When Sony announced a smaller version of the Xperia Z1, they did so without compromise and created the Xperia Z1 Compact. With all of the same hardware, pretty much, including the scorching Snapdragon 800 and 20.7-megapixel camera as well. So, if the Xperia Z1 Compact is a high-end device with the looks of their flagships, then what do Sony call a cut-down, more budget friendly Xperia? Enter the Xperia M2, and Sony’s attempt to offer a quality device to those not looking to spend a huge amount on a smartphone, but don’t necessarily want to scrape the bargain bucket. Sony has been busy today, announcing the new Xperia Z2 flagship and a revamped tablet, but the Xperia M2 is more for those that are a little price conscious.
The Xperia M2 is a 4.8-inch device that looks just like an Xperia Z but a little smaller, and comes in the same sort of colors, too. With white, black and purple on offer it might not be as colorful as the Xperia Z1 Compact, but there’s a decent choice here. What really matters when it comes to a budget-minded devices these devices is of course the specs on the inside. Since Motorola launched the Moto G unto the world, we’ve been questioning what really makes a budget phone good. The Xperia M2 features a 4.8-inch 960 x 540 display, an 8-megapixel camera, a 1.2 Ghz Quad-Core CPU, 1GB of RAM and expandable storage the Moto G has some advantages, namely in its screen resolution. However, with NFC, LTE and a 2,300 mAh battery the Xperia M2 has a lot going for it.
Pricing is another key area here and while there’s no firm details on price just yet, Engadget has been told that Sony will be looking for something around the €220 mark, which works out to be $300 at a straight conversion. That’s not cheap. Still though, Sony will have more details on regional launches closer to the time. With the Moto G costing just $179, Sony will have to come down a serious amount in order to entice people to purchase the M2 outright. The inclusion of 4G LTE however, might be more than enough to sway new buyers onto Sony’s budget-minded offering. Take a closer look in the gallery below, and let us know what you think over on Google+.
