Sony Xperia XA Ultra is official: check out that screen!

Sony’s Xperia X series is going big.

Following the XA, X, and X Performance, the new XA Ultra brings a massive screen with thin borders and a focus on high-quality photography.

The 6-inch LCD display is Full HD, for a resolution of 367 ppi, which is a ways off from the 450 ppi+ density of modern flagships, but still completely serviceable. The coolest thing about the screen are the slim and slightly curved lateral bezels, which make for a striking appearance and a narrow profile. For comparison, the 6-inch XA Ultra is just a millimeter wider than the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P.

The XA Ultra is also relatively thin at 7.6 millimeters, so if you want a phone with a huge display that is also easy to pocket, you should definitely consider it.

Like the petite Xperia XA, the XA Ultra is powered by a MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755) octa-core processor, but it ups the RAM to 3GB, as compared to 2GB on the XA.

Modern 6-inch devices come with huge batteries, but Sony somehow only managed to pack a 2,700 mAh battery inside the Xperia XA Ultra. That’s not horrible in itself, and perhaps necessary for the borderless display, but it’s a little disappointing compared to other phones in this size class, like the 4,000 mAh HUAWEI Mate 8. For what is worth, Sony still promises you’ll get two-day battery life out of it.

And now for the camera. The Xperia XA Ultra shares other specs with the XA, but the cameras are a notch above. On the rear, you get a 21MP Sony Exmor R camera with hybrid autofocus. On the front, the device offers selfie-oriented bells and whistles like a wide-angle 88-degree lens, a flash, and optical image stabilization, which should ensure that the 16MP sensor captures you in the most favorable light.

As is the norm with Sony releases, details about the price and availability of the Sony Xperia XA Ultra are hazy. The device will be offered in black, white, and lime starting from July. No details have been offered on the price of the device and the markets where you will be able to buy it.

On a side note, the release of the XA Ultra corroborates recent reports claiming Sony will use the Xperia X series as an umbrella for all of its devices through 2018. Indeed, the XA Ultra is the apparent replacement of the 6-inch C5 Ultra from August 2015.

What are your thoughts on this? Is the XA Ultra what Sony needed right now?

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Create the Perfect Night-time Selfie with the New Sony Xperia XA Ultra

• Become the master of selfies with the 16MP front camera with super low-light capabilities for any situation
• See more clearly with a super narrow smartphone thanks to a stunning borderless 6inch display
• Stay powered for longer with up to two days battery life*

London, 17th May 2016, Sony Mobile Communications today announced a new addition to the revamped Xperia X series with the stylish selfie-cam masterpiece, Xperia XA Ultra.

With its large 6″ screen, 16MP front camera, low-light sensor, up to two days battery life* and stylish thin design with borderless screen it is a fantastic mid-range smartphone for your every need.

Boasting an advanced selfie cam, you can create the perfect pose day or night, made possible by its 16MP front camera and Sony’s renowned low-light sensors. Sony camera technology used in the Xperia XA Ultra helps you achieve sharp, bright, blur-free shots every time, it features a smart selfie flash to naturally illuminate your face for night scene selfies plus Optical Image Stabilisation to counter hand shake for both photos and videos. Taking your selfie is made even easier with the Hand Shutter feature, just raise a hand and the shutter timer will start to count down, leaving you time to make the perfect pout and strike a pose. Capturing the perfect spontaneous shot is also possible with the super-fast main camera featuring 21.5 megapixels, Hybrid Autofocus and quick launch and capture so you can go from standby to capture in a fraction of a second.

Fitting beautifully in your hand, the infinity-feel borderless 6-inch Full HD display with curved glass is encased by a metal surround that creates a seamless feel in your hand.

Despite the large screen its razor thin design and One-handed Operation Mode means you can still use it comfortably in one hand.

Xperia XA Ultra might have a big, bright display, but that doesn’t compromise the Sony battery standard. You still get up to 2-days of battery life* from a single charge, leaving you more time to chat, snap and watch. Need a quick battery top-up? Use XA Ultra together with Quick Charger UCH12 ** and get 5.5 hours of battery life in just 10 minutes. Additionally, with integrated Qnovo adaptive charging technology the lifetime of your battery is extended so over time you get much more use out of your device.

Xperia XA Ultra is available in Graphite Black, White, or stunning Lime Gold from July in selected markets (please check with you local operators and retailers). A choice of stylish covers are available to complement and protect Xperia XA Ultra, including Style Cover Flip which offers an auto on/off for the screen when opening and closing the case in corresponding colours.

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