The Xperia Z is undoubtedly Sony’s best smartphone to date and one of the most interesting new Android devices unveiled at this year’s Consumers Electronics Show edition.

We have already shown you all there is to see about the new flagship device, from specs and features and initial availability information, to a hands-on preview from CES floors to information from the first mobile operators and electronics retailers announcing plans to carry the handset.

But we still have no idea when the handset will be launched. An earlier rumor suggested that the Xperia Z will hit stores a few days after CES, while Sony announced on stage that the handset is coming in Q1 2013.

Actual release dates are not available at this time, but a Polish authorized Sony retailer reveals on its Xperia Z pre-order page – the handset is selling for roughly 680 Euro unlocked by the way – that it could ship on February 18, although that date is subject to change. Coincidently, O2 revealed that its UK subscribers will get the handset in February as well, without specifying a release date.

While we don’t have confirmed launch dates for the Xperia Z at this time, it certainly looks like Sony wants to start selling its new flagship device as soon as possible to take advantage of the fact that its most important rivals have not announced any flagship devices at CES 2013. Devices such as LG’s 2013 flagship handsets, Samsung’s Galaxy S4 or HTC’s rumored M7 are yet to be unveiled, so Sony could try to make the most of Xperia Z sales by the time such high-end devices hit stores.

Are you buying an Xperia Z this year?