Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”), and telco partner Celcom Axiata (“Celcom”), has announced the local availability of the much-awaited Xperia Tablet Z in Malaysia – the world’s slimmest and lightest water resistant tablet.
Z equals sexy
The availability of the Xperia Tablet Z couldn’t have come soon enough, as the tablet was first previewed during the launch of the Xperia Z smartphone back in March this year. To say it is the sexiest, best-looking Android tablet in world would not be an overstatement. The Xperia Tablet Z is every bit premium – made from quality materials and shares the same stunning OmniBalance design as the Xperia Z. Weighing in at a scant 495g, the Xperia Tablet Z is also extraordinarily slim, at a depth of just 6.9mm.
Z equals fast
The Xperia Tablet Z isn’t just a beauty to look at of course, coming powered with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5Ghz quad-core processor and a generous 2GB of RAM to ensure it goes as much as it make heads turn. The flagship tablet runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is upgradable to v4.2 when available post-launch.
The biggest value proposition of course is its famed high dust and water resistant levels. In compliance with IP55 &IP57, it’s practically immune to spills and splashes. In fact, it can be kept under 1m of freshwater up to 30 minutes. Absolutely no worries if you were to read your favourite news in the tub.
Z equals brilliant
The 10.1″ HD WUXGA display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 is as good as they come with brilliant colour reproduction. Sony’s camera expertise is flaunted in the 8MP main camera featuring Exmor R for Mobile, and a 2MP HD front-facing camera.
The tablet also features Sony’s S-Force Front Surround 3D, that delivers amazing sound alongside Sony’s Clear Audio+ mode.
The Xperia Tablet Z also includes Battery STAMINA mode, Sony’s battery management technology that further improves standby time of the tablet.
The WiFi variant offers up to 64GB of storage via an optional microSD card.
Z equals connected
Like the Xperia Z smartphone, the Xperia Tablet Z also includes a plethora of connectivity options. Sony’s One-Touch function lets users transfer content seamlessly from tablet to TV, tablet to speaker, tablet to phone, by merely touching them together. Sony has been aggressively pushing NFC-enabled products and this is evident in its device and accessories range.
The tablet also includes a Universal IR remote to allow users to control TV and other Sony devices.
Aside from connectivity apps, Sony also includes its signature media apps – “WALKMAN”, Movies and Album. Content for your heart’s content.
A number of accessories for the Xperia Tablet Z will be available at Sony stores including charging cradle, LCD screen protector, and leather carrying cover that comes in Black, White or Red.
Pricing and Availability
The Xperia Tablet Z retails at RM1,999 for the LTE/3G variant anfd RM1,499 for the WiFi-only variant. Both are available starting 15 June.
Celcom is the exclusive service provider to offer the LTE variant. The device is available from Celcom for as low as RM1,438. See below for bundled pricing.
Our Impressions
The Xperia Tablet Z is every bit the premium tablet Sony positions it as. Our brief experience with it in March gave us a very positive impression. We really like the look and feel of the tablet, and it feels really solid. As far as first impressions go, it’s the best-made, and best-looking Android tablet we’ve ever held in our techie hands. Also, although it is positioned at the top end of the market, the price is competitive. Watch out for a review soon. In the meantime, also check out co-editor Brian’s experience with the Xperia Z smartphone.
