Sony announces Xperia SP and Xperia L - new mid-range and entry-level handsets

Without much in the way of fanfare, Sony Mobile has announced new mid-range and entry-level Android handsets, the Xperia SP and Xperia L. The subjects of many pre-release leaks, these new Xperias were expected to make an appearance at Mobile World Congress, but were no-where to be found on the show floor.

As rumored, the Xperia SP is a 4.6-inch, 720p-screened device with an aluminum trim that incorporates elements of both the Xperia Z and Xperia U. Like the former, it's uses on-screen keys and has big, stylized metal power button; like the latter, it's got a customizable light bar down below that can tie into certain apps like the music player. It's also Sony's first mid-range phone with 4G LTE support. On the inside, the SP is powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 chip, so there’s plenty of horsepower to go around.

The Xperia L is Sony’s new leading entry-level device for 2013, and the manufacturer’s highlighting its 8-megapixel Exmor RS camera, a component it shares with the Xperia SP. The L is powered by a 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus CPU and packs a 4.3-inch FWVGA (854x480) display. Visually, it’s a close match for last year’s Xperia T, with a chunky convex chassis.

Both phones run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box, and are due for release during the second quarter in red, white and black color options. We’ve got spec lists and a couple of videos after the break.