New Sony Xperia ZR Specializes in Underwater Photos

While Sony’s other Android devices like the Xperia Z may have been durable and water resistant, the Sony Xperia ZR’s ability to take pictures and video beneath five feet of water may make it the default choice of snorkelers and shallow divers.

Announced today, the Sony Xperia ZR uses a front-facing 13 megapixel camera to capture images and even includes support for HDR, or high-dynamic-range imaging while under five feet of water for 30 minutes.

Internals for the Xperia ZR include a 1.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 3 GBs of RAM, a 4.6” display and support for high-speed 4G LTE data networks. Xperia Blog believes that the Xperia ZR is an international variant of the Xperia A SO-04E. It recently passed through the Federal Communications Commission In the United States possibly indicating that a lunch of the device in the United States is imminent.

HDR delivers a great range of color in digital photos, resulting in shots that looked more stylized than those without it. The device can also capture full HD video.

There’s currently no word on pricing or availability, though Sony does note that it plans to launch the Xperia ZR in a number of markets globally starting in the second quarter, which doesn’t end until July.

As mentioned, the Xperia ZR isn’t the only recent device from Sony to boast waterproof attributes and durability to win over consumers, that honor belongs to the Xperia Z. We found that it to be so well built and durable that we awarded it Best Phone of CES 2013

Read: Best of CES 2013

According to Sony, the Xperia ZR is able to take such high-quality photos and videos because of its Exmor RS for Mobile image sensor. It’s that image sensor and what Sony is referring to only as its Superior Auto Mode, that enables users of the Xperia ZR to capture amazing photographs.  Other imaging technology includes the device’s built in Scene Recognition software that will allow users to press the device’s dedicated camera shutter button and take photos with the device with as little effort as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1a7KjdUqmA

Sony is also showing off a new software feature for the Xperia ZR called Stamina Mode. When used, Staminia Mode will automatically shut down applications that are running when after the user has turned off that devices screen, resulting in “four times more battery”, according to Sony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDuYUlHc1r4

The device’s 4.6” Reality Display, iss powered by Mobile Bravia Engine 2. That’s the same imaging technology that the company includes on its Bravia televisions. In an effort to reduce glare, the company is using what it’s calling an OptiContrast that integrates the sensors into the device’s screen.