Xperia Z Release Date: March 6 In India, U.S. May Get It Later This Month

While Americans continue to wait for the stateside release of the Sony Xperia Z smartphone, its debut in India has been confirmed for Mar. 6.

"We have received an official press note from Sony inviting us to its 'biggest launch for this year' to be held on March 6 in New Delhi. This pretty much puts an end to the speculation surrounding the arrival of Sony's flagship device, Xperia Z to India," writes KnowYourMobile.

While Sony will launch the phone of the 6th, it's possible consumers won't actually be able to buy it until the 12th.

"We spotted the Sony Xperia Z in black, white and purple variant up for pre-order for Rs 40,000 on the Mobile Store. According to the site, the device will be available from 12th March, 2013."

Indeed, a purple-backed version of the Xperia Z can be seen in the promo shot. However, the Mar. 12 date could be the availability from just one retailer. The Mobile Store also warns the price isn't definite yet. ($40,000 rupees is about $728; India, like most European countries, doesn't subsidize the cost of phones, but customers aren't locked into long contracts with a single carrier.)

Americans hoping to get their hands on the Xperia Z will likely have to wait until late March, though unlocked (and unsubsidized) versions are already available in the U.S.

Mobile phone retailer GSM Nation is offering an unlocked version of the Xperia Z now for $849.

The Xperia Z has a 5-inch, 1920x1080 screen, a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon processor and a 13 megapixel camera. It's waterproof up to a meter below the surface.

But recent rumors say Sony has an upgraded version of the phone in the works, set for a mid-year release date, so maybe it's best to see what develops before committing.