GB of high-speed data at up to 4G speeds for $10 per month per line or get unlimited 4G data and up to 500MB of tethering for an additional $20 per month per line. A second phone line can be added for $30 per month and each additional line is just $10 per month. There are no caps, no overages and no restrictive annual service contracts.

T-Mobile’s 4G LTE Network

The Xperia Z will seamlessly connect to T-Mobile’s high-speed nationwide 4G HSPA+ network and advanced 4G LTE network wherever it is available, which is expected to reach 100 million people by midyear and 200 million nationwide by the end of the year1. T-Mobile’s 4G LTE rollout complements its existing nationwide 4G network covering 228 million people, which third-party tests show already rivals or beats existing competitive LTE networks in many markets. T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network is currently available in seven metropolitan areas: Baltimore; Houston; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Phoenix; San Jose, Calif.; and Washington, D.C.

“With Xperia Z, we are thrilled to bring a breakthrough smartphone to T-Mobile, the breakout carrier in the U.S.,” said Timothy Hernquist, North America Vice President of Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications. “Xperia Z offers customers a beautifully designed, water-resistant premium Android smartphone ready to handle whatever life throws at it.”

Sony went with a stylish and durable physical design with unique technology, content and connectivity all bundled into the Xperia Z. A 5-inch 1080p HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2 provides super brightness and clarity. The highly-durable design features tempered glass and anti-shatter film on the front and back and the highest levels of dust- and water-resistance2 (IP55 and IP57) in a premium smartphone. A 13-megapixel camera with Exmor RS™ for Mobile, the world’s first image sensor with HDR (High Dynamic Range) video for smartphones, delivers stunning photos and videos in any condition. And its STAMINA mode is designed to greatly improve battery standby time by automatically shutting down battery-draining apps when the screen is off.

Availability

The Xperia Z is expected to be available nationwide at T-Mobile retail stores, select national retailers and dealers and online via www.T-Mobile.com in the coming weeks. The smartphone will be available in a black finish and a limited-time only purple finish (while supplies last). For more information, visit http://t-mobile.com/Sony-XperiaZ.

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