While Sony is still updating some of its older devices to Android 4.1, and its flagship Xperia Z and ZL models to 4.2 Jelly Bean, the company confirmed that it will update the Xperia SP to Google's new mobile operating system as well.
Sony said that its upper range of products were going to get the newest Android 4.3, including the Xperia SP, but meanwhile, the company told owners of its older and lower-range smartphones, who are growing restless waiting for Android 4.1, that "we're also looking at uplifting some of our other devices running 4.1 direct to 4.3." However, Sony didn't give any more details about the timing of that roll out or what other handsets might get to leapfrog Android 4.2. Instead, the company asked users to follow @SonyMobileNews on Twitter to find out the latest developments.
The Xperia SP is Sony's more affordable mid-range Xperia; long rumored, but officially announced in March of this year. The Xperia SP features a dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, assisted by 2GB of RAM. It has a 4.6-inch display, capable of 1280 x 720p resolution, at a decent 319 pixels per inch. Graphics are run by the Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2.
The phone also comes with a 8-megapixel camera with auto focus and 1080 High Definition video recording, powered by the Exmor RS sensor. It comes with 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD card that can expand its storage capacity up to 32GB more.
Owners of Xperia SPs can expect Android 4.3 to offer a smoother experience, with better graphics, powered by OpenGL ES 3.0, for better video streaming and gaming. There are also some new features. The new Jelly Bean has support for restricted profiles, along with Bluetooth Smart Ready support for the upcoming crop of Bluetooth devices on their way.
Check back with us to find out when the Xperia SP can expect its OS facelift.