Sony Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra With 23-Megapixel Cameras Launched at CES 2018: Specifications, Features

Sony has joined CES 2018 by bringing the Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra. The new Xperia series smartphones are specifically designed to cater the growing demand for self-portrait shots (aka selfies). Both the models will start hitting global markets from February 2018 to offer upgrades over the previously launched Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra. Both models also bear Sony's 23-megapixel Exmor RS sensors on the rear cameras. The smartphones feature single-SIM and dual-SIM variants, and we can expect Sony to launch the latter variants in India.

The Sony Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra both sport a "loop surface" design that is composed of anodised aluminium sides and a diamond-cut finish on the top and bottom. Unlike some of the widely popular mid-range options, the new Xperia XA2 range doesn't have a full-screen, thin-bezel display. However, there is a rear-facing fingerprint sensor to match the trend. This is something odd if we compare the new models with any of the previous Sony smartphones that were debuted with a fingerprint sensor-embedded, side-located power button. Moreover, there are features such as SmartAmp, Clear Audio+, and Qualcomm's aptX HD audio.

Among the two, the Sony Xperia XA2 features a 5.2-inch full-HD (1920x1080 pixels) display that is protected with a Corning Gorilla Glass panel. The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra, on the other hand, has a 6-inch full-HD display.

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra

The other major change between the Sony Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra is the front camera setup. The Xperia XA2 has a single, 8-megapixel, 1/4-inch Exmor R for mobile image sensor with 120-degree, f/2.4 wide-angle lens. Contrarily, the Xperia XA2 Ultra sports a dual selfie camera setup - comprises a 16-megapixel, 1/2.6-inch Exmor RS for mobile sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) equipped 88-degree, f/2.0 wide-angle lens and an 8-megapixel, Exmor R for mobile sensor with 120-degree, f/2.4 super wide-angle lens. The primary 16-megapixel camera sensor also supports sensitivity of ISO 6400 in addition to the default ISO 3200 on the secondary 8-megapixel camera sensor.

Both the new Android Oreo-based Sony Xperia smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 SoC. The Xperia XA2 has 3GB of RAM, while the Xperia XA2 Ultra has 4GB of RAM. The smartphones have a 23-megapixel Exmor RS camera sensor that comes in 1/2.3-inch size and has 84-degree, f/2.0 wide-angle lens. The camera sensor has hybrid autofocus and supports 4K video recording in addition to the company's proprietary SteadyShot functionality.

Sony has provided 4G LTE in addition to connectivity options such as FM radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C port on both the new smartphones. There is also 32GB internal storage that is expandable via microSD card (up to 256GB). The smartphones have dual-SIM and single-SIM versions. Further, the Xperia XA2 packs a 3300mAh battery, whereas the Xperia XA2 Ultra has a 3580mAh battery. Both support Qnovo Adaptive Charging and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technologies apart from Sony's proprietary Smart Stamina mode.

The Sony Xperia XA2 measures 142x70x9.7mm and weighs 171 grams, while the Xperia XA2 Ultra has 163x80x9.5mm dimensions and comes with 221 grams of weight. The Xperia XA2 has Silver, Blue, Black, and Pink colour options. On the other hand, the Xperia XA2 Ultra is available in Silver, Blue, Black, and Pink colour options.

"Our super mid-range product strategy started out as an exciting new idea based on bringing bold technologies to this section of the market in the most accessible way possible," said Hideyuki Furumi, EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, at Sony Mobile Communications, in a blog post. "Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra are no different, with leading front camera technology first seen in our flagship XZ line. We're targeting 2018 as a breakthrough year, and look forward to showcasing further innovations across the entire Xperia portfolio over the coming months."

Alongside the Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra, Sony has launched the Xperia L2 with a 120-degree, wide-angle selfie camera with 8-megapixel resolution. The Android Nougat-running Xperia L2 will go on sale starting late January 2018.