Sony France recently mentioned in a tweet its intention to launch the Sony Xperia V in March, backtracking on the earlier promise to have the device available in stores by January 2013. With all the hype surrounding the Sony Xperia Z and Xperia ZL, I'm sure you'll need a refresh about a device that was launched in (the rest of) Europe in December last year.

Here's quick specs and features rundown for the Xperia V (check out our comprehensive Sony Xperia V review):

• 4.3-inch display with 1280 x 720 resolution
• 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32GB
• 13MP rear camera, 0.3MP front camera
• 1,750mAh battery
• Android 4.0.4 out of the box (upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean already available in other countries)
• Water resistant

With Sony going full steam ahead preparing for the launch of the Sony Xperia Z and the Xperia ZL, the obvious question that comes to mind is “Why now?” While the 2013 flagships are obviously far better devices, the Xperia V could work as a mid-range alternative, similar to what HTC had done last year with its One series. The Xperia V could easily be considered a mid-range version of the Xperia Z, with the fact alone that both devices are waterproof.

Further, the issue of pricing comes into question. Considering the current price of the Xperia V in other European countries, the device could cost around €400 and €500, far cheaper than the Xperia ZL and Xperia Z. So at the end of the day, the delay does somewhat make sense, or at least, things seemed to have worked out that way.

What are your thoughts? Smart planning or just things falling into place better than expected? Would you consider buying the Sony Xperia V?