The Sony Xperia Z for T-Mobile has been spotted at the Federal Communications Commission.
This isn't a rumor or a leak; it's definitely confirmed, since the docs include a detailed user manual for the "Xperia Z C6606," the numeric code for the phone on T-Mobile.
No word on an exact release date yet, but it likely won't be long, since FCC approval is one of the last steps a phone needs to undertake before it hits the marketplace.
The Xperia Z has been a long time coming for U.S. customers. It's popped up in the U.K. and Canada and in much of Asia throughout the year. Critics have lauded its sleek design and glass panels, but most of the hype has focused on its waterproof and dustproof enclosure.
Small rubberized flaps plug every port and hole on the Xperia Z, allowing it to stay submersed in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Touchscreens don't yet work underwater, but if you drop it in the tub, it won't die and you won't electrocute yourself. Sony's own ads and marketing show real-life models using the phone in the shower (just not directly in the stream).
If T-Mobile sticks to its usual pricing scheme, the Xperia Z will cost $99.99 upfront, with $20 monthly payments for two years. T-Mobile could adjust the price like it did for the Samsung Galaxy S4, which costs $149.99 upfront. Lower monthly payments are also possible.
The Sony Xperia Z features a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch 1920x1080 pixel display, a 13.1-megapixel camera with 1080p video, 16GB of internal storage and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, though Sony has promised a quick upgrade to 4.2. It is waterproof down to a meter in depth for up to half an hour.
Check back for the latest information on the Xperia Z as it becomes available.