Sony is preparing to launch the Xperia M, and it looks like the device will be available for preorder starting now, with the device launching on Aug. 18, according to Tech 2.
While the Xperia lineup has many different models of high end smartphones, the "M" in Xperia M may as well stand for "modest." The device is more of a budget option for customers looking for a smartphone that won't break the bank. The device has a 4 inch display, which features the Xperia's usual scratch resistant glass that should help the device and its display last longer. The smartphone is powered by a dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon SoC, with 1GB of RAM. In comparison, the Xperia i1 Honami is rumored to have 2.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, with 2GB of RAM available, and the Xperia Z Ultra will have the same processor, all while launching around the same time as the Xperia M.
The Xperia M will carry a slight amount of internal memory, with 4GB of storage available on the phone, but a microSD slot can boost this all the way to 32GB of storage. The device's camera is a 5 megapixel Exmor RS sensor, which has a LED flash. There is also a front-facing camera on the Xperia M in addition to the rear-facing camera. The device runs on Android 4.1, so those hoping for the latest version of the operating system will be disappointed, but there should still be enough unique features to make it comparable to other devices. The Xperia M may not have LTE support, but HSPA+ is supported. The battery will last over 10 hours of continuous talk time and continuous video playback, and users can listen to music on the device for over 36 hours straight before the battery runs out of juice.
In terms of design, the Xperia M looks and feels like many other smartphones in the Sony lineup (the phone has Sony's OmniBalance design). Sony developed the design so that users can handle the device easier. The OmniBalance design is seen in other Xperia devices such as the Xperia Z, ZL and the Tablet Z.
Look out for more Xperia M updates, including any information on the device receiving updates for the Android operating system.