Hi, guys.
This is Brian Bennett from cnet.com.
And right now, we're taking a first look at the Sony Xperia Z for T Mobile.
The Xperia Z is Sony's current flagships smartphone and packs all the bells and whistles and legendary Japanese manufacturer can muster.
The handset was firs showcase back in January 2013 at the CES trade show.
Sony later put an unlock version of the device up for sale on its US website but for a steep $630.
The prices dropped to $570, but that's still a lot to pay upfront.
Thankfully, the Sony Xperia Z has officially made it to a US carrier beginning July 17th, T Mobile will sell the Xperia Z for the price of $99 down plus 24 payments of $20 per month.
So what do you get for committing to this price plan?
The Xperia Z runs Android 4.1.2 Jellybean, the Sony's own software skin layered on top that means you'll find the
Google Now advanced search and virtual assistance on board.
The phone itself is powered by a speedy 1.5 GHz dual-core snapdragon S4 pro processor backed up by 2 gigabytes of RAM.
At 5 inches, the Xperia Z's 1080p HD LCD screen is big, bright and sharp too.
Above the display is a front-facing camera for snapping vanity shots and self-portraits plus conducting video chats.
You won't find any physical buttons on the front of the Xperia Z, just three software keys
for controlling basic Android Jellybean functions.
Around back is the phone's 13-megapixel camera with LED flash.
The Xperia Z's camera app features lot of settings and C modes too such as burst and sweep panorama.
There are also 8 filter effects to choose from, which a range from classic options like Nostalgic and Fisheye to wilder ones such as Sketch and Kaleidoscope.
And keeping with the Xperia Z's luxury styling and super thin chassis, the back of the phone
is made from tampered glass.
Another designed feature, which sets this handset apart is its durability-- ready to meet the IP55 and IP57 durability standards.
This gadget is both water and dust resistant.
Essentially, it can survive dunks, spills and dirt making it a great beach or outdoor lifestyle companion.
Another [unk] the Xperia Z's durable pedigree are plugs that physically cover the phone's ports.
On the left are connections for micro USB and micro SD cards.
The right edge holds a large circular power button along with a thin volume rocker plus sim card slot.
Up top is the Xperia's 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is also sealed under a protective flap.
A video unlimited apps serves up movies and tv shows for downloading either to rent or purchase.
The music unlimited application lets subscribers listen to streamed or cached songs in addition to a range of genre-based music stations.
Because this version of the Xperia runs on T Mobile's US
Network, the phone enjoys a support for T Mobile's new 4G LTE data signals if you can grab them in your neck of the woods.
I'm Brian Bennett for cnet.com and this has been the first look at the Sony Xperia Z for T Mobile.
