Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Sony Introduces New Waterproof Smartphone

By Chris Neiger – May 13, 2013 at 7:01AM

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Touts ability to take pictures and video underwater.

Sony (SONY 0.95%) today introduced the Xperia ZR, a dust-resistant and waterproof Android smartphone that is one of only a handful of waterproof Android phones. It can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water (as in, not salt water) for up to 30 minutes.

The Xperia ZR received a waterproof rating by being IP55 and IP58 compliant, which means the phone has been independently tested and passed for protection against water jet spray and against full fresh water submersion. According to Sony, the Xperia ZR has "the highest level of water-resistance for capturing photos and Full HD videos underwater."

Sony will roll out the Xperia ZR globally in Q2 2013, although not all markets will have the same launch time. Pricing for the phone has not yet been set.

The phone's specs include:

  • 4.6-inch HD Reality display.
  • An anti-shatter film on the display.
  • 13-megapixel camera.
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core 1.5 GHz processor.
  • 4G LTE.
  • Dust-resistant.
  • Near-field communication (NFC).

Calum MacDougall, director of Xperia marketing at Sony Mobile Communications, was quoted as saying, "The Xperia ZR pushes the boundaries on where and how consumers can use the full potential of their smartphone. By combining Sony's leading camera technology with the highest level of water-resistance, you will never miss another moment."

Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Qualcomm. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.